Top podiatrist ‘concerned’ over major amputation rise in diabetes
The rise in major amputations among people with diabetes is “concerning” and more needs to be done to prevent this “life-changing” complications, according to a leading podiatrist.
Graham Bowen is a Southampton-based Clinical Lead for Podiatry who has pledged to tackle the issue head-on by leading a dedicated conference programme for healthcare professionals at Diabetes Professional Care 2019 (DPC2019) in October.
We know that 95% of amputations start with a single foot ulcer, so our key focus in the Foot & wound Clinic this year is to give healthcare professionals from the entire multi-disciplinary team the practical skills and education to spot the signs early
In an interview, Graham said: “It is very concerning to see that while the number of minor amputations continues to decrease, the number of major amputations in increasing. Serious complications like this have a huge impact of the day-to-day lives of people living with diabetes, so there is still a lot of work to be done in this area of diabetes care.”
The Solent clinical podiatry team have been working in partnership with DPC since 2017
This year, Graham and his team of experienced Podiatrists, Orthotists, Vascular Surgeons and Surgical care practitioners, will share key facts and information, supported by clinical case studies and live demonstrations, during series of hands-on workshops at DPC2019.
‘Good-quality education’
The CPD-accredited programme will be hosted in the unique DPC Foot & Wound Clinic on both days of the conference.
Graham added: “The Solent clinical podiatry team have been working in partnership with DPC since 2017 because there is a real need for accessible, good-quality education among healthcare professionals in this area. You can see that by how much the clinic has grown in popularity over the years.
“We know that 95% of amputations start with a single foot ulcer, so our key focus in the Foot & wound Clinic this year is to give healthcare professionals from the entire multi-disciplinary team the practical skills and education to spot the signs early. If we can get the screening and education right, we can prevent foot ulcers, which can prevent those amputations.”
The two-day clinic will feature real-world content including screening and prevention in primary care, to infection management and wound debridement in specialist care. Panel sessions will also discuss solutions from a multi-disciplinary, joint-working perspective.
DPC Event Founder, Maggie Meer said: “What makes the DPC Foot & Wound programme unique, is that it gives everyone who comes into contact with people with diabetes, hands-on skills that can be used straight away in the real world. By giving all healthcare professionals from Primary, Community and Secondary care this vital knowledge, we hope to improve outcomes and prevent serious, life-changing complications.”
The full DPC Foot & Wound Clinic agenda is now available to view online.
DPC is the UK’s largest free-to-attend, CPD-accredited conference for healthcare professionals who care for people with diabetes, and its related conditions. Healthcare Professionals who wish to attend the London-based conference and exhibition on 29 & 30 October can register their free place via the DPC website.