The Impact of Motivational Interviewing Guided by Watson's Theory of Human Caring on Adherence, Self-Efficacy, and Satisfaction in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers [DFUs] are serious complications that diminish quality of life and increase healthcare costs. Effective management requires holistic, evidence-based approaches. Watson's Theory of Human Caring [THC] and motivational interviewing [MI] address both the physical and psychological dimensions of care. Aim: This study examines the effects of motivational interviewing, guided by Watson's Theory of Human Caring, on treatment adherence, self-efficacy, and patient satisfaction among individuals with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 76 participants with Wagner grade 1 DFUs. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving an eight-week motivational interviewing intervention based on Watson's THC or a control group receiving standard care. Data was collected at weeks 1, 8, and 12 using validated instruments: the Diabetic Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale, the Medication Adherence Reporting Scale, and the Watson Caritas Patient Score. Data was analyzed using independent-samples t-tests, repeated-measures analyses, and chi-square tests. Results: This study is expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the effectiveness of motivational interviewing guided by Watson's Theory of Human Caring in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers. It is anticipated that participants in the intervention group may demonstrate improvements in treatment adherence, diabetic foot care self-efficacy, and patient satisfaction compared with those receiving standard care. Potential improvements in secondary clinical outcomes, including wound size and HbA1c levels, are also expected to be explored. Conclusion:The study is expected to provide evidence supporting the integration of motivational interviewing and Watson's THC in DFU management. The findings may inform future research and clinical practice, supporting the delivery of more holistic care and improved outcomes for patients with DFUs.