Approach
The aim of the project was to refine the criteria for interprofessional foot centers and networks for the treatment of patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) and to create an electronic map of these care services in Switzerland. As part of the DFS Triage Project, the interprofessional working group Diabetic Foot Syndrome of the QualiCCare association developed a national, interprofessional practical guideline for the structured care and timely referral of individuals with DFS to specialized interprofessional competence centers. To assess the status quo of interprofessional foot centers and networks in Switzerland, a survey was conducted in summer 2023 among all professional associations represented in the DFS working group, as well as among members of the H+ hospital association. The goal was to systematically record existing interprofessional foot centers and networks and their composition.
Findings
The survey showed that the criteria for care levels 2 (interprofessional networks) and 3 (interprofessional foot centers) were not sufficiently precisely defined in the existing practical guideline. Consequently, the Geomapping subgroup of the QualiCCare DFS working group developed a clear and operationalizable refinement of these two care levels. The criteria were validated by the DFS plenary group. The results and criteria were presented at the Swiss Orthopedic Congress in Lausanne in June 2024. A publication is in preparation and is expected in 2026.
Following the dissolution of the QualiCCare association, the remaining assets were earmarked and transferred to the Swiss Diabetes Foundation for the implementation of the electronic map. The Swiss Society for Endocrinology and Diabetology SGED took over the continuation of the project in accordance with the specifications of the members of the QualiCCare association and with the aim of creating a sustainable geomapping platform for locating interprofessional foot centers and networks in Switzerland. A first test version of the electronic platform will be available by the end of 2025. Its review by the members of the former QualiCCare DFS working group will take place at the beginning of 2026.
Publications & Results
- Criteria (D, F, E)
- Poster from the Orthopedic Congress in Lausanne (June 2024)
This project was carried out by Dr. Astrid Czock in her capacity as Managing Director of QualiCCare, from September 2024 on a mandate basis for QualiCCare, and from June 2025 on a mandate basis for the Swiss Society for Endocrinology and Diabetology SGED.