Design, implementation and evaluation of a patient health passport for the management of diabetic foot ulcer

Introduction

Research Area:

Diabetes/ Diabetes foot ulcer

What is the research about?

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, affecting about 6.3% of people with diabetes worldwide. A multidisciplinary (MDT) approach to managing diabetic foot ulcers has been shown to reduce amputations and improve survival. Studies suggest that using a patient health passport could offer many benefits, including better patient knowledge, improved care quality, and better communication between patients and healthcare providers. It can also help prevent complications, make healthcare more efficient, and be a cost-effective way to improve treatment for patients with diabetes. The purpose of this study is to explore how using a paper-based health passport can improve the service for patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

 

Who is the opportunity for? 

We are seeking adults with lived experience of diabetic foot ulcer(s), as well as carers or family members who support someone with this condition. Due to budget limitations, we are looking for someone who lives in/near Waterford, Ireland. However, online participation is also possible, and the format (online or in-person) can be agreed based on the preferences of the PPI participants.

 

What will PPI contributors do?
 
PPI will form an integral part of this study to ensure that the development and evaluation of the Patient health passport, collaborating with the research team throughout the study from the design to the dissemination of the findings.
The PPI contributor will act as a collaborator rather than a research participant and no personal or clinical data will be collected from them. An agreement outlining how we will collaborate during the study will be co-developed at the first meeting. This will be guided by the PPI Ignite Network values and principles framework, providing a clear foundation for expectations, communication, and roles.
 We anticipate approximately 4–6 meetings with the PPI contributor across the project. Each meeting will last around 60–90 minutes, with flexibility to meet online to minimise travel burdens and ensure accessibility. Reimbursement will be provided for their time, supported through RCSI PPI Ignite Network seed funding.
 Their contribution will be acknowledged in all dissemination materials. PPI involvement will be rigorously and transparently reported in publications using the GRIPP2 reporting checklist, ensuring high-quality, ethical, and meaningful engagement throughout the research process.

 

Opportunity for:

Person living with condition / Service user

Involvement Opportunity Details

Time

Time commitment:

We anticipate approximately 4–6 meetings with the PPI contributor across the project. Each meeting will last around 60–90 minutes, with flexibility to meet online to minimise travel burdens and ensure accessibility.

Contact between meetings:

None. Only if the PPI contributor wishes to contact the research team

Length of involvement:

12 months

Start date for involvement:

01/03/2026

Logistics  

Where?

Online / In Person

If online, explain how:

To be agreed with the PPI contributor.

If in person, explain where:

University Hospital Waterford. Co. Waterford

Other ways of communicating:

Phone Calls / Teams meetings

Funding available for:

PPI contributor’s time / Travel and other expenses

If no funding available, explain why:

Not applicable

Other Information

Stage of the research study/ programme:

Research started

Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:

Yes

Closing date to contact researchers:

27/02/2026

Research Team

Contact person:

Liliana Morais

University/organisation:

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Contact email:

lilianamorais21@rcsi.com

Researcher background:

Nursing

Research funder:

RCSI

Photo:

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