Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high-risk foot service: A multiple-methods study.
Aust J Rural Health
; 32(2): 286-298, 2024 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38337146
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Most podiatry-led high-risk foot services (HRFS) in Australia are located in metropolitan areas or large regional centres. In rural areas, where there are limited specialist services, individuals with diabetes-related foot ulceration are more likely to undergo amputation. This study aimed to explore clinicians' perceptions of a recently implemented HRFS in rural New South Wales, Australia, and compare trends of amputation and hospitalisation prior to and post-implementation of the service.SETTING:
Rural HRFS in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.PARTICIPANTS:
Health professionals working within the HRFS were recruited to participate.DESIGN:
This was a multiple-methods study. For the qualitative arm, semi-structured interviews were conducted, which were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. The quantitative arm of the study utilised a retrospective analytic design which applied an interrupted time series to compare amputation and hospitalisation trends pre- and post-implementation of the HRFS utilising diagnostic and procedural ICD codes.RESULTS:
The qualitative arm of the study derived three themes (1) navigating the divide, (2) rural community and rural challenges and (3) professional identity. Results of the interrupted time series indicate that there was a downward trend in major amputations following implementation of the HRFS; however, this was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION:
Clinicians were aware of the inequity in DFD outcomes between rural and metropolitan areas and were committed to improving outcomes, particularly with respect to First Nations peoples. Future research will explore service use and amputation rates in the longer term to further evaluate this specialised multidisciplinary care in a rural community.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Contexto en salud:
1_ASSA2030
Problema de salud:
1_recursos_humanos_saude
Asunto principal:
Pie Diabético
/
Servicios de Salud Rural
/
Amputación Quirúrgica
Tipo de estudio:
Etiology_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Oceania
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Aust J Rural Health
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia