Steps toward change: foot care in the stroke patient with diabetes

Abstract

Foot care in patients with diabetes has been acknowledged as crucial in preventing amputations, reducing the costs for the NHS and improving patients' quality of life. Diabetes is a condition in crescendo and a major risk factor for stroke. Comprehensive changes in stroke care have taken place in the UK in the last few years, and acute stroke settings are expected to provide excellence and high-quality care that can reduce patients' morbidity and disability. Impairment caused by stroke can be a barrier to the management of diabetes, resulting in increased risk of secondary stroke and complications of diabetes. Specially trained ward-based stroke nurses have the required knowledge and expertise and are in the best position to improve patients' quality of life and prevent long-term complications from diabetes, through assessment, care, awareness and education. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of foot care management in stroke patients with diabetes and raise awareness among health professionals. The paper acknowledges the need for change in clinical practice.