1. Diabetic foot ulcers: evaluating the role of the specialist advanced practice nurse in complex chronic wounds
- Author
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Jiménez-García, Juan F, Jiménez-Abad, Juan F, López, Laura Alonso, and García-Fernández, Francisco Pedro
- Abstract
Objectives:To determine the profile of diabetes patients with neuropathic and neuro-ischaemic lesions who are referred to the advanced practice nurse (APN) in complex chronic wounds; to determine whether a training strategy aimed at primary care nurses and nursing homes that care for patients with diabetic foot disease influences the performance of professionals; and to assess the extent, follow-up and evaluation of diabetic foot disease in patients with neuropathic ulcers and neuro-ischaemic ulcers referred to the specialist APN before and after the training.Methods:The characteristics of patients referred to the APN over a period of 6.5 years were analysed, as well as the numbers of amputations and deaths pre- and post-training.Results:of the total of 103 patients, 78 were men; across both sexes the average age was 69 years. Fifty patients had neuropathic ulcers and 53 had neuro-ischaemic ulcers, with healing rates of 59%. There were 50 amputations and 37 deaths over the study period.Conclusion:Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers depends on having in place a fast, agile, practical clinical pathway between primary care and hospital, with the role of the APN, including the co-ordination of care between primary and secondary settings, being key.
- Published
- 2024
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