New public health policy intervention for diabetic foot management in Mexico

Abstract Problem In Mexico, an estimated 12 million people have diabetes, with complications of diabetes contributing to 25-90% of non-traumatic amputations. Description of the Problem We conducted a review through the literature of available studies in English-language databases and libraries, including PubMed and UNAM digital Library to determine the role of teaching first contact health workers and the creation of limb salvage teams in the prevention of amputations. Through this review, we present the basis of our proposal about implementing these strategies to improve a care coordination system for diabetic foot management in Mexico. Results There were 25 publications from different countries, 12 eligible for this review. The review emphasizes that the creation of Specialized Diabetic Foot Teams to treat patients and teach first contact medical workers could help to achieve the following objectives which result in the reduction of amputations and improved patient outcomes: Standardize and simplify the diabetic foot clinical examination. Timely reference of patients with DM with a moderate and high risk of diabetic foot complications. Timely reference of patients with diabetic foot and peripheral arterial disease to third-level hospitals. Periodic first-contact health workers training on risk detection and stratification of diabetic foot. Lessons Implementing the policy of creation of Specialized Diabetic Foot Teams to treat patients and teach first contact medical workers will contribute to reducing major amputations due to diabetes in our country. We aim to implement a successful policy in Mexico to strengthen the health system and improve outcomes and therefore the quality of life of patients with diabetic foot complications. We aim to serve as a legislative voice for all patients in Mexico facing major amputations and other diabetes complications. Key messages New public health policy implementation for diabetic foot management in Mexico. Prevention of major amputations.