Sharp debridement of diabetic foot ulcers and the importance of meaningful informed consent

Samantha Haycocks is Specialist Podiatrist and Paul Chadwick is Principal Podiatrist, Salford Primary Care Trust, Podiatry and Foot Health, Hope Hospital, Salford There is minimal evidence to support the use of sharp debridement in clinical practice even though it is an accepted part of the management of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). It is not common practice within podiatry departments to gain written, informed consent for this invasive procedure. However, in today’s more litigious environment, the North West Podiatry Clinical Effectiveness Group decided to develop an information leaflet to identify the risks and benefits of sharp debridement in order to gain written, informed consent. This article looks at the evidence for sharp debridement of DFU and the process of developing the patient leaflet.