Optimising care for patients with diabetic foot ulcers: overcoming the barriers

Abstract

This article covers the key topics discussed during a symposium at the 15th Masterclass on the Foot in Diabetes UK (FDUK) Annual Conference held in Harrogate on November 5, 2019. This symposium, sponsored by Urgo Medical, aimed to provide practical information on optimising care for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and strategies to overcome the barriers that affect wound healing and service delivery. This symposium was presented by Benjamin Bullen and James Cowden and facilitated by Richard Shorney.

Richard Shorney kicked off the session on the topic of the current health landscape in the UK and the only factor that remains constant — which, paradoxically, is change. For example, there have been vast changes led by an in-depth review of funding and directed healthcare policies. In line with these changes, discussion was centred on how to overcome challenges facing service delivery of DFU care, including delays in referral to specialist foot care teams (Manu et al, 2018) and an increasing demand for clinical services (Guest et al, 2017).

The role and importance of business cases in supporting the development of clinical care, based on robust clinical evidence, were also highlighted. According to clinical evidence, in the field of DFU management, improving patient outcomes, increasing ulcer-free days and reducing healing time are achievable goals when the appropriate standard of care is provided.