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21st January 2005, 02:09 AM
Interclinician variation in diabetes foot assessment- a national lottery? (http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2004.01397.x/abs)
L. Thompson, C. Nester, L. Stuart and P. Wiles
Diabetic Medicine
Volume 22 Issue 2 Page 196 - February 2005
Abstract
Aim The aim was to evaluate variation among clinicians in the outcome of assessments of foot health status and risk status in patients with diabetes.
Methods Seventeen clinicians assessed three patients with diabetes using a standardized assessment form and risk classification system.
Results There was variation among clinicians in all aspects of the assessment; recording basic demographic information; taking a medical history; vascular and neurological assessments. Variation was also evident in the risk categories allocated to each of the three patients.
Conclusions As a consequence of the variation among clinicians in the foot assessment the same patient would have received different care pathways to monitor and manage their foot health depending upon which clinician undertook their initial assessment. We therefore recommend that more attention is placed on training for objective clinical testing, at both pre- and postgraduate levels.
L. Thompson, C. Nester, L. Stuart and P. Wiles
Diabetic Medicine
Volume 22 Issue 2 Page 196 - February 2005
Abstract
Aim The aim was to evaluate variation among clinicians in the outcome of assessments of foot health status and risk status in patients with diabetes.
Methods Seventeen clinicians assessed three patients with diabetes using a standardized assessment form and risk classification system.
Results There was variation among clinicians in all aspects of the assessment; recording basic demographic information; taking a medical history; vascular and neurological assessments. Variation was also evident in the risk categories allocated to each of the three patients.
Conclusions As a consequence of the variation among clinicians in the foot assessment the same patient would have received different care pathways to monitor and manage their foot health depending upon which clinician undertook their initial assessment. We therefore recommend that more attention is placed on training for objective clinical testing, at both pre- and postgraduate levels.