Providing Affordable Diabetic Footwear for our Patients
Care Process & Redesign
Yishun Health One Improvement Festival
National Healthcare Group
28 April 2025
The aim of the innovation project is to provide affordable and functional footwear for the patients in the Podiatry. The project has helped many patients obtain high-quality, functional footwear without paying exorbitant prices.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 28 April 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Cost Saving, Quality Improvement
About this Content
Aims
The aim of the innovation project is to provide affordable and functional footwear for the patients in the Podiatry Department at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).
Background
Accessibility to good, functional footwear at affordable prices is generally poor in Singapore. Many patients opt for cheaper but inappropriate alternatives, leading to unnecessary diabetic foot ulcers and increased risk of infections and amputations.
Methods
A collaboration between KTPH Podiatry Department and an external partner, Star360, was established to design and develop affordable yet functional footwear for the diabetic population at KTPH. Multiple meetings were held to determine the functional features required. Prototypes were produced and tested, and feedback was gathered to refine the design before mass production.
Results
180 pairs of footwear have been issued to KTPH and AdMC patients. The footwear was made available for sale through the Podiatry Department after a podiatrist's assessment for suitability. A public funding campaign raised $43,700 to subsidize the price for those with financial difficulties.
Conclusion
The project has helped many patients obtain high-quality, functional footwear without paying exorbitant prices. It is expected to reduce the incidence of footwear-related diabetic foot ulcers.
Lessons Learnt
The project demonstrated the importance of collaboration and feedback in developing functional and affordable healthcare solutions. It also highlighted the need for accessible pricing strategies.
Additional Information
The footwear is available in retail shops at Suntec City, and preferential pricing has been negotiated for NHG-referred patients and those referred by other clusters.
Keywords
Diabetic Footwear, Podiatry, Affordable Footwear
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Admiralty Medical Centre |
Platform(s) | Yishun Health One Improvement Festival |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Podiatry |
Project Lead(s) | Chelsea Law |
Project Member(s) | Tavintharan Subramaniam |
Connect with this contributor!
KTPH & YCH Innovation & Improvement (I&I) Office - i-i@ktph.com.sg
Project Attachment
793_KTPH_OIF 2025_Providing Affordable Diabetic Footwear for our Patients.pdf