We see every foot assessment as an opportunity to identify prevention as the most effective strategy for reducing diabetes-related foot complications. Early risk identification, routine screening, patient education and timely referral remain cornerstones of best practice.
As clinicians, we see every foot assessment as an opportunity to alter a patient's trajectory—from ulceration to preservation.
At LEAP26, prevention will be explored through a systems lens. How do we improve access for rural patients? How can technology support earlier detection? How do we build prevention into everyday practice?
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"The Five-Minute Screening That Changed Everything"
Harmony, the symphony of existence, Where diverse elements blend in acquiescence, Completeness and unity in an alluring dance, The balance of parts that coalesce in romance.
Model of Care Spotlight
Bridging Primary and Specialist Care: Implementing the Foot Forward Pathway in Sydney Local Health District
One of the challenges in diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) management is ensuring that people at moderate and high risk are identified early and referred to the right service at the right time. To address this, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) adopted the Foot Forward Integrated Diabetes Foot Care Pathway as a framework for referral triage, service planning and risk stratification.
The Foot Forward pathway provides a clear, evidence-based approach to categorising patients according to their risk of developing DFD, ranging from low risk through to active disease. Using this framework, our service reviewed and refined intake criteria to ensure that specialist podiatry resources were prioritised for people at moderate and high risk of diabetes-related foot complications, including those with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, deformity, previous ulceration or amputation.
Recognising that timely identification often begins in primary care, SLHD partnered with the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN)to strengthen awareness of diabetes foot risk assessment and referral pathways across general practice. Together, we developed and disseminated clinician resources, referral guidance and education materials aimed at supporting primary care clinicians to:
Identify diabetes-related foot risk earlier
Understand local referral pathways
Recognise when specialist podiatry review is indicated
Facilitate timely access to multidisciplinary high-risk foot services
This collaborative approach has helped establish a more consistent pathway from primary care into specialist services while supporting shared responsibility for prevention and early intervention.
Key Learnings:
✅ A standardised risk stratification framework improves referral appropriateness.
✅ Collaboration between Local Health Districts and Primary Health Networks can strengthen clinician awareness and streamline patient journeys.
✅ Clear referral criteria help ensure specialist services remain accessible to those most at risk of ulceration and amputation.
✅ Prevention begins before ulceration—often in general practice.
LEAP26 Connection
How can we create systems that identify risk earlier and improve access to specialist care?
This is precisely the challenge that LEAP26: Better Access, Better Outcomes – Reimagining High Risk Foot Care seeks to address. Whether through integrated referral pathways, innovative workforce models or stronger partnerships across healthcare sectors, improving access remains central to reducing avoidable diabetes-related amputations.
Discussion Question for Members
What strategies has your service implemented to improve referral pathways for people with moderate- and high-risk diabetes-related foot disease?
Share your experience and consider presenting your work as a poster or oral presentation at LEAP26.
Take advantage of group booking discounts, which our Secretariat can streamline for your organisation.
Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors!
Our partners play a crucial role in making our two-day event memorable. They also help introduce our members to their innovative products and services that support both our patients and their clinical practices.
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Conference Venue
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
We're thrilled to host LEAP26 this year right in the vibrant heart of Melbourne! You’ll be just steps away from fantastic restaurants, exciting shopping, and rich cultural experiences.
Once you register, you’ll enjoy special discount accommodation rates, making it easy to join us during the day and then explore all the delightful offerings Melbourne has in store for you in the evenings! We can't wait to see you there!
