Intuition in Diabetic Foot Nursing: A Q Methodology Study

Abstract

Background: Intuitive judgment is critical in diabetic foot nursing, as it aids rapid wound assessment and timely decision-making. The intuitive judgment of nurses improves early detection, facilitates individualized care, and enhances patient outcomes. Despite its importance, research specifically examining intuition in diabetic foot nursing is limited, and empirical studies on how nurses use it in practice are scarce. This gap underscores the need to clarify how intuition functions in diabetic foot care and how it can be integrated into practice. The following study aimed to examine intuitive judgment and decision-making processes in diabetic foot nurses. Methods: Q methodology was chosen for its structured approach to exploring and classifying subjective viewpoints, making it particularly useful for understanding diverse patterns of intuitive judgment in nursing practice. Q sorting was conducted using a forced normal-distribution grid. Data analysis was performed using PQMethod 2.35, integrating interview transcripts, demographic data, and factor arrays. Results: Four factors were identified: Patient-Centered Intuitive, Observation-Driven Experiential, Risk-Aware Adaptive, and PrecisionGuided Analytical. Conclusion: Identifying these intuitive types offers valuable insights into the cognitive processes underlying diabetic foot care decisions. The findings may inform simulation-based training and education programs, providing practical guidance for strengthening decision-making skills and making diabetic foot nursing more responsive and effective in real-world settings. © 2025 Korean Wound Management Society.