A concept analysis of the recurrence-related to diabetic foot ulcers

Background and purpose: There is inconsistency and lack of conceptual clarity regarding the concept of "recurrence" in diabetes-related foot ulcers. Therefore, the purpose of this concept analysis is to analyze the concept of recurrence-related to diabetes-related foot ulcer after the healing of a previous foot ulcer.

Method: The Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis method was employed to analyze the concept of recurrence in diabetes-related foot ulcers. Eight databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE with Full Text (EBSCO), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsychoINFO, and Scopus, were searched. Additionally, Google Scholar, bibliographies, and hand searching were conducted. The search spanned from inception through August 13, 2023, yielding 3290 studies. Among these, 3242 did not meet the inclusion criteria, leaving 46 articles that fulfilled the criteria.

Findings: In a majority of the studies (n = 20, 43%), diabetes-related foot ulcer recurrence occurred at the same site after the healing of previous foot ulcers. In contrast, in fourteen (20%) studies, the diabetes-related foot ulcer recurrence was described as not at the same site as the previous foot ulcer. In the other twelve (26%) studies, the attribute of recurrence was not identified.

Conclusions: The concept of recurrence-related to diabetes-related foot ulcer should be reserved for diabetes-related foot ulcers at the same site after the healing of previous foot ulcers.