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 (2026) Challenges and gaps in diabetic foot care: a qualitative study of primary care providers in Kuantan. In: 10th International Virtual Medical Research Symposium, 3-4 February 2026, Virtual.
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Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic foot problem (DFP) represents a major burden in Malaysia, contributing to morbidity, hospital admissions, and lower limb amputations. Primary care providers are often the first point of contact, yet their role in managing DFPs is underexplored. In Malaysia, we are in progress of setting up foot care protection service in primary care. This study investigates the experiences of healthcare providers in Kuantan's primary health clinics, focusing on clinical challenges, systemic barriers, and continuity of care to fil up the gap in providing the best foot care service in Malaysia. Materials and methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured focus group discussions with 12 primary care providers (medical officers, diabetic nurses, and Family Medicine Specialists from four health clinics in Kuantan. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. All discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: Providers reported difficulties in wound care management, limited resources, and delayed referrals. Systemic barriers included staff shortage, high patient load, inadequate screening tools and educational material, and fragmented referral pathways. Communication gaps between primary and tertiary care disrupted continuity and follow-up. Conclusion: Addressing resource constraints, improving referral systems, and enhancing inter-provider communication are critical to strengthening DFU care in Malaysian primary care clinics.
| Item Type: | Proceeding Paper (Poster) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Diabetic foot care; foot protection care services; Malaysia; primary care clinics; provider perspectives |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) |
| Depositing User: | Prof Dr Mohd Aznan Md Aris |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Jul 2026 11:36 |
| Last Update: | 27 Jul 2026 11:36 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-07-Q4349 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130018 |
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