Availability and Service Provision of Multidisciplinary Diabetes Foot Units in Australia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Abstract Background: With growing global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is contributing significantly to disease burden. As more healthcare resources are being dedicated to the management of DFD, service design and delivery is being scrutinised. Through a national survey, this study aims to investigate the current characteristics of services which treat patients with DFD in Australia.Methods: An online survey was distributed to all 195 Australian members of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery investigating aspects of DFD management in each member’s institution.Results: From the survey, 52 responses were received (26.7%). A multidisciplinary diabetes foot unit (MDFU) was available in more than half of respondent’s institutions, most of which were tertiary hospitals. The common components of MDFU were identified as podiatrists, endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and infectious disease physicians. Majority of respondents (84.3%) identified vascular surgery as being the primary admitting specialty for DFD patients that require hospitalisation. This finding was consistent even in centres with MDFU clinics. Less than 20% of MDFUs had independent admission rights.Conclusions: Most tertiary centres in Australia provide their diabetic foot service in a multidisciplinary environment however their composition and function remain heterogeneous. The findings of this study provide an opportunity to evaluate current practice and, to initiate strategies aimed to improve outcomes of patients with DFD.