SUBMITTED 10/3/2015 by Melissa Ayer and Katie Benton

Nurses play an important role in prevention of foot injury. The elderly population is at

particular risk for foot injury due to possible visual impairment, mobility limitations that inhibit

inspection of feet, and potential for loss of protective sensation. Routine foot and nail screening

and education can help prevent injury.

On September 23, 2015, Melissa Ayer MS, RN, CRRN, CWOCN, CFCN and Katie Benton

RN, BS, CWOCN, CFCN (Skin Care Coordinators at Beverly Hospital, a member of Lahey Health,)

participated in the Fall Prevention Education Fair at the Counsel on Aging/Rose Baker Senior

Center in Gloucester, Ma, sponsored by the Fall Prevention Team of Addison Gilbert

Hospital/Beverly Hospital and NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders).

Participants of the fair included community members from the surrounding cities. Participants

were asked a few brief questions, including if they suffer from Diabetes or PVD and if they

currently were under the care of a podiatrist. We then performed a five-minute foot and nail

assessment, assessing for common foot and nail deformities, such as bunions, callous formation

and hammertoes. A 10-point monofilament test was performed for loss of protective sensation

(LOPS). If a participant has LOPS (defined as unable to feel the monofilament in one site) the

Foot and Nail Care Screening form was sent to the participant’s primary care provider for

review.

This fair allowed us to provide education on the importance of proper foot and nail care

and prevention of ulcer formation in those with diabetes. The fair was a success with over 100

participants and over 35 foot and nail screenings completed.