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Podiatrists can help prevent lower limb amputations

Thursday 11th December 2014
New figures have highlighted the importance of podiatry for reducing the number of lower limb amputations in England. Image Credit: Thinkstock/iStockphoto
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New figures have suggested that 80 per cent of lower limb amputations could be prevented if the expertise of podiatrists and other healthcare professionals is called upon.

It is estimated that around 125 lower limb amputations are carried out each week in England due to complications arising from diabetes. Amputations cost the NHS between £600 million to £700 million each year, indicating that precautionary measures and guidance from podiatrists could help save money, as well as improving patient care.

A new report from the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) has found that less than half of patients who undergo lower limb amputation (44 per cent) have received good care. It also revealed that the mortality rate of 12.4 per cent for the procedure was higher than has been reported in the US, which recorded just 9.6 per cent.

More than half of the patients included in the study had diabetes but said there had been little input from a specialist to help manage their condition. They also stated that care was often poorly co-ordinated; suggesting a lack of resources and staff could be contributing to these problems.

Podiatrists have a vital role to play in helping patients manage diabetes, and ensure that lower limb amputation associated is prevented. The report states that quick access to these professionals should be assured for each diabetic patient to make sure they get the right level of support and care. 

Many diabetes patients are not given access to podiatrists, which will become especially problematic as the number of people being diagnosed with the condition is rising by around five per cent each year. 

Locum podiatrists, in particular, could help lessen the burden for many practices and hospitals. Hiring these short-term staff can alleviate financial pressure but can address periods of high demand at certain times during the year.

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