Nurse led diabetic foot clinic
The feet of diabetic patients are at high risk of developing a wide range of clinical conditions that result from the interaction of several diabetes-related complications. A study conducted in Jordan found that 10 to 30% of diabetic patients with a foot ulcer will eventually progress to an amputation (Bakri et al 2012). The study also found that one in four patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer that will cost the health system approximately $30,000 per patient per incident. However, many of the risk factors are treatable and patient outcomes can be improved.
To support the care of patients with diabetic foot ulcers, the Royal Medical Services Diabetic Foot Clinic has been established. It provides specialised podiatric management for people with diabetes in the health of their feet, and works with members of the medical team to prevent foot injuries and provide specialised treatment services. These are based on the latest international standards and recommendations adopted in this area to reduce the incidence of complications and reduce the rate of amputations.
Nurses within the clinic provide the following services: Assessment, screening, dressing, infection control, off-loading, counselling, education, rehabilitation and referral to other services. As a result of the interventions there has been an improvement in access to treatment, earlier detection of foot problems, reductions in the number of foot amputations, decreased admission rate and decreased need for antibiotics.
Bakri, FG, Allan A, Khader Y, Younes, N, Ajlouni K (2012) Prevalence of Diabetic Foot Ulcer and its Associated Risk Factors among Diabetic Patients in Jordan. Jordan Medical Journal, 46(2). http://applications.emro.who.int/imemrf/Jordan_Med_J/Jordan_Med_J_2012_46_2_118_125.pdf