Lower limb webinar aims to tackle rising amputation rates
Footcare experts are urging healthcare professionals to attend a webinar on lower limb assessment and treatment in a bid to reduce the number of amputations that take place each year.
The English Diabetes Footcare Network is holding the free, online event on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm and has called on podiatrists, nurses and other healthcare professionals to sign up.
Titled ‘Upskilling the healthcare workforce in lower limb assessment and treatment’, the webinar will look at how the healthcare workforce can develop the skills necessary to meet the challenge of growing numbers of people requiring lower limb assessment and treatment.
The National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP) has highlighted the variation in lower limb assessment and treatment due to the focus on disease specific commissioning.
There are around 8,000 major amputations a year in England due to diabetes, but there is an equal number in those who do not have the condition.
The NWCSP aims to provide equal services for all people with lower limb threatening pathology. However, current podiatry services are overwhelmed with diabetes related foot problems alone.
Consultant Podiatrist Richard Leigh, who chairs the EDFN, said: “Doubling the number of people requiring lower limb assessment and treatment will require a different approach to care delivery as there is no extra government financial support to expand services.
“Therefore, upskilling podiatrists, nurses and other healthcare professionals will be essential in meeting this challenge.”
The webinar will include the following topics and speakers:
ACT NOW and the vascular MSc
An overview of the ACT NOW foot assessment tool which is designed to empower people with diabetes and HCPs with the knowledge to enable them to reduce potential delays in seeking early treatment for foot problems. This session will also provide the latest information on the innovative MSc in advancing practice in peripheral vascular disease at Birmingham City University.
Speaker: Jayne Robbie – Specialist Podiatrist at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Senior Lecturer in Diabetes Care at Birmingham City University, and a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion.
Learning points:
To recognise the warning signs that might lead to ulceration or amputation
To apply ACT NOW to reduce delays in seeking specialist foot care
To highlight specialist vascular education programme
From Manchester to MARS: How we reduced amputations by 42% within 6 years
Discover how the Manchester Amputation Reduction Strategy (MARS) levelled up MDT access for all lower limb wounds to the diabetes standard without affecting diabetes care in its pilot area, which covers a population of 220,000. Delegates will also hear how wound care has become a priority for Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board.
Speaker: Consultant Vascular Surgeon Naseer Ahmad from Manchester University Foundation Trust. Clinical Director of both Manchester Amputation Reduction Strategy and Greater Manchester Aneurysm Screening Programme.
Learning points:
What proportion of lower limb amputations are in those with and without diabetes
How do we define a ‘whole systems’ approach to amputation reduction
What common approaches can increase MDFC clinic capacity