Rewind the Journey: The Preventability Index in Diabetic Limb Salvage

Dr. G explores the "Preventability Index," a framework for replaying a patients timeline to identify missed opportunities that could have prevented a diabetic foot ulcer or amputation. He explains the five domains of the index—structural deformity, skin integrity, infection burden, vascular reserve, and time to intervene—each scored 010; higher totals indicate greater preventability. The episode emphasizes prevention through early detection, foot exams during routine visits, patient education, timely vascular and infection evaluation, and offloading. Dr. G stresses that the index is not for blame but for quality improvement and patient advocacy to reduce avoidable limb loss.