Priority 13 from the Foot Health PSP

UNCERTAINTY: What education and training do health care professionals (other than podiatrists) require about foot health, in order to accurately assess feet and refer on? (JLA PSP Priority 13)
Overall ranking 13
JLA question ID 0092/13
Explanatory note For many people with foot problems, a podiatrist will not be the first health professional that they see about their feet. Timely and appropriate referral to foot health services is essential to prevent sigificant reductions in lower limb health that can potentially lead to limb and /or life changing or threatening complications. In order to achieve this other health professionals and medical professionals need to understand the importance of good foot health and when to refer on to foot health services for expert foot health intervention. Research as to the level and nature of training/education that is required by General Practitioners (and other health professionals that may commonly see foot problems), in order to improve the assessment and onward referral process.  
Evidence  No evidence from systematic review found
Health Research Classification System category Generic health relevance
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples Why are foot problems ignored by rheumatologists? ~ Are GP's knowledgeable enough about foot health problems ~ What essential training should be provided to all the staff in general practice so that they better understand when I should be referred to a podiatrist or diabetes specialist? 
Submitted by Healthcare professional x 7, Patient x 5, Other x 2
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0092
PSP name Foot Health
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 30  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 26 September 2019