Recommendations for research
The guideline committee has made the following recommendations for research.
Key recommendations for research
1 Frequency of diabetic foot assessments
Based on clinical trial data and routinely collected real-world data, what is the clinical and cost effectiveness of annual foot assessments for people categorised as low risk, compared with checks every 2 years, in reducing diabetic foot problems (including ulcer, amputation and death)? [2023]
For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on managing the risk of developing a diabetic foot problem.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B: risk assessment models and tools for predicting the development of diabetic foot problems and foot review frequency.
2 Digital and emerging technologies for assessing the risk of developing diabetic foot problems
What is the effectiveness, cost effectiveness and acceptability of digital and emerging technologies for:
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assessing the risk of developing a diabetic foot problem
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helping to prevent diabetic foot problems from developing.
For example, laser doppler flowmetry, infrared thermography, and devices for measuring and providing feedback on plantar pressure. [2023]
For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on managing the risk of developing a diabetic foot problem.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B: risk assessment models and tools for predicting the development of diabetic foot problems and foot review frequency.
3 Referral criteria for the foot protection service and the multidisciplinary foot care service
When and with what criteria should people with diabetes be referred to the foot protection service or the multidisciplinary foot care service? [2015]
4 Education and psycho-behavioural interventions for prevention
What is the role of educational models and psycho-behavioural interventions in prevention of diabetic foot complications? [2015]
5 Prevention strategies for Charcot arthropathy
What strategies may be useful in the prevention of Charcot arthropathy? [2015]
6 Diabetic ulcer dressings
What is the clinical effectiveness of different dressing types in treating diabetic foot problems? [2015]
Other recommendations for research
7 Referral of people who have diabetic foot problems
Within the hospital multidisciplinary team, when is it appropriate and effective to refer people with diabetes who have foot problems to specialist services such as investigative or interventional radiology, orthopaedic or vascular services, specialist pain management and specialist orthotics? [2015]
8 Prevention of diabetic foot problems
What is the effectiveness of different footwear, insoles and orthoses in the prevention of foot problems? [2015]
9 Review of people with diabetic foot problems
How often should people with diabetic foot problems (foot ulcers, soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis or gangrene) be reviewed? [2023]
For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on managing the risk of developing a diabetic foot problem.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B: risk assessment models and tools for predicting the development of diabetic foot problems and foot review frequency.
10 Negative pressure wound therapy for treating diabetic foot ulcers
What is the clinical effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers? [2015]
11 Maggot debridement therapy for treating diabetic foot ulcers
What is the clinical effectiveness of maggot debridement therapy in the debridement of diabetic foot ulcers? [2015]
12 Risk stratification tools for predicting Charcot arthropathy
Which risk stratification tools can be used to predict the likelihood of Charcot arthropathy? [2015]
13 When to stop contact casting for acute Charcot arthropathy
When is it safe to stop contact casting in the treatment of acute Charcot arthropathy? [2015]