Highland Diabetes Institute, Centre for Health Science, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK.
Division of Rural Health and Wellbeing, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK.
J Foot Ankle Res. 2021 Jan 13;14(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s13047-020-00444-6.
Diabetes-related foot disease, particularly when associated with amputation, affects quality of life and has a significant impact on health care costs. A pilot study using enhanced technology to facilitate remote access and video conferencing from rural locations to the diabetes MDT through a new service pathway confirmed high levels of patient satisfaction with 89% of foot ulcers improved or stable and only two minor amputations. A health economic analysis suggested potential for significant cost savings if this was scaled up regionally. Further evaluation of an integrated pathway, impact on lower limb amputation rates and full health economic assessment is recommended.
糖尿病相关的足部疾病，尤其是与截肢相关的足部疾病，会影响生活质量，并对医疗保健成本产生重大影响。一项使用增强技术的试点研究，通过新的服务途径，从农村地区远程接入糖尿病多学科团队并进行视频会议，证实了患者对该服务的高度满意，89%的足部溃疡得到改善或稳定，只有两例小截肢。一项健康经济学分析表明，如果在区域范围内扩大规模，可能会有显著的成本节约。建议进一步评估综合途径，以及其对下肢截肢率的影响和全面的健康经济学评估。
