On the go with Toe & Flow: Private Clinic Design and Flow

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Podiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Lower extremity amputation due to diabetes and peripheral artery disease is a global health concern.
• Academic amputation prevention programs face challenges due to institutional administrative burdens.
• Private clinics present an alternative model for delivering specialized amputation prevention care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and operational model of a private amputation prevention clinic.
• To highlight the advantages of private clinics in providing accessible and personalized patient care.
• To share lessons learned for establishing and managing successful private amputation prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of HOPE Vascular and Podiatry, a private amputation prevention clinic.
• Integration of clinical, research, and educational activities within the clinic.
• Formation of a multidisciplinary team including vascular/podiatric surgeons and support staff.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of a comprehensive amputation prevention program in a private setting.
• Demonstrated advantages including decentralized care, improved clinician satisfaction, and reduced administrative barriers.
• Potential for private clinics to provide high-quality, accessible, and personalized limb-saving care.

Conclusions:

• Private amputation prevention clinics are a viable model for addressing the significant health issue of lower extremity amputations.
• Key factors for success include community needs assessment, clear mission, phased growth, and operational efficiency.
• This model offers a promising approach to improve limb outcomes for at-risk patient populations.