A Holistic Approach to Clinical and Economic Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Care in the National Healthcare Group
Main Applicant – Dr Lo Zhiwen Joseph, Senior Consultant, Woodlands Health

Given the global epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM), up to 1 in 3 patients with DM face a lifetime risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). DFU is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to infections, amputations, and increased healthcare costs.

This study aims to assess the association between socioeconomic factors and the incidence of DFU within the National Healthcare Group’s (NHG) catchment area in Singapore. The Diabetic Foot in Primary and Tertiary (DEFINITE) Care is an inter-institutional and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) health systems innovation program that aims to achieve coordinated MDT care across primary and tertiary care for patients with DFU.

The DEFINITE study population will be used for this study. A comprehensive geographical map will be developed to visualize the distribution of DFU cases categorized by postal codes, highlighting regional prevalence and identifying hotspots for potential intervention. The map will also integrate supplementary data, including socioeconomic indicators, amputation rates, and mortality rates related to DFU. By combining these diverse datasets, the study will facilitate a thorough visual analysis to explore correlations between socioeconomic factors and the progression and outcomes of DFU cases.

This multifaceted approach aims to enhance the understanding of the complex interplay between socioeconomic status and health outcomes, ultimately guiding healthcare professionals and policymakers in targeted interventions and resource allocation to improve patient care and reduce the burden of DFU.