Robert Farrugia
Source: Times of Malta
In the field of diabetes care, the integration of telehealth has emerged as an important advancement, particularly in addressing the unique challenges linked to diabetic foot health. This includes the risk of ulcerations and amputations.
Telehealth encompasses a wide range of health services delivered through technology, including clinical services such as telemedicine and non-clinical services such as health education and remote monitoring of vital signs.
To address these challenges, a collaborative team of researchers from diverse specialisations at the University of Malta (UM) developed an in-shoe system that enables continuous monitoring of the diabetic foot through the Smart Insole Technology.
The team of researchers developed a wearable insole equipped with temperature sensors for patients to use daily. The system can transmit real-time data to healthcare providers, allowing for proactive identification of potential issues. Timely intervention not only aids in preventing diabetic episodes but also significantly reduces the risk of complications that could lead to severe consequences, including amputations.
By simply wearing these insoles, foot health data transmitted to a smartphone app will provide the wearer valuable insights into their foot health in real time, promoting self-management and fostering a proactive approach to their overall well-being.
These smart insoles are able to provide wearers with peace of mind, knowing that even though they may not be able to access frequent physical podiatric healthcare, their podiatrist will still be able to monitor and intervene.
Moreover, clinicians accessing this data will help identify possible foot complications related to diabetes, such as foot ulcerations and amputations, ahead of time for immediate management and more personalised care.
This innovative approach to healthcare, applicable in both a diagnostic and continuous care setting, empowers medical professionals to monitor and care for patients remotely, limiting the need for regular physical clinical or hospital visits. Not only does this streamline the medical process but it also allows patients to lead their lives in a more normative manner.
This integration of telehealth in diabetes care, particularly concerning the diabetic foot, is vital. With this emerging and innovative technology, research at the UM aims not only to elevate the quality of patient care but also to revolutionise the management of a condition that necessitates consistent attention and vigilance.
The AFTDA project is composed of the following members: Owen Falzon, Mark Borg from the Centre for Biomedical Cybernetics; Stephen Mizzi, Tiziana Mifsud, Robert Farrugia from the Faculty of Health Sciences; and Josef Bajada from the Faculty of ICT.
The AFTDA project (Analysis of Foot Temperature Data) is funded by the Malta Council for Science & Technology (MCST), for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology through the Fusion: R&I Technology Development Programme.
Robert Farrugia is a physiotherapist, researcher at UM.
