An Analysis of Treatment Types and Home Care Services Referral for Patients with Diabetic Foot

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment types and the status of referral to home care services for patients with diabetic foot.

Methods:A retrospective survey was conducted by reviewing medical records from January to December in 2008 at a university hospital. The subjects were 76 patients at the age of 20 years or older who were admitted, had home care services, or received outpatient care for diabetic foot. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:Among the total of 9,317 patients diagnosed with diabetes, 5.03% (n=469) had diabetic foot. Admission (81.6%) was the most frequently used treatment type followed by outpatient care only (7.9%) and hemodialysis only (10.5%). Of the 76 admission cases, 44.9% received post-discharge care at outpatient clinics, 20.5% had both outpatient and home care services, and 16.7% were transferred to other hospitals. Readmission rate after discharge was 15.6% for one year.

Conclusion:This study suggests referral to home care services should be encouraged to provide effective follow-up care to patients with diabetic foot after discharge from a hospital.