WHY BOTHER EDUCATING THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM AND THE PATIENT - THE EXAMPLE OF PREVENTION OF LOWER-EXTREMITY AMPUTATION IN DIABETES

Amongst all the long-term complications of diabetes it is believed that foot ulceration and amputation are the most preventable: small studies have suggested that more than 50% of amputations should be avoidable by screening and appropriate education. There is ample evidence that simple non-invasive screening tests are not being carried out in many diabetic clinics - one study confirmed that poor patient care was responsible for 50% of heel ulcers in a hospital setting. There is a similar lack of awareness of potential problems in many 'at risk' diabetic patients. Thus, simple screening of diabetic patients should be routine clinical practice: those identified as being at 'high risk' of foot, problems should receive appropriate education in protective foot care. The rewards are potentially great, and include the realization of the St. Vincent target, a 50% reduction in amputation.