DIABETES UPDATE : NONTRAUMATIC LOWER EXTREMITY AMPUTATION HAS DECLINED 67 % DUE TO PROPER FOOT CARE AMONG OTHER FACTORS
Three Pedorthic Perspectives on the implications and impact of the study …
PFA Impact
BY ROB SOBEL , C . PED .
This report by the CDC illustrates that our work with diabetic patients is both relevant and effective . It becomes abundantly clear that treating diabetic patients is critical . The fact that both public and private plans may pay for some or all of our services is added incentive for these individuals to do the right thing for themselves .
As clinicians , this report tells us several things ; but above all else , pedorthists are among the foot care specialists that contributed to a 62 % reduction in amputations . It also warns us to keep up the level of professional , clinical work we are doing . The footwear , orthoses and modalities we fabricate and dispense must be just right for each affected foot and follow-up is essential . The inserts a pedorthist can provide to offload certain hot spots are unique and work in conjunction with the entire foot care system . Just as we as clinicians must work as part of a larger healthcare team .
PFA is doing its part to spread the word about this kind of awesome outcome . In the coming year when we sit with CMS , members of Congress , lobbyists , and other entities that can push the pedorthic profession , you can rest assured we will use this summary report proving the efficacy of our body of work . We will also be out there sharing it with the other healthcare professionals you partner with . Pedorthic footcare is important for diabetic patients and services are in demand . Also know that PFA is staying vigilant , keeping up on what is currently going on , and keeping you informed . ■
Marketing Impact
BY JAY ZAFFATER , C . PED .
Education is the key to advancement in any endeavor and marketing is no different . Putting together a pedorthic marketing plan should be based on facts , proven results and outcomes , and your personal brand of special service . Not only should you explain about your practice , but educate the source of business on how the profession directly impacts foot care globally . This study and its exemplary results are incredible scientific facts you can and should use to back-up your profession and yourself in day to day practice .
Produce a well thought out marketing piece that can support your claims of how great you are , by researching pieces like this one that are able to “ prop you up ”. You can also use personal anecdotes from patients you have helped directly whether it be a diabetic or another patient with a different foot ailment . Use printed media and literature related to the outcome basis you are selling . The CDC report is a great example of a current report generated by a government agency , stating what we have been saying for years -along with patient education , foot care and related services have drastically lowered rates of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation . You should present this information on a single sheet and use this marketing piece to every referral source . Now , that is valuable education and marketing . ■
The research information in its entirety can be found in the American Diabetes Association ’ s Diabetes Care , volume 35 from February 2012 .
Clinical Impact
BY PATRICIA PANDE , C . PED ., PT , MCLSC , CSCS
Though we are making tremendous progress in the reduction of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation rates in the American diabetic population , there remains so much more that can be done to help . Improvements in research in tandem with early diagnosis of at-risk diabetic feet by pedorthists make a powerful combination . Because we are trained to test sensation with monofilaments , check pulse volume and analyze the foot for deformities , they often notice issues before they present in a patient .
A study conducted by McInnes et al , cited the role of ill-fitting shoes in increasing ulceration . Their work found that 82 percent of the diabetic population displays a notable shoe to foot length difference . As such , the help of pedorthists in providing accurate therapeutic shoe fittings is invaluable in the amelioration of foot ulcers in patients suffering from diabetes .
Diseases such as diabetes are unlikely to be eradicated in our lifetime ; however , the importance of pedorthists in the management of discomfort and pain associated with such diseases is pivotal . From identifying high risk feet and educating patients to select appropriate shoes to offering custom therapeutic footwear and orthoses , the pedorthist ’ s job is multifaceted .
Diabetic patients stand to gain the most benefit from the integrated care of many different specialists . The expertise of pedorthists in measuring dynamic pressure further demonstrates the criticality of the role they play in such multidisciplinary treatment .
In a recent project offered by the University of North Carolina , pedorthists worked alongside physical therapists and PT students to offer a comprehensive , team-based approach to patient care . The contribution of the whole was much more valuable than the sum of its constituent parts . Each group made a measurable difference on the wellbeing of their patients that was beyond what they could have done on their own .
The future of pedorthics depends on our ability to adapt and collaborate with partners to make a real and positive impact on the lives of our patients . ■
26 Pedorthic Footcare Association www . pedorthics . org