An evaluation of community-based resources for management of diabetes-related foot disorders in an Australian population

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate service model configuration, service capacity and accessibility of diabetes-related footcare in an Australian community health setting. Eighty-eight community-based podiatry clinics were surveyed using the self-administered Footcare Provider Survey. Survey domains included communication, resources, service coordination and barriers to service provision. Sixty-nine from a possible 88 Victorian community podiatry clinics (78%) responded. Sixty-one (88%) provided ongoing care to individuals with diabetes-related foot disorders. Communication with vascular and orthopaedic specialists was reported to be readily available in 37% and 27% of cases respectively. Overall, communication with general practitioners was deemed readily available in 62% of cases. Just 39% of podiatrists statewide agreed overall resources were sufficient, with 26% agreeing staffing levels were adequate. Thirty-nine percent of community podiatrists used clinical care pathways, and onsite collaboration was deemed appropriate in just 30% of cases. Perceived barriers to provision of care included inadequate staffing and resources, lack of confidence from other health professionals in the podiatrists’ ability to manage diabetes-related foot disorders, and lack of access to specialists.