What are the core services that a person with an active diabetes foot problem should expect from the multidisciplinary diabetic foot team? A Position Statement from the ZAP Amputation group of FDUK (Foot in Diabetes: UK)
No Thumbnail Available
All Authors
Edmonds,Michael
Robbie,Jayne
Bewsey,Catherine
Chan,James
Cichero,Matthew
Dhoonmoon,Luxmi
Gohil,Krishna
Kulbelka,Igor
Morris,Louise
Pankhurst,Christian
LTHT Author
Russell, David
LTHT Department
Trauma & Related Services
Leeds Vascular Institute
Vascular Surgery
Leeds Vascular Institute
Vascular Surgery
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Article
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
The aim of the Zero All Preventable (ZAP) Amputation group is to reduce amputations by promoting prompt access to expert treatment. It has previously considered the delays which act as a barrier to people with diabetes accessing a specialist diabetes foot service. The present paper describes how a specialist diabetes foot service should provide expert care in response to the complex and aggressive natural history of tissue damage in the diabetes foot. The paper affirms that the specialist service should be delivered by the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Team (MDFT) and describes the optimum organisation of such an MDFT, accepting that this may be influenced by local factors. Nevertheless, whatever the location, the skills of multiple disciplines are required in the care of the foot in diabetes. The paper describes the role of podiatrists, diabetologists, vascular specialists, orthopaedic, podiatric and plastic surgeons, microbiologists/infectious disease physicians, nurses, clinical/counselling psychologists, mental health liaison nurses, orthotists and plaster technicians as members of the multidisciplinary team. These roles need to be coordinated within the MDFT, which should provide oversight, as well as input into the care of people with diabetes and foot problems. Ideally, the MDFT should be standardised and fully commissioned.
Journal
Diabetic Foot Journal