Non-healing diabetic foot ulcers account for 25 -- 50% of all diabetic hospital admissions, and most of the 60,000 -- 70,000 yearly amputation in the U.S." (Sherman, 2003)
In fact, reducing the direct costs of health care as well as the indirect costs that are associated with diabetic foot ulcers represents one of the overarching objectives for health care providers and patients alike (Fidler, 2009). How Addressing this Problem Improves a Current Practice At present, the medical management of diabetes mellitus cases remains suboptimal in many cases (Ebersole & Hess, 1999)
To determine why there should be a standard of care in place for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in long-term care patients, this paper provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed and scholarly literature, followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning diabetic foot ulcers in the conclusion. Review and Analysis The Significance of the Problem and How Addressing the Issue will Contribute to Society There has been growing concern among practitioners in the health care community about the persistent prevalence of diabetes mellitus and on identifying preventive protocols for foot ulcers for patients in long-term care settings (Fidler, 2009)
35). Impact that Improving this Problem Would Have on Professional Practice There should be a standard of care in place for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in long-term care patients because improving this problem would improve the quality of life for diabetic foot ulcer sufferers and reduce the comorbidities that are associated with the condition (Prentice & Ritchie, 2011)