Objectives: To assess the epidemiology, risk factors and pharmacotherapy pattern and to provide patient education regarding care to be taken in diabetic foot infections.
Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out on 122 diabetic foot infection patients after obtaining the consent, from the surgery department of a tertiary care hospital. Socio-demographic data, laboratory data and pharmacotherapy data were documented in a self-structured data collection form and analyzed.
Findings: It was observed that male patients between the age group of 61-70 years and patients with long standing diabetes along with peripheral neuropathy were mostly affected. Risk factors included uncontrolled hyperglycemia and walking barefoot. Cephalosporin class of drugs followed by fluroquinolones and penicillins were the chief drug classes used in therapy. Patient education was provided using designed patient information leaflets.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients are at an increased risk for developing foot infections. Clinical pharmacists can play an active and responsible role in providing education for self-care and medication adherence to the patients.