Cooperation and division of responsibilities between the podiatrist and the podiatry assistant within diabetic foot care

My name is Samudrika van der Eerden and I graduated from the Podiatry programme at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. During my studies, I became interested in the development of new roles within podiatric care and the way in which healthcare professionals collaborate in this field. Driven by this interest, I explored the role of the podiatry assistant (PA) within diabetic foot care as part of my final-year project. I wanted to gain an understanding of how this role can contribute to the efficient organisation of care and the provision of effective support for patients.

Within the field of diabetic foot care, I investigated how the role of the PA is currently fulfilled and what tasks and responsibilities this entails. In doing so, I looked at the experiences of patients, PAs and podiatrists, and at how they perceive their collaboration. Based on this, I investigated where opportunities lie to organise the collaboration and division of tasks between the podiatrist and the PA more efficiently. To this end, I used a literature review, questionnaires, focus groups and co-creation sessions, within the methodology of the Double Diamond model.

The study showed that the PA makes a valuable contribution to diabetic foot care, including by providing explanations, advice and practical support. Patients also experience social support, for example because the PA shows an interest in them and reassures them. At the same time, differences emerged in the way tasks and responsibilities are divided within the collaboration. Time pressure and a lack of clarity regarding the division of roles are key areas for attention in this regard.

The results have been translated into practical solutions to support collaboration and the division of tasks between the podiatrist and the PA. One example of this is a pop-up notification in the EPD (electronic patient record) that alerts the podiatrist at a relevant moment to consider the possible involvement of the PA. In addition, a visual role chart and a digital care pathway can help to clarify tasks, responsibilities and collaboration. These tools can be integrated into existing work processes and thus contribute to a more efficient and appropriate deployment of the PA.

Student at: Fontys University of Applied Sciences – Podiatry programme
Client Rondom: Wouter Meeuwis and Kim Wintraecken

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Cooperation and division of responsibilities between the podiatrist and the podiatry assistant within diabetic foot care

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