Litigation and the diabetic foot

A large number of patients with diabetes are managed in the community and this situation is likely to continue and the numbers increase. People with diabetes face a greatly increased risk of amputation – an event which may be followed by anger directed at those health professionals involved, among whom community podiatrists appear especially at risk of blame. The reasons for this, the issues which need to be addressed and the ways in which patients can be helped to come to terms with such a catastrophe are discussed. People with diabetes foot problems require multidisciplinary specialist team care. It is unacceptable for high‐risk diabetic patients to be treated in isolation. We suggest clear referral guidelines and care pathways which should be developed, understood and followed by each primary care trust. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.