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. 2023 Mar 27;16(1):17.
doi: 10.1186/s13047-023-00615-1.

What are the current diabetic foot assessment methods in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium: an exploratory mixed method study

Irene Vansteenland  1   2 , Rachel Forss  3   4
Affiliations

What are the current diabetic foot assessment methods in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium: an exploratory mixed method study

Irene Vansteenland et al. J Foot Ankle Res. .

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot assessments detect patients at risk for developing a diabetes-related foot ulceration and can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. In order to organize this assessment effectively, diabetic foot assessment guidelines are required according to the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot. However, these international guidelines have not been adapted into a national guideline for podiatrists in Flanders, Belgium. This study aims to identify the methods and guidelines currently used to assess the diabetic foot in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium and to explore the podiatrists' opinions on developing a national diabetic foot assessment guideline.

Methods: This exploratory mixed method study was composed of an anonymous online survey comprising of open- and closed-ended questions followed by 1:1 online semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited via e-mail and a closed private Facebook group of podiatry alumni. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistics and thematic analysis described by Braun and Clarke.

Results: This study showed that the vascular assessment of the diabetic foot exists solely of a medical history and palpation of the pedal pulses. Non-invasive tests such as doppler, toe brachial pressure index or ankle brachial pressure index are seldom used. Only 66% reported to use a guideline for the diabetic foot assessment. There was a variety of reported guidelines and risk stratification systems in use in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium.

Conclusion: Non-invasive tests such as the doppler, ankle brachial pressure index or toe brachial pressure index are rarely used for the vascular assessment of the diabetic foot. Diabetic foot assessment guidelines and risk stratification systems to identify patients at risk for developing a diabetic foot ulcer were not frequently used. International guidelines of the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot have not yet been implemented in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium. This exploratory research has provided useful information for future research studies.

Keywords: Belgium; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Foot; Guideline; Interview; Podiatry; Qualitative Research; Surveys and Questionnaires.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Screening tests for diabetic neuropathy. Detailed summary of tests used to assess diabetic neuropathy in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium. N = 50 podiatrists
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Screening tests for peripheral arterial disease. Detailed summary of tests used to perform the vascular assessment of the diabetic foot in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium. N = 50 podiatrists
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Frequency of diabetic foot assessments. How often and when do podiatrists perform a diabetic foot assessment in private podiatry practices in Flanders, Belgium. N = 50 podiatrists
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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