The Step by Step Programme was introduced by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with The Rotary Club of Barbados, The World Diabetes Foundation and the Barbados Diabetes Foundation. Dr. Kenneth George, Senior Medical Officer of Health for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases elaborates on the initiative with Diabetes Today.
What is the Step-By-Step programme?
The Step by Step Programme is an internationally accepted system which was implemented in lower and middle income countries to raise the level of diabetic foot care in terms of prevention and proper treatment.
Which Countries have endorsed it and why?
The programme is fully implemented in Bangladesh, Tanzania and certain states of India.
The main reason for its implementation is to give health care professionals basic tools and knowledge to make accurate diagnosis and to give them preventative intervention.
Why was it brought to Barbados?
Barbados took on this programme because annually 180-200 persons have amputations, major and minor. A significant number of these persons are diabetic, and facts indicate that within 5 years of a major amputation 60 – 70% of these people will die.
How will it be incorporated into our health system?
The Ministry of Health Barbados has decided to train twenty persons in diabetic foot care, none of whom have a background in podiatry. The group is inclusive of doctors, nurses, and clinical medial officers.
Why not let our podiatrists handle these issues?
This programme is being carried out because the Ministry of Health recognizes that there is a major deficit of podiatrists in Barbados. There are approximately seven on the island, most of whom offer their services to the private sector; currently there are two vacant posts in the public sector which have remained vacant for a lengthy period.
How is training conducted?
In the first instance, the programme offers two days of intensive training where candidates gain both academic and practical knowledge. Refreshers courses are done a year later. Barbados will do the first refresher course on July 2nd and 3rd, 2010.
