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The aim of this project was to deliver a work-based educational package to non-specialised podiatrists in the community that would improve their skills and confidence in managing diabetic foot problems.
A combination of theoretical teaching, attendance at a multidisciplinary foot clinic and receiving immediate peer review in normal routine practice was provided by a podiatry practitioner who had expertise and experience in diabetes. This was delivered over a one-year period to 34 out of 61 invited link podiatrists. Participants filled out a questionnaire before and after the intervention.
The three-part educational programme was successfully delivered over one year. After the educational year, 91% were more confident in treating foot ulcers, and 91% wished to remain as a diabetes link podiatrist. The community podiatrists were more aware of diabetes specialist groups (83% after vs 20% before, p < 0.001) and local guidelines and referral pathways (96% vs 73%, p < 0.05). They felt they needed less instruction on debridement (65% vs 93%, p < 0.01) and were more willing to be involved in the multidisciplinary foot clinic (83% vs 53%, p < 0.05). In 15 out of 16 domains, there was a trend towards improvement.
In conclusion, work-based diabetes-related educational input for community podiatrists can improve confidence, self-perceived knowledge and lines of communication between hospital and community podiatrists. This may result in improved diabetes foot care in the community.
Re: Professional development for podiatrists in diabetes
Hooray! This ties in nicely with my first ever forum question.
As a soon to be ("touch wood") new graduate I'm looking forward to "being all I can be" as a podiatrist first and foremost. However being the hyperactive kind that I am I also anticipate I'll be seeking further qualifications in the next few years so I can branch out into the diabetes speciality as well. I'm aware that there are Diabetes Educator courses that can be taken by podiatrists and registered nurses.
My question is, are there any podiatrists out there with this extra qualification, and what (if any) benefit or opportunities has it given to your practice and interaction with patients?
Re: Professional development for podiatrists in diabetes
Hi Matt, good luck with the last of the exams.
There may be a course run through monash, basic first 2 years and then branching out.
I do not know any further details, but keep an eye out.
Good luck with the job
Kind regards
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Heather J Bassett
137 Wheatsheaf Road
GLENROY VICTORIA 3046
AUSTRALIA
03 9306 8557
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Professional development for podiatrists in diabetes
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