Supporting self-care: Footcare in diabetes management

Diabetic foot is a devasting complication of diabetes that can lead to loss of a limb and life. It has a complex pathology characterised by neuropathy, ischaemia and slow healing. Often the resulting loss in feeling leaves patients unable to sense the damage to their feet. 451 Million suffer with diabetes worldwide, 1 in 10 will get a foot ulcer, 80% go to have an amputation, 8 out of 10 amputations can be prevented by intervention.

Aim: is to strengthen the link of Foot Health and Diabetes and to create an interest and commitment to regular foot care for every diabetic prescription dispensed to the patient.

Target audience: Healthcare professionals – particularly the pharmacy team, who support people to self-care.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe how the pharmacy team can support self-care of feet for people with diabetes;
• Identify and educate pharmacists on regular foot checks and foot care routines 3.Discuss approaches on empowering people and pharmacists on what to ask the people with diabetes, when to refer to a specialist or GP and what to recommend as a treatment.

Programme

• Welcome (5 minutes) – Raj Vaidya, Moderator
• Supporting people with diabetes to look after their feet – pathology and common conditions (20 minutes) – Maria Mendes, National Association of Pharmacies (ANF) TBC
• The potential role of the Pharmacists in footcare of people with diabetes – footchecks and footcare routines (20 minutes) – Astrid Czock, Qualiccare
• Case study: footcare in diabetes management (20 minutes) – Luna El Bizri, Lunapharm Pharmacy
• Panel discussion – questions and answers (20 minutes) – Panel + Moderator
• Summary and close (5 minutes)- Raj Vaidya, Moderator