Improving Diabetic Foot Management in Queensland
Author Information
Author(s): Lazzarini Peter A, O’Rourke Sharon R, Russell Anthony, Derhy Patrick H, Kamp Maarten C
Primary Institution: Metro North Health Service District, Queensland Health
Hypothesis
Can multi-faceted strategies improve the management of diabetic foot complications in ambulatory settings?
Conclusion
The study found that implementing multi-faceted strategies significantly improved the management of diabetic foot complications and reduced hospitalisation and amputation rates.
Supporting Evidence
- Improvements of 13 – 66% were recorded in 2008 for individual clinical activities.
- Hospitalisation impacts recorded reductions of up to 64% in amputation rates.
- Strategies had been rolled out to over 25 ambulatory sites by October 2010.
Takeaway
This study shows that using different strategies together can help doctors take better care of patients with foot problems from diabetes, which can keep them from needing surgery.
Methodology
The study used a retrospective audit of patient records and implemented multi-faceted strategies including clinical pathways and telehealth support.
Participant Demographics
Patients with diabetic foot complications in Queensland, Australia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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