Description
In this insightful presentation, Jayne Robbie, a local podiatrist from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, shares her expertise on diabetic foot care and the critical role of podiatrists in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). She highlights her dual role as a Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University, where she educates healthcare professionals on advanced diabetes care, emphasizing the importance of best practices for managing diabetic feet. Jayne underscores the imperative of timely intervention to prevent severe complications, including infections that could lead to amputations, given that the condition can exacerbate rapidly without proper care.
She elaborates on the wide range of services provided by podiatrists, including wound debridement, tissue and bone sampling, trauma treatment, and the intricacies of managing foot issues related to diabetes. Jayne stresses the importance of recognizing symptoms early, particularly in patients with diabetes who may exhibit neuropathy, making them less aware of injuries and infections.
The presentation also discusses the challenges faced during COVID-19, where disruptions to podiatry services have led to concerning delays in treatment for high-risk patients. Jayne introduces the ACT NOW initiative, aimed at empowering patients and non-specialized healthcare providers to identify urgent foot problems in diabetic patients, urging timely assessments and interventions.
Furthermore, she highlights the importance of collaboration between various medical teams, stressing that podiatrists serve as crucial liaisons within the healthcare system. Jayne wraps up her presentation by encouraging healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and managing foot-related complications in diabetic patients to improve outcomes and quality of care.