Research, educate, train: The PFI is part of the international consortium DiaSHOE

According to studies, 463 million people worldwide are currently affected by diabetes, and the rate of new cases is increasing every year. Almost 6% of the European population suffers from this serious metabolic disease, which among other things is a cause of serious complications in the lower limbs, such as diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). The development of infectious wounds on the foot is promoted by damaged blood vessels and nerve tracts. Incorrect footwear is fatal in this disease and is likely to rapidly worsen the condition of the patient, so that in the worst case, amputation of toes, foot or the entire leg is imminent.

The PFI is part of an international consortium that has been working intensively on diabetic foot syndrome and footwear optimised for this condition since October of last year. "The cooperation with several renowned institutions enables us to make optimal use of synergies and to achieve better results for all those affected. It is a pleasure to work with the experts from different countries," reports Ronny Weis, Head of Department ISC. The overall goal of the DiaSHOE project is to educate shoe manufacturers, patients, caregivers, health care workers and sales staff in the specialised shoe trade about DFS and how to counteract this condition - ideally through prevention and strengthening of their own skills. The aim is to disseminate the highly interesting research and development results as well as to intensify and improve the professional education and training opportunities in the footwear sector with regard to DFS.

These goals are expected to be achieved in 2022 through educational digital training packages for three different target groups: One package for designers, footwear technicians and product managers; one for health technicians and footwear salespeople; and one for self-care for patients, their families, caregivers and school teachers/educators. Extensive, professional information is intended to sensitise all interested parties to the topic of diabetic foot syndrome. As part of this project, the PFI is responsible for the training and information materials for shoe technicians and product managers. Among other things, these are to contain comprehensive information about the condition, biomechanics, production planning and manufacturing processes of diabetic shoes.

Ronny Weis believes in the success of the project: "The right footwear is essential for the best possible treatment of patients. Educating medical staff, shoe manufacturers, but also sufferers and their families about the disease and the connections to the shoe is an important step and could further contribute to significantly and sustainably improving the quality of life of diabetics in Europe in the future."

 

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

Zum Seitenanfang