EFFECTIVENESS OF OXYGEN THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT: IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Abstract

Diabetic foot is one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus, responsible for high rates of hospitalization and lower limb amputations. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot and its implications for nursing practice. It is an integrative review with a descriptive approach, based on scientific publications and official documents published between 2021 and 2026. The results showed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy, when associated with conventional treatment, promotes angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and infection control, contributing to higher healing rates and reduction of amputations. It was found that nurses play a central role in evaluating indications, preparing and monitoring patients, as well as in education for self-care, which are determining factors for therapeutic success. Despite the benefits, challenges related to protocol standardization and access to the technology were identified. It is concluded that hyperbaric oxygen therapy presents promising evidence as an adjuvant therapy, and its integration with systematized nursing care and SUS guidelines for chronic wound management is essential.