Exploring workflow gaps in diabetic foot care: insights from primary care clinics in Kuantan

Azmi, Nurul Husna and Mohd. Sa’im, Nur Fiza Izrin and Abdul Hadi, Azwanis and Md Aris, Mohd Aznan and Che Ahmad, Aminudin and Muda, Siti Mariam (2024) Exploring workflow gaps in diabetic foot care: insights from primary care clinics in Kuantan. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 7 (2). pp. 147-155. E-ISSN 2637 - 0603

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Abstract

The diabetic foot is a common complication of diabetes. According to the latest guideline on the management of diabetic foot (2018) from the Ministry of Health, it was suggested that primary care clinics develop foot protection teams to reduce hospital admissions, length of stay, and the amputation rate. However, there are barriers to establishing these teams. This research aimed to explore the current workflow for managing diabetic foot in primary care clinics in Kuantan. A purposive sample of 12 healthcare professionals was selected for this qualitative research project from four Kuantan primary care clinics with the highest number of recorded patients in the National Diabetes Registry. Semi-structured, focus group interviews were conducted via an online platform. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed via thematic analysis. The study identified three main themes: workflow, healthcare provider roles, and guideline implementation. Clinics lacked standardized workflows regarding operating hours, dedicated teams, and improper screening practices, which often deviated from established guidelines. The screening tools were outdated and not aligned with current guidelines. Guideline implementations appear lacking among healthcare providers mostly due to ignorance of the availability of the latest Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG). Before a diabetic foot protection team can be successfully built, several obstacles must be addressed. One potential project is the development of a clear workflow algorithm that can be employed in clinic settings.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	diabetic foot, foot protection team, foot care services, primary care clinics, Malaysia.
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology & Rehabilitation Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011)
Depositing User:	SR NUR FARHANA LATFI
Date Deposited:	04 Jan 2025 21:42
Last Modified:	04 Jan 2025 21:42
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/118141

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