Diabetic Foot Project

Initiative Type
Model of Care
Status
Close
Added
Last updated

Summary

This study provides important evidence to inform Australian policy decisions on the efficient use of health resources and supports the implementation of evidence-based optimal care in Australia. The information is of great importance for comparable developed countries that could reap similar benefits from investing in these well-known evidence-based strategies.

The Diabetic Foot Working Group of the Statewide Diabetes Clinical Network has achieved significant improvements in the management of diabetic foot disease patients through the implementation of multiple outpatient strategies. Attention has now turned to the inpatient setting where there is room to improve the outcomes for these patients and achieve significant cost savings to Queensland Health. It is proposed that improvements can be made in the management of diabetic foot disease patients in Queensland hospitals by developing a model of care that is organised to provide monitoring, education and referral to specialist services. The implementation of a new model of inpatient care will include multidisciplinary foot care teams, an inpatient foot coordinator and a care pathway.

 

Key dates
Dec 2016
Dec 2017
Implementation sites
All Queensland Public Hospitals

Aim

The project aims to improve the management, monitoring and referral of inpatients with diabetic foot disease to specialist foot care services through the establishment of an inpatient foot coordinator within hospitals and the development of a new inpatient model of care.

Benefits

  • Reduces diabetic foot hospitalisation and amputation rates.
  • Provides diabetic foot prevention and management resources.

Background

With recent Queensland research demonstrating that diabetic foot disease is a top 20 cause of hospitalisation in Australia, attention has now turned to the inpatient setting, with the Statewide Diabetes Clinical Network (SDCN) commencing an 18 month project based on the work done by the UK’s NHS.

Solutions Implemented

This inpatient work will build on the previous outpatient achievements of the SDCN which has seen them develop one of the largest diabetic foot registries in the world with nearly 10,000 patients registered. The data captured by this registry has been utilised to inform research papers, economic reports, policy documents and mostly importantly improved the evidence-based care and outcomes of thousands of Queenslanders with diabetic foot disease.

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Key contact

Jay Leckie
Network Coordinator
Healthcare Improvement Unit
(07) 3328 9302
Statewide_Diabetes_Network@health.qld.gov.au