title: Current practice in the assessment and management of acute diabetes-related foot complications.
abstract: A retrospective audit of client histories from 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005 was conducted. Assessment, investigations on admission, management, length of stay and outcomes were assessed and compared with evidence-based guidelines. A total of 62 clients with 115 admissions were identified. The finding that HBA(1c) (glycated haemoglobin) levels were measured on admission 50% of the time suggested there is significant variability in assessment, investigation and management of acute diabetes-related foot complications. There is a need to better utilise evidence-based clinical guidelines, and for greater emphasis on linking individuals who are at risk of hospitalisation into appropriate outpatient services to improve outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Allied Health, Craigieburn Health Service, Northern Health, c/- The Northern Hospital, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, Melbourne, VIC 3076, Australia. rebecca.jessup@nh.org.au
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Jessup
authors.forename: Anita A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Spring
authors.forename: Aspa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grollo
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014739:Victoria