Improving care for rural patients with diabetic foot ulcers to prevent amputations

Crossing the divide: piloting an integrated care model to bridge rural-urban healthcare systems and reduce major amputations among rural patients with diabetic foot ulcers

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10877834

This study is working on a new way to help people in rural areas with diabetic foot ulcers by bringing together different healthcare experts in one place to provide better care and reduce the chances of needing amputations.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877834 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and test a new integrated care model specifically designed for rural patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers. By bringing together multiple healthcare specialists in one location and utilizing algorithms to address key health factors, the project seeks to reduce the high rates of major amputations in these patients. The approach is based on successful urban models but tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare systems. Patients will receive coordinated care that addresses their specific needs, ultimately aiming to improve their health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are rural patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers who are at risk of major amputation.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those without diabetic foot ulcers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of major amputations among rural patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that integrated care models in urban settings can reduce major amputations by approximately 40%, indicating potential for success in rural adaptations.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.