Speakers
Description
Background / Rationale
Lower-limb complications are a significant concern among Community Health Centre (CHC) clients who experience chronic disease, homelessness, substance use, and barriers to accessing care. South Riverdale CHC recognized the need for an integrated, trauma-informed, low barrier, and team-based approach to support the early detection of lower-limb complications and prevention of wounds and amputations.
Aim / Purpose
To strengthen prevention, enhance early identification, and timely lower-limb interventions for clients who are disproportionately affected by the social and structural determinants of health, via implementation of the RNAO Diabetic foot ulcers: Prevention, assessment and management BPGs.
Methods / Implementation Approach
A cross-organizational work group of BPSO champions was formed, including RNs, chiropodists and data specialists. Gap and opportunity analyses were conducted to identify change ideas internally, as well as within the context of the BPSO OHT. The group prioritized optimizing and standardizing use of an existing wound assessment tool and building capacity for foot screening and chiropody services in programs serving high risk populations. Change management support was available to facilitate implementation.
Results / Outcomes
Since the launch, 698 foot screenings have been completed, with 25% of individuals screened referred to community chiropody clinics, and 23 clients referred to tertiary specialist clinics with active complications. Per demographic data, the majority of individuals screened identified as racialized, had low income and poorer self-reported health. Staff report increased clinical confidence, particularly in identifying early changes in skin integrity, recognizing high-risk findings, workflow clarity and prevention education.
Lessons Learned & Implications for Practice
The learnings from this work can inform broader approaches to chronic disease prevention, wound-care management, and equity-oriented health-care delivery. This will have a significant impact within the organization, and carries potential to scale this model to additional community settings across the OHT, particularly those serving clients affected by health inequities.
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is your abstract related to?
Diabetic foot ulcers: Prevention, assessment and management BPG
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Alecia Xavier, RN, Diabetes Nurse Educator
Ashly O'Neil, Coordinator, Information Management
Erin Telegdi, RN, Advanced Practice Nurse, Manager, Advanced Clinical Practice, Substance Use & Mental Health
Salman Alam, Chiropodist
Sandra Fitzpatrick, RD, Regional Facilitator, Toronto Diabetes Care Connect
| Organization Name | South Riverdale Community Health Centre (East Toronto Health Partners BPSO OHT partner) |
|---|
