A educação em saúde como estratégia para o autogerenciamento da úlcera de pé diabético: evidências na literatura

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers are a severe complication resulting from poorly controlled diabetes, which, when triggered and, especially, if aggravated, can cause significant impacts that pass through the individual's psychic, physical, social and economic sphere, also affecting family members and / or caregivers. Health education, understood as a pedagogical practice of teaching and learning in health, can be considered a strategic tool in the care of ulcers. Thus, the present study aimed to identify scientific evidence regarding the use of health education in self-management and prevention of complications of diabetic foot ulcers. The adopted methodology is based on an integrative literature review based on evidence-based practice. The studies were identified through searches performed in electronic databases, which were subjected to rigorous analysis and selection for sample composition. Health education in self-management of diabetic foot ulcers has been applied in different ways by studies and has shown significant results in terms of improving the knowledge and self-care of individuals with the ulcer, as well as its healing. Despite the efficacy of the health education portrayed, primary studies need to be expanded and developed, especially in Brazil, where there is a lack of publications on the subject, in order to subsidize the clinical practice of nurses, considered an important health educator.