Diabetic Foot Care and Limb Preservation Pathway: Developmental Evaluation Study

University Health Network (UHN), working together with local primary care practitioners, patients, and community healthcare services is developing a Diabetic Foot Care and Limb Preservation Care pathway. Our goal is to improve foot care for individuals living with diabetes. This study is using a method called developmental evaluation to help map out the system and to provide information in real-time so that the pathway can be adapted and respond to what is learned. The investigators are going to explore different factors (facilitators and barriers) and processes, which help or hinder the development, implementation, and adoption of the pathway. The investigators are also going to find out about the patient and provider's experiences with diabetic foot care, wound care, limb preservation, and amputation. Finally, the study team is going to look at value-based health care for the diabetic foot care pathways and document healthcare resource utilization, costs, and outcomes. The study team will conduct interviews of stakeholders, including patient representatives, and will examine the participation and engagement in the pathway, identifying barriers and facilitators of the process. Once the pathway has started, the study team will look at the way the care is delivered and satisfaction through surveys to patients and practitioners. The study team will also ask about patients' quality of life and their ability to manage diabetes. The study will aim to answer three key questions: What is happening? Why is it happening? and, What are reasonable prospects, and tools for change? The entire study is anticipated to take 3 years to complete.