The function and purpose of core podiatry: An in-depth analysis of practice.

The function and purpose of podiatry and podiatrists in the UK were investigated with specific regard to the core role whilst considering current health policy and sociopolitical issues influencing the profession. A survey of 9.6% working members of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists from both the private, commercial and public sectors, identified the constituents of current practice in the UK. Traditional podiatry was still being carried out over 50% of the time despite developments in education and training. Although the term traditional podiatry is in current use to describe long-established tasks associated with care, respondents disagreed about its role, which suggest that it is poorly conceptualised and understood. Consequently, the term core podiatry was adopted.Some NHS departments are reducing the provision of core podiatry care which is linked to cost improvement initiatives, as there is little evidence of its effectiveness. Patients were interviewed to determine the value of core podiatry to them and it was found to sustain foot health whilst offering some emotional support and reassurance. Utilising data provided by practitioners and patients and reappraising the literature using concept analysis, a new definition and model of core podiatry was produced. This was then assimilated into The Chronic Care Model to propose a new strategy for the design and delivery of core podiatry services within the NHS.The findings confirm that core podiatry preserves individuals' foot health and the mobility of elderly patients in particular. Withdrawal of services is therefore a false economy. This new definition offers a consolidated view of practice and denotes areas that require further advancement or reorganisation. Developing the role of assistant practitioners to carry out some of the core work is proposed, whilst increasing treatments that can offer a cure. There is also an urgent need to introduce foot health promotion strategies at both national and local levels with the aim of preventing foot problems, thus contributing to the longer-term picture of improving and sustaining foot health.