Efficacy of plantar foot temperature monitoring in preventing ulcers in individuals with diabetes: An umbrella review protocol

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus often leads to foot ulcers, which can result in amputations and significantly affect quality of life. Monitoring plantar foot temperature has emerged as a promising intervention for preventing these ulcers. This study aims to examine the potential benefits of plantar foot temperature monitoring in preventing ulcers in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The umbrella review protocol will follow the guidelines set forth by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Participants aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and without any active ulcers at the commencement of the study, will be included. We will consider studies that monitor plantar foot temperature using thermometry and thermography. Two independent reviewers will carry out the study location selection and data extraction, employing a modified and validated JBI extraction tool. The methodological quality of the studies included will be evaluated using both the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses, as well as the AMSTAR-2 tool. This systematic review is registered under PROSPERO number CRD42024509838. Data on the effectiveness of interventions for monitoring plantar foot temperature to prevent ulcers in individuals with diabetes will be collected and summarized. A citation matrix will analyze the overlap of primary studies, and meta-analysis will be performed if feasible. The certainty of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE system. This protocol ensures rigorous execution by researchers and may aid in implementing evidence-based nursing interventions for ulcer prevention in diabetes.