Open AccessTechnology‐enabled remote management of diabetes foot disease and potential for reduction in associated health costs: a pilot study
Author(s) -
Main Fiona,
Zubala Ania,
Gorman Jane,
Jones Sandra,
Hall Jenny,
Macfarlane David,
MacRury Sandra
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of foot and ankle research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.763
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 1757-1146
DOI - 10.1186/s13047-020-00444-6
Subject(s) - medicine , amputation , diabetes mellitus , foot (prosody) , diabetic foot , disease management , physical therapy , rehabilitation , disease , health economics , quality of life (healthcare) , public health , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , nursing , philosophy , endocrinology , linguistics , parkinson's disease
Diabetes‐related foot disease, particularly when associated with amputation, affects quality of life and has a significant impact on health care costs. A pilot study using enhanced technology to facilitate remote access and video conferencing from rural locations to the diabetes MDT through a new service pathway confirmed high levels of patient satisfaction with 89% of foot ulcers improved or stable and only two minor amputations. A health economic analysis suggested potential for significant cost savings if this was scaled up regionally. Further evaluation of an integrated pathway, impact on lower limb amputation rates and full health economic assessment is recommended.