Authors: Frances K. Lopez-Bushnell APRN, Sarah M. Haquani BA.
At a Southwestern Academic Trauma Hospital, there has been a sharp increase of below the knee amputations due to uncontrolled diabetic patient foot diseases. Diabetic patients, who receive preventative care from foot care nurses, are able to reduce the likelihood of foot infections, and improve their health outcomes. These infections result in high medical costs to the healthcare system, medical professionals and the community. Limited access to Podiatrists in a community can delay healthcare for patients suffering from Diabetes, and can cause lifelong disabilities. The IRB approved research found improved outcomes in diabetic patients with lower foot infections, and amputations under the care of foot care nurses. Research has established that diabetic patients who do not have access to preventative podiatry services are susceptible to severe foot ulcers, life-threatening complications, and increased rates of amputation. In New Mexico, diabetes is growing at an epidemic rate with 241,120 people, or 14.1% of the population. 12,000 new diabetic patients are diagnosed every year. Adults living with diabetes have medical expenses almost 3 times higher, than those who do not have diabetes. In New Mexico, medical expenses are estimated at $1.6 billion per year. Foot care nurses can significantly reduce these podiatry complications in diabetic patients. Ten clinic nurses became certified in foot care, and created their own Foot Care Clinics. This was a trial of community care to reduce strain on medical professionals, and to ease the burden of expenditures within the healthcare system. Preventative podiatry services resulted in reduced diabetic foot complications, decreased patient suffering and reducing costs to patients and society. As the increase of diabetic patients are diagnosed every year, these foot care nurses can significantly decrease foot issues in patients living with diabetes.
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