Assessment of healthcare utilization in diabetes patients according to foot risk level
Cristina Blaya Fernández1, Alba Gracia-Sánchez1, Sara Zúnica-García1
1Department of Behavioural Sciences and Health, Nursing Area, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Spain.
Aims:
To quantify healthcare service utilization over the past two years according to the foot risk level in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Methodology:
A descriptive observational study was conducted in a Primary Care Nursing consultation, evaluating patients with T2DM through examination and collection of sociodemographic and clinical data.
Results:
A total of 153 patients were included. The prevalence of underdiagnosis was 71.2 % for neuropathy and 59.5 % for peripheral arterial disease. Patients with a high foot risk level had more consultations in PC Nursing for foot-related issues (2022 y 2023; p=<0.001). The number of hospitalization days in 2022 was also higher in patients with a high foot risk. Patients with diagnosed neuropathy consistently utilized healthcare services more frequently than those with undiagnosed or no neuropathy across most categories.
Conclusion:
Patients with a high foot risk level consume more healthcare resources. Early detection and management of diabetic foot is crucial to avoid underdiagnosis, optimize resource use, and prevent serious complications.
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