Agenda reveals hot topics to be explored at national conference on diabetes footcare

A line-up of expert speakers set to deliver the latest best practice and research in diabetes footcare, has been announced ahead of a national conference this spring.

The English Diabetes Footcare Network is holding its third virtual national conference on Friday, April 21, and is inviting any healthcare professionals treating people with foot and lower limb conditions in diabetesto sign up to register.

Announcing the agenda, the EDFN’s Chair Prof Richard Leigh said the event will provide a “unique opportunity” for those working in this field to receive the latest updates on diabetes footcare to help improve outcomes.

The conference will include a session delivered by Nicole Mottolini, Clinical Fellow – Diabetes and Lower Limb, on the NHS Resolution report, Diabetes and lower limb complications: A thematic review of clinical negligence claims.

Career routes will be explored by Dr Emma Cowley during her session, The Podiatry Career Framework: A new vision for a professional future, while Professor Fran Game will provide an update on the National Diabetes Footcare Audit.

Another speaker, Krishna Gohil, will share a National Wound Care Strategy perspective, looking at acute footcare for all and models of implementation.

Along with a panel discussion on who is best placed to manage foot attacks, delegates will also hear from Hannah Beba on the role of the pharmacist within the MDFT.

Prof Leigh, a Consultant Podiatrist at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re very excited about this year’s line-up of speakers who are set to make our upcoming conference an engaging and relevant one.

“The conference is a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals working in diabetes footcare to gain a valuable insight into the latest practices and research in this area. Arming our colleagues with this knowledge can only help to improve the care delivered to people living with diabetes-related foot conditions.”

Ahead of its conference, the EDFN is calling for abstract submissions to feature as part of the event and has invited anyone who has developed unique processes, innovations, audits or research to share their findings. The top abstracts will be presented at the conference.

Mr Leigh said: “We’ve been very impressed with the submissions we’ve received in previous years, which covered a range of topics, case studies and examples of best practice.

“We’re looking for abstracts that are evidenced with data and that can clearly demonstrate the ultimate aim of improving lower limb services and outcomes for people with diabetes.”

The deadline for abstract submission is 5pm on Friday, March 24 – click here to submit an abstract.

EDFN’s national conference is sponsored by Scholl, which has had no input into the content of the event.

The EDFN was set up, with support from the Royal College of Podiatry, to share best practice and improve consistency of care across the country.

To register for the EDFN conference, click here. Those who have registered will receive a link to attend the conference nearer the time.

Listen to the 2022 conference here.