Development of an intelligent telemedicine monitoring system for early detection of ulceration in diabetic feet

Many patients with diabetes suffer from vascular and neurological complications
in the lower extremities. These conditions significantly increase the risk of
developing foot ulcers, which in turn may lead to foot infection, and
eventually to amputation of (part of) the foot or the lower leg and a loss in
health-related quality of life.
Foot ulcers may be prevented by early detection of (pre-signs of) ulceration.
Therefore, frequent examination of the feet is needed. However,
self-examination is difficult or impossible due to consequences of the
diabetes. Frequent examination by health care professionals is costly and not
feasible.
Regular screening with an automated device, situated at a patient*s home and
capable of warning health professionals when necessary, may reduce ulceration,
and thereby improve patient*s autonomy and health-related quality of life.

The ultimate objective is to develop an intelligent telemedicine monitoring
system for early detection of (pre-signs of) ulceration in diabetic feet. The
aim of the current project is to come up with a proof of principle of the
modalities needed to built such a system.

Observational study.

Only a light burden is put on patients by participating in this study.
Measurements take 20 minutes and will be taken before a regular visit to the
diabetic foot outpatient clinic. The measurements do not interfere with regular
treatment. There are no known risks for the patients, as this is an
observational study where only data from hyperspectral, photometric and thermal
measurements of the patient*s feet will be collected with certified and safe
measuring instruments. There are no direct benefits for the patients in
participation. It is essential to perform this study in patients with diabetes,
as the intelligent telemedicine monitoring system will be developed
specifically for these patients.