| Popis: |
The multifactorial and complex nature of diabetes and vascular diseases in lower limb complications has led to the development of multidisciplinary foot clinics (MDFCs), in which a team of various health professionals work together to achieve the best outcome for the patient. While previous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of such interventions, no study has collated their findings to determine if this method of service delivery is appropriate. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine if MDFCs significantly reduce amputation rates compared to standard methods of service delivery. A systematic literature search was undertaken in early 2010 to find articles evaluating the effectiveness of MDFCs in reducing amputation rates. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to find the most appropriate literature and the articles were then assessed for methodological bias. Seven articles were included in the final review using these criteria. A statistically significant decrease in amputation rates following the implementation of an MDFC was reported in five out of the seven studies. Although all scored favourably in the critical appraisal of bias, there are large flaws in the methodological designs of these studies. The literature does suggest there is a great advantage to using MDFCs to decrease amputation rates in high-risk patients. However, without strong literature to back up this delivery approach, it cannot be regarded as evidence-based. Thus, further study must be performed, focusing on improving research protocols to achieve strong evidence to consolidate the use of MDFCs. Refereed/Peer-reviewed |
