Diabetic foot apps launched to improve knowledge

By Editor
8th December 2016
Care planning, Footcare Good practice Latest news

Two apps aimed at increasing knowledge around the problems that can occur in the diabetic foot have just been launched.

The apps are compatible with most Android and Apple devices and can be found by searching the term diabetic foot screening in the app stores.

One of the apps is for healthcare professionals who undertake diabetic foot screenings and the other one is for people with diabetes to ensure they are empowered to prevent problems with their feet.

Both follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines.

They had been developed by the College of Podiatry, in collaboration with their special advisory group Foot in Diabetes UK and the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists. 

The healthcare app explains the risk categorisation when conducting a foot screening. There is a facility to undertake a diabetic foot screening on the app and email a PDF copy to the patient and their GP, whilst automatically deleting all traces form the device, thereby ensuring there is no information governance issue.

Those with diabetes are categorised as either at low, moderate or high risk of developing a foot ulcer and full explanations are provided using pictures of the various conditions that can affect those with diabetes.

The app for people with diabetes explains what they should expect at their annual foot screening and what should happen with the results, i.e. they should be given written and verbal information on how to protect their feet and who to contact if they have an emergency.

If they are at moderate ofr high risk of developing a foot ulcer they should be referred to their Community Podiatry Foot Protection Service

Explanations about what the person’s risk factor are also given, along with verbal and written information with emergency contact details.

Additional information and video clips about footwear advice, self-care and what to look out for have also been included.

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