Technology-enabled remote management of diabetes foot disease and potential for reduction in associated health costs: a pilot study
- Resource Type
- Authors
- David Macfarlane; Sandra MacRury; Jane Gorman; Sandra C. Jones; Fiona Main; Ania Zubala; Jenny Hall
- Source
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, Vol 14, Iss 1, Pp 1-3 (2021)
- Subject
- Male
medicine.medical_specialty
lcsh:Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Technology-enabled
medicine.medical_treatment
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Pilot Projects
Amputation, Surgical
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Patient satisfaction
Quality of life (healthcare)
Diabetes mellitus
Health care
medicine
Humans
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Amputation
Podiatry
Foot disease
Letter to the Editor
Aged
030203 arthritis & rheumatology
Service (business)
Aged, 80 and over
Rehabilitation
business.industry
Diabetes
Economic analysis
030229 sport sciences
Health Care Costs
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
medicine.disease
Diabetic Foot
Telemedicine
Emergency medicine
Quality of Life
Female
Rural Health Services
lcsh:RC925-935
business
Pathway
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1757-1146
Diabetes-related foot disease, particularly when associated with amputation, affects quality of life and has a significant impact on health care costs. A pilot study using enhanced technology to facilitate remote access and video conferencing from rural locations to the diabetes MDT through a new service pathway confirmed high levels of patient satisfaction with 89% of foot ulcers improved or stable and only two minor amputations. A health economic analysis suggested potential for significant cost savings if this was scaled up regionally. Further evaluation of an integrated pathway, impact on lower limb amputation rates and full health economic assessment is recommended.