The team approach in diabetic foot management.

A significant reduction in the incidence of ulceration, infection, and lower extremity amputation can be realized through the institution of an organized foot care service in community and major academic medical centers. A multidisciplinary team approach has proven to be the most effective means of providing treatment and preventing foot lesions in the diabetic patient. Aside from prevention and early intervention, education is an essential component in overall patient management. In the scheme presented in this article, outpatient management is optimized through the services of numerous specialists dedicated to limb preservation. Risk factors must be evaluated, risk status determined, and preventive measures taken to preserve an intact foot. Ulcers must be thoroughly evaluated and appropriately treated through established protocols utilizing all members of the team. When acute problems present, they are more efficiently managed and coordinated by this approach, thereby reducing lengths of hospital stay, morbidity, and loss of limbs.