
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Bergin, Shan M 
A1  - Campbell, Don A 
A1  - Colman, Peter G 
A1  - Brand, Caroline A 
T1  - An evaluation of community-based resources for management of diabetes-related foot disorders in an Australian population
JF  - Australian Health Review
JO  - Aust. Health Review
Y1  - 2009
VL  - 33
IS  - 4
SP  - 671
EP  - 678
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/AH090671 
N2  - We aimed to evaluate service model configuration, service capacity and accessibility of diabetes-related footcare in an Australian community health setting. Eighty-eight community-based podiatry clinics were surveyed using the self-administered Footcare Provider Survey. Survey domains included communication, resources, service coordination and barriers to service provision. Sixty-nine from a possible 88 Victorian community podiatry clinics (78%) responded. Sixty-one (88%) provided ongoing care to individuals with diabetes-related foot disorders. Communication with vascular and orthopaedic specialists was reported to be readily available in 37% and 27% of cases respectively. Overall, communication with general practitioners was deemed readily available in 62% of cases. Just 39% of podiatrists statewide agreed overall resources were sufficient, with 26% agreeing staffing levels were adequate. Thirty-nine percent of community podiatrists used clinical care pathways, and onsite collaboration was deemed appropriate in just 30% of cases. Perceived barriers to provision of care included inadequate staffing and resources, lack of confidence from other health professionals in the podiatrists&#x2019; ability to manage diabetes-related foot disorders, and lack of access to specialists. 
ER  -

