Diabetes: annual examination of foot sensation
Indicator
The percentage of patients with diabetes with a record of testing of foot sensation using a 10 g monofilament within the preceding 12 months.
Indicator type
General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.
IND160 replaced NM12 on the NICE menu in 2015.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
Patients with diabetes are at high risk of foot complications. Foot inspection for vasculopathy and neuropathy is needed to detect these problems. These checks should be carried out annually. The foot inspection and assessment should include identifying the presence of sensory neuropathy. Sensation threshold measurement using a 10 g monofilament accurately predicts neuropathic patients at raised risk of ulceration.
Source guidance
Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management. NICE guideline NG19 (2015), recommendations 1.3.3 and 1.3.4
Specification
Numerator: The number of patients with diabetes with a record of testing of foot sensation using a 10g monofilament within the preceding 12 months.
Denominator: The number of patients with diabetes on the register.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: None.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess performance at individual general practice level.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6035-4