Characteristics of new patient referrals to specialised diabetic foot units across Europe and factors influencing delays

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 804-808
Author(s):  
Benjamin Bouillet ◽  
Raju Ahluwalia ◽  
Elisabetta Iacopi ◽  
José Luis Garcia-Klepzig ◽  
Claas Lüdemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Early Referral ◽  
Foot Disease ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Patient Referrals

Objective: Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and are associated with an increase in lower limb amputation and death. Early referral to a specialised unit is recommended. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of new-patient referrals to specialised diabetes foot care units across Europe and to determine the factors involved in delayed referral. Method: In this prospective observational study, consecutive patients with a new foot ulcer presenting to nine diabetic foot centres in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) were included. Results: Some 25% of the 332 patients included had presented with a foot ulcer >3 months before referral to the participating foot clinic. Compared with patients referred earlier, patients with a long time to referral (>3 months) were older (p=0.006) and had a less severe wound according to Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) classification (p=0.003) and University of Texas classification (grade D=infection + peripheral artery disease, p=0.004). Conclusion: The proportion of patients with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) referred to a specialised unit >3 months after the beginning of the ulcer remained high throughout Europe. Patients with severe DFU were, however, referred more quickly by front line health professionals. Primary care professionals need to be made aware of the importance of early referral to a specialised unit in order to improve the management of foot disease in patients with diabetes. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Reducing Lower Extremity Amputations Due to Diabetes: The Application of Diabetic-Foot Protocol in Chiang Mai University Hospital

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kittipan Rerkasem ◽  
Natapong Kosachunhanun ◽  
Siam Tongprasert ◽  
Krit Khwanngern ◽  
Anuchart Matanasarawoot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Care Groups ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Foot Disease

The aim of this study was to determine whether intensive treatment and education strategies for diabetic patients with ulcers help in preventing leg amputation. From August 2005 to March 2007, a diabetic-foot protocol using a multidisciplinary approach was applied at our hospital. All the subjects were educated regarding diabetic-foot disease and its complications and prevention. This report compares the amputation rate in patients receiving the protocol care from August 2005 to March 2007 with those who had standard care from August 2003 to July 2005. Seventy-three and 110 diabetic-foot ulcer patients received protocol and standard foot care, respectively. The incidence of major amputations in the protocol and standard care groups was 4.1% and 13.6%, respectively ( P = .03). Our protocol was associated with improved diabetic-foot care outcomes. It can be used by any hospital to improve outcomes for patients with diabetes.

Referral of patients with diabetic foot ulcers in four European countries: patient follow-up after first GP visit

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (Sup8) ◽  
pp. S4-S14
Author(s):  
Juan Pedro Sánchez-Ríos ◽  
JL García-Klepzig ◽  
Chris Manu ◽  
Raju Ahluwalia ◽  
Claas Lüdemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Suboptimal Control ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Uk

Objective: This study aimed to analyse the characteristics of patients, including demographics, medical history and treatment, with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) during their first follow-up visit to a general practitioner (GP). Methods: A two-part quantitative online questionnaire was distributed among GPs in France, UK, Germany and Spain. Part one entailed a survey of GPs' perceptions of referrals for DFU. Part two collected data on recently managed DFU cases. The percentage of responses was compared for each question and across the four countries for significant differences. Results: In part one of the study, 600 questionnaires were collected (150 per country) and 1188 patients managed for a DFU were included in the second part. About 88% of patients had type 2 diabetes, with a significant proportion of suboptimal control (average HbA1c: 10.64mmol/l). A patient complaint led to diagnosis in 60% of the cases. Wounds were found to be more frequently located in the toes and midfoot, and were superficial (according to the Texas Wound Classification system) in 80% of the cases. More than two-thirds of patients developed small wounds (<5cm2); more than half of them had infected wounds. Approximately 50% of wounds were ischaemic, which triggered the onset of a DFU. Follow-up wound examinations before and after hospitalisation were performed by nurses, except in Germany where GPs undertook this role, including prescribing offloading devices and in the UK where follow-up was managed by podiatrists. Ischaemia, wound necrosis, suspected osteomyelitis and absence of wound healing were the primary reasons for hospital admission during the first month after diagnosis. Conclusion: Delay in specialised foot care is a recurring topic in the treatment of DFUs, even with different health-care structures across Europe. Knowledge and education on DFUs should be reinforced among GPs and nurses to establish a global DFU care network between primary and specialised care, avoid hospitalisation and adequately manage high-risk patients.

Treatment Strategies Against Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Success so far and Road Ahead

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankit Awasthi ◽  
Sachin Kumar Singh ◽  
Bimlesh Kumar ◽  
Monica Gulati ◽  
Rajesh Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Inflammatory Phase

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the leading complications of type-2 diabetes mellitus. It isassociated with neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb in patients with diabetes. Basically, there are four stages of wound healing namely hemostasis phase, inflammatory phase, proliferative phase and maturation phase. In case of DFU, all these stages are disturbed which lead to delay in healing and consequently to lower limb amputation. Traditionally the dosage forms like tablets, creams, ointments, gels and capsules have been used for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer from many years. Introduction: In this review the global prevalence as well as etiopathogenesis related to diabetic foot ulcer has been discussed. Potential role of various synthetic and herbal drugs as well as their conventional dosage form for the effective management of diabetes foot ulcer has been highlighted. Methods: Structured search of bibliographic databases for previously published peer-reviewed research papers was explored and data was culminated in terms of various approaches that are used for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Results: About 142 papers including both, research and review articles, were included in this review in order to produce a comprehensive as well as readily understandable article. A series of herbal and synthetic drugs have been discussed along with their current status of treatment in terms of dose and mechanism of action. Conclusion: DFU has become one of the most common complications in patients having more than ten years of diabetes. Hence, understanding the root cause and its successful treatment is a big challenge because it depends upon multiple factors such as judicious selection of drug as well as proper control of blood sugar level. Most of the drugs that have been used so far either belong to the category of antibiotics, antihyperglycaemics or, they have been repositioned. Moreover, in clinical practice, much focus has been given towards dressings that have been used to cover the ulcer. The complete treatment of DFU is still a farfetched dream to be achieved and it is expected that a combination therapy of herbal and synthetic drug with multiple treatment pathway could be able to overcome the disease.

scholarly journals A Survey of Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Bangladesh

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Sharmisthas ◽  
P Wongchan ◽  
S Hathairat
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Callus Formation ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Protective Sensation ◽  
Nurses Knowledge

Diabetic foot ulcer is a preventable complication of diabetes. Nurses must have knowledge related to this condition so that education can be given to patients. This study aims to examine the level of nurses’ knowledge regarding prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcer in Bangladesh. A survey involved 218 nurses working at a national, specialized, and well-established institute of diabetic care of Bangladesh. The Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Questionnaire (NKPMDFUQ) comprising of 40 questions with 20 true/false questions and 20 multiple choice questions was used. It was content validated and tested for internal consistency and stability yielding acceptable levels of reliability. The findings revealed that nurses had very low level of knowledge (M=52.60%, SD=7.86%). The content areas most nurses did not have knowledge were detecting loss of protective sensation of the feet, caring of callus formation, encouraging patients to have activity of daily living in order to self-manage, setting a goal for prevention of amputation, and giving advice to patients that causes of diabetes is the least important element in diabetic foot care program. The findings are beneficial for establishing training courses. Consequently, quality of care for patients with diabetes will be improved. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v4i1.18549 Birdem Med J 2014; 4(1): 22-26

scholarly journals Assessment of Prevalence, Associations ,Knowledge, and Practices about Diabetic Foot Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
V. T. S. Kaluarachchi ◽  
D. U. S. Bulugahapitiya ◽  
M. H. Arambewela ◽  
M. D. Jayasooriya ◽  
C. H. De Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Diabetic Foot Disease ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Foot Disease

Background. One in five adults in Sri Lanka has either diabetes or prediabetes, and one-third of those with diabetes are undiagnosed. Diabetic foot is a debilitating condition affecting up to 50% of patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The risk of nontraumatic lower limb amputations is 15 times higher in diabetic patients when compared with nondiabetics. Patient education about correct foot care practices is the cornerstone of prevention of diabetic foot disease. Objective. To assess the prevalence of diabetic foot disease, knowledge, and practices about diabetic foot care among diabetic patients. Methods. 334 patients attending the diabetic clinic in Colombo South Teaching Hospital were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using 3 questionnaires, and they were filled using the foot examination findings, patients’ medical records, and direct interviewing of the patients. Results. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 58.23 ± 10.65 years while the median duration of diabetes was 10.54 ± 7.32 years. 34.1% patients had peripheral neuropathy, and 29.5% had peripheral vascular disease. Diabetic foot disease according to the WHO definition was present only in 23 (6.9%) patients. There was a significant association between peripheral neuropathy and current or past foot ulcer which took more than 2 weeks to heal ( p < 0.05 ). Knowledge about foot care was less among the studied population, and it was associated with poor foot care practices. Presence of diabetic foot and current or past foot ulcer which took more than 2 weeks to heal were significantly associated with the foot care knowledge and practices ( p < 0.05 ) Conclusion. Improvement of patients’ knowledge about foot care and their practices have a significant impact on the reduction of diabetic foot disease.

scholarly journals Diabetic Foot Ulcer: An Easy and Comprehensive Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imran Ali Shaikh ◽  
Naila Masood Sddiqui ◽  
Javeria Hameed Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Microvascular Dysfunction ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Nerve Damage ◽  
Ulcer Formation ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Foot Problems

Foot problems are commonly involved in diabetes, and the most common presentation of diabetes is an ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcer is a complex problem caused by reduced blood supply, nerve damage, or infection. But unfortunately in most of cases, these three factors have played a role for impairment of diabetic feet. Sometimes nerve damage or neuropathy is an initial insult, and multiple times ischemia is the leading factor for ulcer formation. After certain period, infection finally supervenes and makes a sterile ulcer to infected leads to loss of limb or foot. This becomes more complicated because of less pronounced ischemic symptoms in diabetic than non-diabetics. Furthermore, the healing of a neuroischemic ulcer is slowed down by microvascular dysfunction. Therefore, some ulcers can get better by revascularization, but pure ischemic ulcers rarely respond to revascularization. Many guidelines have largely ignored these specific demands related to ulcerated neuroischemic diabetic feet. Any diabetic foot ulcer should always be considered to have vascular impairment unless otherwise proven. This chapter highlights the best way to diagnose and treat these patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Most of the studies dealing with neuroischemic diabetic feet are not comparable in terms of patient populations, interventions, or outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in diabetic foot care, that is, a new approach and classification of diabetics with foot ulcer in regard to clinical practice and research.

scholarly journals Prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

2017 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 104-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Zhang Ming Lim ◽  
Natasha Su Lynn Ng ◽  
Cecil Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Foot Complications

The rising prevalence of diabetes estimated at 3.6 million people in the UK represents a major public health and socioeconomic burden to our National Health Service. Diabetes and its associated complications are of a growing concern. Diabetes-related foot complications have been identified as the single most common cause of morbidity among diabetic patients. The complicating factor of underlying peripheral vascular disease renders the majority of diabetic foot ulcers asymptomatic until latter evidence of non-healing ulcers become evident. Therefore, preventative strategies including annual diabetic foot screening and diabetic foot care interventions facilitated through a multidisciplinary team have been implemented to enable early identification of diabetic patients at high risk of diabetic foot complications. The National Diabetes Foot Care Audit reported significant variability and deficiencies of care throughout England and Wales, with emphasis on change in the structure of healthcare provision and commissioning, improvement of patient education and availability of healthcare access, and emphasis on preventative strategies to reduce morbidities and mortality of this debilitating disease. This review article aims to summarise major risk factors contributing to the development of diabetic foot ulcers. It also considers the key evidence-based strategies towards preventing diabetic foot ulcer. We discuss tools used in risk stratification and classifications of foot ulcer.

scholarly journals Factors associated with wound healing outcome among Diabetic Foot patients- A cross sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-46
Author(s):  
M Jayalakshmi ◽  
P Thenmozhi
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Foot Ulcer ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcer ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Wound Management ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Foot Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
One Year

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has been identified as the leading reason for hospitalization among patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of complications, the most important of them are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders leading to the development of foot ulcers. The problem is generally faced and as well is considered as one among the most common complications of diabetes that affect millions of people all over the world. The current study, aimed to document the clinical profile and healing outcome of diabetic foot ulcer management which may become guidance for further improvement in wound management among diabetic foot ulcer patients. Cross sectional descriptive study was conducted over one-year period of time. A total of 246 Diabetic patients with a foot ulcer of Grade 1 to 3 participated in the study. Patients with higher grade ulcers of Grade 4 and 5 were excluded from the study. Final data analysis of 160 patients was done using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of Grade 2 and 3 ulcers were observed 54.37% and 31.8 % while Grade 1 ulcer was observed 13.75%. No risk factors were found to be significantly associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Wound was healed well in 50 % and partially healed in 21 % of the participants. Wound remains unchanged in 3 % of study participants, while 8% of participants underwent toe amputation. Foot ulceration is a preventable in many diabetic patients with adequate education, routine foot care and attention to foot wear.

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