TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) and the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) are proud to announce the creation of the Diabetic Foot Canada Journal (DFCJ), a new, online, peer-reviewed publication targeted to health-care professionals, including nurses and physicians, who treat patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Both organizations identify this area of health care as a priority that affects quality of life and health-care costs.
The new, quarterly journal provides readers with current, practical information related to the care of persons with diabetes and how to prevent and treat foot complications. It officially launched today. Articles in the first issue include: exploring the importance of the interprofessional team when caring for patients with diabetic foot ulcers; the impact and results of the addition of a bedside foot ulcer screening tool; and an overview of RNAO's newly released second edition of a best practice guideline (BPG) related to the treatment and management of patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, diabetes and pre-diabetes affect more than nine million Canadians. It's estimated to cost the national health-care system almost $17 billion annually. Diabetes, if left untreated or improperly managed, can cause health complications such as nerve, eye and kidney issues.
Many people with diabetes also suffer from foot problems, which, in turn, can lead to additional health concerns, and, in 25 per cent of the cases, amputation.
"This journal is an important dissemination tool to support health-care professionals in working with persons with diabetes to prevent foot complications, or hasten wound healing," says Dr. Doris Grinspun, RNAO's chief executive officer. "RNAO is thrilled to collaborate with the CAWC to enhance the care of Canadians who are living with diabetic foot issues to prevent further problems and avert amputations."
The inaugural edition of the DFCJ follows the Council of the Federation's (CoF) 2012 decision to implement RNAO's BPG on diabetic foot ulcers across the country. CoF's Health-Care Innovation Working Group pinpointed diabetic foot ulcers as an issue that requires more attention, and says ulcers and amputations can be prevented with education, monitoring and early treatment. CoF is comprised of Canada's premiers and territorial leaders.
RNAO was pleased to release the second edition of its Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes BPG this past spring. The association's other scientifically rigorous clinical practice guideline on this topic is Reducing Foot Complications for People with Diabetes. To learn more about RNAO's Best Practice Guidelines program, please visit
www.RNAO.ca/bpg
Peggy Ahearn, executive director of CAWC, explains that "this focus on foot care and the new journal is clearly in keeping with the overall mission of CAWC." In fact, CAWC was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop self-management tools and deliver a peer-to-peer national educational program that engaged all stakeholders - including the patient - in the management of diabetic foot disease.
"We see great benefit in our partnership with RNAO to help support members of the health-care team provide care for patients with diabetes and complications resulting in foot ulcers."
The new DFCJ eJournal is just one aspect of a broad initiative called Diabetic Foot Canada. The project will ensure a multidisciplinary approach and use the latest technology, evidence and teams of interprofessional experts to provide education, disseminate best evidence and educational tools, and raise awareness of the importance of preventing diabetic foot complications and amputations.
To read the journal, please visit
www.diabeticfootcanadajournal.ca
The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has advocated for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses' contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. RNAO's Best Practice Guidelines program was launched in 1999, and has delivered, to date, 39 evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and 10 healthy work environment guidelines.
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