Technology-enabled remote management of diabetes foot disease and potential for reduction in associated health costs: a pilot study.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Fiona Main, Ania Zubala, Jane Gorman, Sandra Jones, Jenny Hall, David Macfarlane, Sandra MacRury
• Journal: Journal of foot and ankle research (J Foot Ankle Res) Vol. 14 Issue 1 Pg. 7 (Jan 13 2021) ISSN: 1757-1146 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33436028 (Publication Type: Letter)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Amputation, Surgical (economics, statistics & numerical data)
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Diabetic Foot (economics, therapy)
• Female
• Health Care Costs (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Acceptance of Health Care (statistics & numerical data)
• Pilot Projects
• Podiatry (economics, methods)
• Quality of Life
• Rural Health Services (economics, statistics & numerical data)
• Telemedicine (economics, methods)