Learnings from the front line: early implementation experiences of the Central Queensland diabetes-related foot ulcer outpatient program
Implementation study published in Aust J Rural Health (2025)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The 'Central Foot Hub' was operationalised in mid-February 2024 to provide multidisciplinary team (MDT) support from the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) to three hospital and health services (HHS) across Central Queensland. This model aimed to enhance diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) care by integrating virtual and local MDTs. AIM: This study presents early implementation learnings from frontline clinicians involved in the co-design, implementation and refinement of this innovative model-of-care (MOC). METHODS: A preparatory phase involved stakeholder engagement, service mapping and funding allocation to RBWH for recruitment. Site preparedness varied, influencing referral rates. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate challenges and successes, with input from local end-users. DISCUSSION: Key enablers included local champions, collective leadership and integration with existing providers. At Rockhampton Base Hospital, the MDT expanded subsequently improving care coordination. However, challenges such as funding constraints, hybrid health information systems, and technological barriers affected implementation. Discipline-specific insights highlighted the need for structured communication, local workforce expansion and ongoing refinement of MOC. CONCLUSION: The Central Foot Hub enhanced access to specialist care and optimised local service delivery for people living with DFD in Central Queensland. Sustainable scale-up will require additional funding, streamlined health information systems and continued collaboration between healthcare providers across HHS.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Implementation-experience analysis of a diabetic-foot-ulcer outpatient program in rural Queensland including alternative-therapy considerations.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio presentó las lecciones aprendidas en la implementación inicial por parte de clínicos de primera línea involucrados en el codesarrollo y establecimiento de un modelo de equipo multidisciplinario para la atención de la enfermedad del pie relacionada con la diabetes (EPD) en Central Queensland. El modelo buscaba integrar equipos especialistas virtuales y locales para mejorar la coordinación asistencial, destacando tanto los éxitos de la colaboración local como los desafíos de las restricciones presupuestarias y las barreras tecnológicas. Si bien las úlceras del pie diabético son un reto clínico significativo, este artículo no posee relevancia directa para la American Society of Hirudotherapy. La investigación se centra estrictamente en la prestación de servicios sanitarios, la integración de la atención virtual y la gestión de programas, sin mencionar en absoluto a las sanguijuelas, el manejo de heridas mediante hirudoterapia, ni terapias biológicas relacionadas.
Citación
Learnings from the front line: early implementation experiences of the Central Queensland diabetes-related foot ulcer outpatient program.
Kumar et al. · The Australian journal of rural health, 2025
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026