Do You Want to Organize a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Clinic? We Can Help. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piaggesi, Alberto; Coppelli, Alberto; Goretti, Chiara; Iacopi, Elisabetta; Mattaliano, Chiara
• Other Names: Sánchez F. Javier Aragón guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of lower extremity wounds. Volume 13:Number 4(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 370
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: diabetic foot -- delivery of care -- organization -- implementation; Leg -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Leg -- Ulcers -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.584
• DOI: 10.1177/1534734614545876
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1534-7346

Abstract

The diabetic foot (DF) is a complex pathology involving the lower limb of 8 to 10 million people around the world, and its prevalence is rising, creating a dramatic need for effective therapeutic answers. The multidisciplinary DF clinic has been proposed as a model to fight this complication from the International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) inside a more articulated 3-level organization strategy. The organization and technical aspects of this strategy, together with the characteristics of each of the 3 levels have been analyzed and described in the article, together with the aims and limitations of each of the levels to cope with a 3-dimensional pathology involving systemic, local, and logistic aspects. The implementation of this model in Europe produced positive results measured so far in at least 2 nationwide experiences, in Germany and in Italy, and it should be taken in account whenever health policies apply to the DF issue.