Use of innovative technology also reduced hospital admissions, as well as ER and outpatient visits.
A study of patients at high risk of developing diabetic foot complications saw major amputations completely eliminated and all-cause hospital admissions drop by 52% due to virtual care management provided by Podimetrics.
The research was published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, a journal published in partnership with the American Diabetes Association.
The researchers examined the impact of once-daily foot temperature monitoring with Podimetrics for patients with recently healed diabetic foot ulcers and found that for every three study participants using Podimetrics over the yearlong study, one hospital admission was avoided.
They also noted a 40% reduction in emergency department visits, and more than 25% reduction in outpatient visits.
Diabetic amputations are some of the costliest complications of diabetes. The research was conducted across four outpatient centers within Kaiser Permanente’s Mid-Atlantic States Region.
Seventy-seven eligible participants were provided the Podimetrics SmartMat for once-daily foot temperature monitoring and were followed for one year.
The researchers evaluated diabetic foot-related outcomes and associated resource utilization for each participant during three distinct and non-overlapping phases: the two years before study participation, the one year during the foot temperature monitoring intervention, and the period after the intervention ended through the date of the analysis.
After placing their feet on the cellular-connected SmartMat for just 20 seconds a day, patients’ data are automatically sent to the Podimetrics care management team, which helps address any concerning findings.
Scott Mace is a contributing writer for HealthLeaders.