Abstract
The authors aimed to elicit podiatrists’ perceptions of NHS diabetic foot care services and to identify any perceived barriers to delivery of optimal care. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. A survey and focus groups were undertaken with podiatrists employed by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. The majority of participants did not perceive that national care guidelines, screening targets and national diabetic foot care standards were being met.
Highlights
Aims/Objectives People with diabetes are at a significantly increased risk of foot ulceration, infection, and lower extremity amputation
An anonymous cross-sectional survey of diabetic foot care service provision was administered to podiatrists attending a professional development event
Survey questions were formulated to address key areas of importance outlined in national diabetic foot care guidelines
Summary
Aims/Objectives People with diabetes are at a significantly increased risk of foot ulceration, infection, and lower extremity amputation. The aims of this study were to 1) elicit podiatrists’ perceptions of the diabetic foot care service provided in the health board area, 2) identify whether or not podiatrists perceived that national diabetic foot care guidelines are being met, and 3) identify any perceived barriers to optimal diabetic foot care. Deeper exploration of podiatrists’ perceptions of the provision of diabetic foot care services was conducted through a focus group using an interpretative phenomenological approach with thematic analysis. Outcomes Fifty-nine participants who currently manage diabetic patients as part of their caseload took part in the survey (response rate 40%), and nine participated in the focus group. Relevance This research highlights several areas for improvement in the delivery of diabetic foot care services across the NHS health board under study, as well as some examples of good, effective practice. It is likely that the findings will be of interest to service managers across Scotland and the wider podiatric community as they seek to deliver optimal patient care with limited resources
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