Journal article, March 2024 Open access
Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Limb Preservation Program in Reducing Regional Hospitalization Rates for Patients With Diabetes-Related Foot Complications
The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 24(1), 117-123. DOI 10.1177/15347346241238458
In brief
An eleven-year look at Alberta's health records comparing regions served by the podiatric-surgeon-led Toe and Flow limb-preservation model with regions on standard care. Patients with diabetic foot complications in Toe and Flow regions were hospitalized less often and went home sooner.
Key findings
- Access to the program cut hospitalization risk by up to 30%
- Stays were 21% shorter in Toe and Flow regions
- Data from 2007 to 2017, normalized for each region's diabetic population