Podiatry-led management of peripheral arterial disease
Categories
Peripheral arterial disease
PAD
Podiatrists are clinically effective in improving early diagnosis, ensuring appropriate treatment and focusing on best outcomes for people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), as well as reducing healthcare cost burdens.
- Vascular disease is the collective term for diseases of the arteries
- PAD is a common vascular disease in the UK that affects the arteries which carry blood to the limbs
- PAD is known to be under diagnosed and undertreated, resulting in avoidable amputations and five-year mortality rates comparable to those of many cancers
- Over 11,500 major lower-limb amputations are carried out every year in the UK, the vast majority of which are as a direct result of PAD, diabetes or a combination of the two
- A very significant number of people die just one year after major amputation
- Podiatry-led early diagnosis and treatment programmes, set up in partnership with Vascular Teams and GPs, can help improve detection, diagnosis, treatment and timely referrals. As well saving more limbs and lives, these services are accessible, cost-effective and quality focused, implementing best national and international guidance on PAD.
Download RCPod's policy position: Podiatry-led management of peripheral arterial disease