Lessons learned from clinical negligence claims in diabetes-related footcare

Since 2013/14 there has been a steady growth in the volume and value of clinical negligence claims in patients with diabetes and lower limb complications in England. Globally, both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.

It is important to recognise that in the majority of cases a good standard of care is provided to patients with diabetes by the NHS in England.

NHS Resolution undertake analysis of clinical and non-clinical negligence claims in order to identify themes in claims; extract and share learning; and promote the use of claim insights as a driver for change across the NHS. 

Nicole said: “A current topic of focus at NHS Resolution is the review of claims involving patients with diabetes and a lower limb complications. A thematic analysis of these claims has highlighted a number of themes and findings, with a key theme being that across multiple stages of the patient pathway, there was a lack of recognition as to the severity of the patient’s situation, and a lack of urgency in providing care.

“Several factors – including language and terminology, peripheral neuropathy, and the lack of integrated, coordinated, multidisciplinary team input – all contributed to the recurrent pattern of missed severity. 

“Several recommendations have been published alongside the report that aim to help reduce variation and ensure that all patients can receive a standard of care that is in line with current evidence and national guidance."

Nicole’s session will demonstrate how clinical negligence claims can be used to provide learning and support clinicians to help drive improvements in care.

Also on the programme scheduled to be discussed at the conference:

• An update from the National Diabetes Footcare Audit
• The role of the pharmacist within the multidisciplinary foot care service
• The Podiatry Career Framework: a new vision for a professional future
• The National Wound Care Strategy programme – Acute footcare for all and models of implementation.

Ahead of its conference, the EDFN is calling for abstract submissions to feature as part of the event and has invited anyone who has developed unique processes, innovations, audits, or research to share their findings. The top abstracts will be presented at the conference.

The deadline for abstract submission is 5pm on Friday, March 24 – click here to submit an abstract.

The EDFN was set up, with support from the Royal College of Podiatry, to share best practice and improve consistency of care across the country. 

To register your place for the EDFN conference click here 

Those who have registered will receive a link to attend the conference nearer the time.

View the conference agenda here

Read the DRWF leaflet How can diabetes affect my feet? here