Conceptual characteristics of foot care by nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of foot care in nursing science, medical science, rehabilitation science and beauty. Using Rodger's concept analysis method, the following 10 attributes were extracted from 198 literature: “preventing and improving foot lesions;” “understanding the whole body and patients' life;” “administered by a nurse;” “performed in cooperation with surrounding people;” “supporting self-care;” “assessing the state of the feet;” “direct contact with the feet;” “sharing information on foot and care;” “considering the patients' feelings;” and “making different ways according to individuals”. In addition, two nurse-specific attributes different from those of other professionals were extracted: “practicing as a means of communicating with patients” and “practicing together with patients.” When administering foot care, professionals touch a patient's body while maintaining a moderate distance from the patient. Through the interaction between professionals and patients during foot care, it seems that closer relationships are being built. It is speculated that only nurses can sense the distance between themselves and patients, and regard foot care as a good opportunity to communicate with patients. Furthermore, the standard attitude of nurses while attending to a patient was thought to be related to a nursespecific concept of foot care.