Economic aspects of diabetic foot care in a multidisciplinary setting: a review

Abstract

Diabetic foot problems are frequent and are associated with high costs. A multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot problems has proved to be cost saving with regard to cost of treatment itself. Nevertheless, it remained unclear if these savings could offset the overall costs involved in implementing this kind of approach. The few studies that address this issue specifically all show an acceptable cost-effectiveness, but often the profit will be evident after some years only, because long-term costs are involved. Based on these data, policymakers should foresee sufficient reimbursement for preventive and early curative measures, and not only for 'salvage manoeuvres'.

The effectiveness of footwear and offloading interventions to prevent and heal foot ulcers and reduce plantar pressure in diabetes: a systematic review

“…Third, even though the costs of footwear and offloading devices are often considered to be substantial, it is important that such costs are viewed in relation to the total cost of care for a foot ulcer and the inherent increased risk of amputation. Although the direct costs of a foot ulcer have been estimated to be substantial, the question of cost effectiveness of the various treatments still remains to be determined [116]. Fourth, a major obstacle to comparison of studies is the lack of standardization in terminology, prescription, manufacture, and material properties of footwear and offloading devices.…”

Resource utilisation and costs associated with the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Prospective data from the Eurodiale Study

“…Several retrospective single-centre studies, using different methodologies, have found that costs for foot ulcer treatment in general are also high [7][8][9][10]. The pathophysiology of diabetic foot disease is complex, and because several factors may play a role in the development of foot ulcers, the population of individuals presenting with diabetic foot ulcers is relatively heterogeneous.…”

Patients' perspectives on foot complications in type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study

“…[3][4][5][6] Treatment of diabetic foot complications is a major financial burden on the healthcare system. [7][8] Foot ulcers are, in most cases, caused by a combination of risk factors associated with chronic complications of diabetes. 9,10 These include long-term hyperglycaemia, which can lead to microvascular disease that damages the small blood vessels and causes malfunctioning of the nerves.…”