Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management

Resource impact statement

No significant resource impact is anticipated

NICE's guideline on diabetic foot problems: prevention and management was launched in 2015 and then updated in 2019 and 2023.

We do not expect the 2023 update to have a significant impact on resources; that is:

• the resource impact of implementing any single guideline recommendation in England will be less than £1 million per year (or approximately £1,800 per 100,000 population, based on a population for England of 56.3 million) and
• the resource impact of implementing the whole guideline in England will be less than £5 million per year (or approximately £9,000 per 100,000 population, based on a population for England of 56.3 million).

Where clinical practice changes as a result of this update, there is not anticipated to be a significant change in resource use.

For assessing the risk of a diabetic foot problem, the existing recommendations have been maintained. The modified SIGN system is widely recognised and understood by practitioners in the field, and it was anticipated that the decision to continue recommending that approach would allow for continuity of established processes.

For managing the risk of developing a diabetic foot problem, the annual foot assessments were retained as it would maintain stability of current practice and would reassure patients who had concerns about a potential reduction in the frequency of their foot assessments. The annual foot assessment is not just a foot examination and risk assessment, it is also a chance to teach people how to look after their feet, and to emphasise the importance of doing so. Therefore, given the risk of reducing access to education and support, the committee agreed to continue recommending annual foot assessments.

Diabetes services are commissioned by integrated care systems. Providers are NHS hospital trusts, community providers and primary care providers.

ISBN: 1-4731-4950-2