Discussion
Whilst results from the questionnaires indicated a lack of consensus
amongst podiatrists regarding the potential introduction of podiatric
telemedicine into their clinical operations, the thematic analysis
emerging from the focus groups and interviews revealed that telemedicine
is a promising approach for the future of foot and ankle management.
Moreover, the results suggested that a considerable proportion of
stakeholders endorsed the adoption of telemedicine in podiatry. Although
the authors contend that certain issues must be addressed before
implementing such a new service, one needs to acknowledge that
telemedicine cannot replace certain aspects of clinical assessment.. The
importance of telemedicine for enhancement and enabling the
accessibility of podiatric care to service users was highlighted by
interviewees in senior management positions. Furthermore, it was
asserted that it is imperative that during telemedicine podiatric
consultations patients’ requirements need to be addressed
comprehensively.
A recent scoping review reported that the current research on
telemedicine practice guidelines concerning the foot and ankle to date
are solely focused from an orthopaedic viewpoint, with particular
emphasis on musculoskeletal conditions.3 Stojmanovski
et al3 emphasised the dearth of telemedicine
guidelines that are specifically designed for the management of foot and
ankle ailments.3 Additionally, the authors observed
that the current guidelines lack adequate non-technical clinical
recommendations.3 Some important considerations before
introducing podiatric telemedicine include:
The establishment of profession-specific guidelinesProfession-specific guidelines for healthcare providers and service
users receiving care are imperative. It is expected that the
establishment of podiatric telemedicine guidelines will facilitate the
implementation of telemedicine in podiatric medicine. In addition,
these resources will aid healthcare providers in delivering optimal
foot and ankle management to their patients, enabling greater
adaptability in podiatric care within a primary healthcare
environment.
The importance of professional development and community
outreach
Despite the initial reservations expressed by healthcare stakeholders
regarding the proposed service, it has been consistently highlighted
that its establishment is imperative, subject to the implementation of
appropriate measures and the development and adherence to sound criteria
which include the importance of professional development, extensive
community outreach, and professional management of service users
expectations concerning the potential benefits of telemedicine.
Better patient triaging in clinical settings
The allocation of available slots to patients needing clinical
appointments can improve the efficiency of clinical services and
mitigate wait times. Furthermore, there would be an enhanced
availability of podiatrists for patients to establish direct
communication. It is essential to acknowledge that while telemedicine
may not be universally efficacious for all podiatric ailments, it has
the potential to confer benefits in foot care and footwear guidance,
monitoring of orthotic devices, management of musculoskeletal conditions
in the lower limb, and treatment of foot infections.