https://doi.org/10.56885/HRJU7789
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By Virginie Blanchette, PhD DPM; Janet L Kuhnke, RN BScN MS NSWOC DrPsych; Mariam Botros, DCh DE IIWCC MEd; Crystal McCallum, RN MCISc and Robyn Evans, BSc MD CCFP FCFP
Abstract: Eighty percent of lower extremity amputations related to diabetes-related foot disease can be prevented with the integration of prevention and interdisciplinary care, including screening,foot care and footwear education. In Canada, only half of persons with diabetes receive appropriate foot screening, and this estimate may be higher than the reality.
Wounds Canada has updated its diabetic foot screening tool, Inlow’s 60-second Diabetic Foot Screen (2022) to increase its functionality and, ultimately, its usability in clinical practice. The new version was launched at workshops held at the 2022 Diabetes Canada and the Orthotics Prosthetics Canada national conferences.
For a person with diabetes, the screening results provide a risk level and identify direct associated educational activities and ongoing screening schedules. For clinicians and healthcare organizations, the use of the diabetic foot screening tool in all care settings creates a common communication avenue between individuals and interdisciplinary teams supporting the individuals’ foot care.
The methodology to update Inlow’s 60-second Diabetic Foot Screen, including feedback from a primary care network and working experts, and alignment with the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) Prevention Guidelines, are presented in this manuscript.