Using communication platforms to mobilize change for persons with diabetic foot ulcers

RN
RNAO and The Canadian Association of Wound Care
Social Movement Action Framework

In 2014, RNAO, Wound Care Canada, and other supporters organized a coalition and advocated for diabetes-related foot ulcers care from the provincial government in Ontario, Canada. The coalition used evidence, political pressure to demand an integrated system of care with universal access to improve health outcomes, including reduced ulcers and amputations and reduced costs for pressure-alleviating devices. Members of the coalition participated in many activities, including:

  • attending and participating in stakeholder meetings
  • writing a media release and lead article in RNJ
  • meeting with members of provincial parliament (MPPs) at RNAO’s annual Queen’s Park Day (Grinspun et al., 2018a)

The result of these advocacy efforts and changes in health outcomes are also described in an RNAO Evidence Booster measuring the impact of offloading devices for people living with diabetes and foot ulcers (https://rnao.ca/bpg/resources/evidence-booster-assessment-and-management-foot-ulcers-people-diabetes).