Second Survey: Help Shape the Future of Diabetic Foot Care in Europe 

Following the success of our first Europe-wide survey, which mapped current practices in diabetic foot care and helped identify gaps across healthcare systems, the EWMA Diabetic Foot Committee is now launching its second survey.

This new initiative focuses on the practical implementation of the Standard of Care, particularly offloading and local management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Standard of Care for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The EWMA Diabetic Foot Committee has launched a European survey to explore how the Standard of Care (SoC) for diabetic foot ulcers is understood and implemented in clinical practice.

According to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines, the SoC is based on five essential pillars:

• Metabolic control of diabetes and its comorbidities
• Vascular restoration in cases of peripheral arterial disease
• Treatment of infection
• Offloading of the diabetic foot ulcer by means of devices or surgery
• Local management of the diabetic foot ulcer
  
  

Although the SoC concept is widely accepted and often used as a benchmark in clinical trials, its practical application varies considerably across healthcare systems and cultures.

A review of published literature reveals more than 25 different definitions of SoC, underlining the need for a clearer and more consistent understanding of what it entails in day-to-day care.

Purpose of the second survey

The objective of this initiative is to identify variations in how the SoC is defined and applied, particularly in relation to offloading and local ulcer management.

By collecting information from clinicians across Europe and beyond, the EWMA Diabetic Foot Committee aims to:

• Assess discrepancies in the interpretation and implementation of the SoC for diabetic foot ulcers.
• Highlight regional and systemic barriers to evidence-based care.
• Map the most commonly used devices, debridement methods, and clinical decision-making criteria.
• Strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange within the diabetic foot care network.
  
  

The results will support future EWMA activities, including educational resources, position documents, and international initiatives aimed at improving diabetic foot ulcer management and outcomes.

Survey details

• Estimated completion time: 10–15 minutes
• Participation: Voluntary and anonymous
  
  

Participants are encouraged to share the survey link within their professional networks to help broaden the evidence base and strengthen the diabetic foot care community across Europe.

For questions or further information, please contact ewma@ewma.org