Developing a high risk foot service in a rural setting
Greater Southern Area Health Service
This project was entered in the 2007 NSW Health Awards, Primary Health and Continuing Care in the Community category.
Contact: Donna Lennon
Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of high risk foot complications is a specialised field, where a multidisciplinary approach by a dedicated and experienced team is essential.
Working within a community health setting, the rural podiatrist has established a telehealth service using telehealth networking within a 0.5 FTE podiatry position to facilitate a team approach and provide early diagnosis and treatment to those at risk of amputation from high risk foot complications. The telehealth service provides diagnosis and treatment advice from an experienced team at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital diabetic clinic. This advice is then implemented through local General Practitioners, community nurses, podiatrist and other involved clinicians.
With increasing numbers of people of all ages developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes (refer State Health Plan), the likelihood of high risk foot complications will increase. It is to the benefit of the health system that improved access to services through telehealth networks is developed and sustained.
The full entry document can be downloaded in the formats listed below:
Developing a high risk foot service in a rural setting (34KB)
Developing a high risk foot service in a rural setting (23KB)
