Characteristics of included studies
| Study (author, country, year) | Type of study | Participants | Interventions | Source of data used in study | Length of follow-up | Baseline risk as per diabetic foot risk stratification14 | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronnemaa, Finland, 199722 16 | RCT | 530 patients with diabetes randomised Intervention: 267 Control: 263 | Intervention: 45 min individual patient education Podiatric care visits as necessary Control: Written information | Clinical report forms | 1 and 7 years | Low | Primary: Patient knowledge about foot care Secondary: ulcer incidence Amputation rate |
| Plank, Austria, 200323 | RCT | 91 patients with diabetes randomised Intervention: 47 Control: 44 | Intervention: Chiropodist visit at least once a month Control: chiropodist treatment not specifically recommended | Clinical report forms | 386 days (368–424, 25th–75th percentile) | High (healed foot ulcers) | Primary: Recurrence rate of ulcers Secondary: Amputation rate Death |
| Sowell, USA, 199924 | Cohort | 255 256 with diabetes or PVD or gangrene followed over time | Intervention: Podiatric Medical care—receipt of any M0101 services Comparison: Did not receive podiatry (M0101) services | Medicare claims database | 1 year | Unknown | Number of amputations |
| Lipscombe, Canada, 200337 | Cohort | 132 patients with diabetes on peritoneal dialysis (PD) | Intervention: Assessment, education and footcare by chiropody | Medical charts | 3 years | High | Number of amputations |
| Lavery, USA, 201021 | Cohort | 300 high-risk patients with diabetes 150 with an ulcer history 150 on dialysis followed over time | Intervention: Podiatry services—number of visits to podiatrist for prevention, ulcer treatment of other pathology | Claims data and electronic medical records | 30 months | High (history of foot ulcer) | Amputation rate Ulcer incidence |
| Sloan, UK, 201038 | Cohort | 189 598 patients with diabetes followed over time Participants grouped into different stages (1–4) of disease depending on severity of symptoms and signs | Intervention: Care provided by podiatrist Comparison: Care provided by ‘other health professional’—GP/internist/endocrinologist/nurse/physician assistant | Medicare claims database | 6 years | Stage 1: Moderate Stage 2: High Stage 3: Active Stage 4: Active | Amputation rate |
RCT, randomised controlled trial.