Enhancing Outpatient Wound Care: Applying AI to Optimize Treatment of Patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome - The EPWUF-KI Project.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health issue in Germany, affecting 8 million individuals, with projections suggesting a substantial increase in the following years. Diabetic Foot Syndrome (DFS), leading to mobility issues and limb amputations, challenging healthcare due to resource shortages and the need for specialized care. The EPWUF-KI project seeks to support outpatient caregivers by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into DFS wound care, focusing on optimizing treatment and automating documentation.

Sensor-Assisted Wound Therapy in Plantar Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Offloading is the cornerstone of treatment of plantar diabetic foot ulcers. It limits mobility with consequent psychological and cardiovascular side effects, and if devices are removed, healing is delayed.

Methods: We developed three non-removable techniques with increasing offloading potential (multilayer felt sole, felt-fiberglass sole, or total contact casts with ventral windows) and sensors built within.