A Pictorial Guide to Diabetic Foot Screening
A Pictorial Guide to Diabetic Foot Screening
Foot Screening Competency
Screening for the risk of foot ulceration and related complications in people with diabetes can be undertaken by any ‘competent’ person. Below is a list of professional activities that anyone undertaking foot screening can use as a self-assessment for competency and should identify any gaps in knowledge or experience which will help inform a personalised development plan.
Click each step below to expand for more information:
Who is this guide for?
This guide will support clinicians and healthcare workers undertaking a foot examination for someone with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. The national best practice guidance (NICE NG19) states that anyone performing a foot check or examination for the purpose of identifying risk of ulceration should be competent to do so. This guide will be an aide memoire for any health professional who has received competency training.
Why is this guide important?
In 2019, there were 185 amputations each week in England (around 330 per year in Wales) and it is estimated 80% are likely to be preventable. A foot ulcer precedes an amputation in around 80% of cases and is associated with significant increases in cardio-vascular mortality, depression and substantial reductions in quality-of-life measures. 50% of patients with diabetes who have a foot ulcer die within 5 years of suffering that ulceration.
Every patient in England & Wales should undergo an annual foot check and screening for foot problems. Each patient with diabetes should be assessed for their risk of developing a foot ulcer. The risk levels are Low risk, Moderate/Increased risk, High risk and Active (where there is an ulceration).
Identifying the risk of foot ulceration early and informing the patient, with appropriate advice are essential prevention actions. Studies show that timely referral to specialist clinics can save limbs and lives as well as being a professional regulation responsibility.
What does the National Guidance say?
NICE guideline NG19 sets out a list of the checks required to be carried out during a foot examination for someone with diabetes. A good foot examination enables accurate risk identification and gives details of the actions that should follow depending on the findings identified.
There will be a local foot pathway for referral into the Podiatry led Foot Protection Service (FPS) or the hospital based Multi Disciplinary Foot Services (MDFS). If there is any difficulty finding out this information the local NHS Podiatry Service will be able to help with contacts and pathway details. A conversation is worthwhile to understand the podiatry service contract, which may have some access limitations for foot care. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng19.
What risk factors need identification?
If the screening identifies one risk factor, (the presence of neuropathy or absence of foot pulses or a foot deformity) then a moderate/increased level is recorded. If two or more of these risk factors are identified, then a high-risk status is recorded. Naturally, if an ulcer is present then it is classified as an active wound.
A structured approach to each foot examination will produce a more consistently accurate risk classification and save time.
3. The examination or foot check.
4. Risk classification.
1. Promote early detection of foot complications.
2. Identify a personal foot ulcer risk classification.
3. Match clinical risk with appropriate actions, advice and referral.
4. Influence the outcome for the patient based on your competence and communication.