Learnings from the front line: early implementation experiences of the Central Queensland diabetes-related foot ulcer outpatient program

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.

Implementation-experience analysis of a diabetic-foot-ulcer outpatient program in rural Queensland including alternative-therapy considerations.

Узнайте, как это исследование связано с клинической практикой

More peer-reviewed studies in Клинические исследования.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →