This scoping review methodically investigated the utilization of novel technologies in the domain of diabetic foot ulcer self-care, acknowledging a spectrum of interventions that have the potential to enhance patient outcomes. Previous studies have indicated a favorable trend in the adoption of technology for self-management and prevention of complications, thereby underscoring the significant role that mobile applications and analogous tools play in empowering patients to assume responsibility for their diabetic foot ulcer care. Lopes et al. [26] explored patient preferences and usability expectations for future mobile device applications. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments, this study revealed the importance of user-centered design, simplicity, and customization in technological tools for DFU management [16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26].

Key technologies include mobile applications, educational resources (digital and print), telehealth platforms, and wearable sensors. Telehealth platforms were also evaluated, emphasizing their role in facilitating timely interventions, especially in underserved populations or areas with limited access to specialized care. These platforms enable real-time data sharing and remote consultations, leading to better disease management and a reduced incidence of severe ulcers. These interventions focused on education, self-monitoring, adherence to treatment plans, and early issue detection. Studies have shown positive results such as improved patient knowledge, increased adherence to self-care practices, and reduced foot ulcer recurrence. Lavery et al. [18] reported on the impact of home temperature monitoring devices on DFU prevention. This study demonstrated that early detection of temperature deviations resulted in a reduction of up to 70% in ulcer recurrence rates, supporting the use of sensor-based self-monitoring technologies. Haycocks et al. [22] reported a mobile health application for individuals with recently healed foot ulcers. This intervention supported continued self-monitoring and reduced the risk of ulcer recurrence through real-time feedback and virtual support. The preliminary results demonstrated improved engagement and satisfaction among users. Additionally, educational tools, such as those validated by Galdino et al. [16], include a printed educational booklet focused on diabetic foot care. The intervention significantly enhanced patients’ knowledge regarding hygiene, inspection, and ulcer prevention practices, demonstrating the efficacy of structured printed materials as a low-cost educational strategy. Menezes et al. [21] designed and validated an educational folder aimed at promoting preventive foot care behaviors. The visual and textual components were tailored to low-literacy users and showed improvements in patient awareness and proactive prevention practices.

A computer-aided learning system for diabetes education, aimed at both patients and primary care professionals, highlights the growing trend in diabetes management [29]. This system responds to the increase in diabetes cases and the expanding role of primary care in managing the condition, focusing on providing standardized training and ongoing education, particularly for non-specialist nurses. It prioritizes patient education for self-care and uses computer-aided learning as a cost-effective resource. The self-paced format helps to bridge the training gap in primary care. Formative evaluations were conducted to ensure that the material was relevant for both experts and users, with plans for ongoing development and assessment in place.

Impact of Technologies on Self-Management and Disease Prevention.

Each of these technological approaches demonstrates clear benefits in promoting self-management:

Mobile applications facilitate personalized education, reminders, and self-monitoring, leading to increased adherence and early detection of complications [30,31,32].

Wearables and sensors enable real-time monitoring of parameters, such as pressure and temperature, which helps predict and prevent ulcer progression.

Telehealth platforms: expand access to healthcare professionals, allowing timely intervention and ongoing support, especially for patients with mobility limitations. Table 6.

Table 6 Comparison of technological approaches

Challenges persist in the widespread adoption and effective implementation of new technologies within the healthcare sector. Key considerations include cost, accessibility, user experience, and the integration of these technologies with existing healthcare systems. Moreover, there is a need for further investigation into the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of many interventions. The variability in study designs and outcome measures across the reviewed literature limits direct comparisons and hampers the ability to draw definitive conclusions. It is essential for future research to focus on conducting rigorous evaluations with standardized outcome measures to accurately assess the true impact of these technologies on patient outcomes [33].

Additionally, exploring the potential of integrating various technological solutions into comprehensive care pathways may further enhance their overall effectiveness. This review highlights the promising role of emerging technologies in the management of DFUs; however, further research and development are essential to fully realize their benefits and ensure equitable access for all patients.

Overall, these studies emphasize the significant potential of digital health technologies such as mobile apps, wearables, and telemedicine in improving patient engagement, adherence, and early detection of complications. Nonetheless, limitations including small sample sizes, variability in intervention designs, and short follow-up periods underscore the need for more rigorous long-term studies.

The results indicated that mobile technologies and telemedicine platforms have the potential to enhance self-management among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). These tools facilitate real-time monitoring, provide personalized reminders, and improve communication with healthcare professionals, thereby substantially reducing the risk of severe complications.

The guidelines set forth by the International Working Group on Diabetic Foot Ulcer (IWGDF) [27] highlight the vital role of patient education and self-care in the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcer complications. This aligns seamlessly with the focus of the scoping review on innovations in self-care technology. The IWGDF guidelines offer practical recommendations to effectively complement technology-based interventions. For instance, they emphasize the importance of regular foot examinations, appropriate footwear, and proper skin care.

These aspects can be enhanced and monitored through mobile applications, telehealth platforms, and wearable sensors, as indicated in this review. By integrating evidence-based recommendations of the IWGDF with innovative technological approaches, it is possible to establish a more comprehensive and effective framework for diabetic foot ulcer self-care. Such synergy could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced incidence of diabetic foot ulcers [34].

Contribution to the field

Collectively, these articles offer valuable insights into the management and prevention of diabetic foot ulcer complications. They emphasized the critical importance of patient education, self-care practices, and the integration of technology as essential components for enhancing patient outcomes. These findings support the incorporation of educational interventions and mobile health applications as effective strategies for promoting self-management among individuals with diabetes.

Limitations and future directions

Although this study offers valuable insights into the use of digital technologies for diabetic foot ulcer care, it also highlights several areas for improvement. The considerable variability in intervention types and outcome measures across studies underscores the necessity for standardization of future research designs. By aligning these elements, we can strengthen the comparability of findings and support more effective meta-analyses, ultimately advancing evidence-based practice. Furthermore, long-term longitudinal studies are essential to evaluate the sustained effectiveness of interventions and their overall impact on patient quality of life.

The integration of digital tools presents substantial opportunities to enhance patient outcomes; however, real-world implementation faces notable barriers, such as digital illiteracy, limited interoperability with existing healthcare systems, and economic disparities. Technologies requiring frequent data entry or Internet access may be impractical for older adults or underserved populations. Based on the current evidence, mobile applications and video-based educational resources offer an optimal balance between accessibility and clinical utility. Future research should explore hybrid interventions that combine wearable devices with telemedicine, complemented by rigorous assessment of cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Recommended technologies and future research directions

Platforms that seamlessly integrate remote monitoring with personalized educational components appear to be the most promising for delivering comprehensive care. To maximize their potential, it is advisable to conduct expanded longitudinal studies to evaluate their long-term benefits, cost-effectiveness, and scalability across diverse healthcare settings.