Amputation prevention initiative: A joint effort of the Massachusetts Public Health Association and the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society

In assessing the needs of the population of diabetic patients in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a significant number are suspect of having increased risk factors for LEA (lower extremity amputation). Lack of available podiatric care combined with the complicating factors of DPN (distal peripheral neuropathy) and PAD (peripheral arterial disease) associated with diabetes are predisposing factors leading to foot ulcers, difficulty in healing foot wounds and gangrene that can lead to lower extremity amputation. Numerous studies have alluded to the need for palliative professional podiatric foot care in this population and the need for regular diabetic foot care and screening as major preventative tools in amputation prevention. Via a policy initiative and through health education and a promotion program we can improve upon the rates of foot screenings, the delivery of podiatric care and the education of both the patient and family of patients who suffer from this disease disorder and initiate these LEA preventative measures. The policy change will effectively identify and treat those most at risk and of greatest need which will result in a significant decrease in the overall morbidity of this population group by lessening the incidence of LEA. An improvement model program on Amputation Prevention will be formulated to create a significant change in present practice and attempt to create a new direction in health care policy.