Background and Aim of this training
The current evidence suggests that a significant number of older Australians residing in residential aged care settings are not receiving the necessary standard of podiatric care to prevent lower limb complications. Within RACFs that do offer regular and timely podiatry services, there is often a misunderstanding of the Podiatrist’s role. This misunderstanding results in inappropriate referrals (such as for fingernail cutting), missed opportunities for expert assessment and care (such as not referring to the Podiatrist for pre-ulcerative callus or diabetic foot ulcers), and a disconnect in care (for instance, RACF staff not reviewing Podiatrist notes regarding foot wound management or pressure injury prevention). Additionally, there are instances where Podiatrists are wrongly accused of causing foot wounds when they have merely identified them. This latter situation fosters distrust between RACF staff, residents, their families, and the Podiatrist, leading to unnecessary complaints and a fragmented, suboptimal quality of care.
There are significant opportunities for expert, multi-disciplinary teamwork to take place involving RACF staff, the Podiatrist, the GP and the wound care nurse. Unfortunately, these opportunities are frequently overlooked, resulting in substandard care and an escalation in costs for the facility. The aim of this training is NOT to provide comprehensive foot care and wound care knowledge. It is intended to give RACF staff the knowledge and skills to identify existing and/or potential foot health issues and simply make timely and appropriate referrals to an existing resource within the facility – the Podiatrist.