Siksika Health Services and Partners Expand Pilot Program to Enhance Foot Health and Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers Among Siksika Nation Members

SIKSIKA NATION, Alberta, June 6, 2023 - Siksika Health Services (SHS), in collaboration with Orpyx^® Medical Technologies and GMAK Consulting, is excited to announce the launch of a second pilot program aimed at improving foot health and preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among Siksika Nation members living with type 2 diabetes. 

Zivot Limb Preservation Centre (ZLPC) has joined this initiative for this second pilot program and will provide clinical services. Their expertise and collaboration with SHS will provide invaluable lower-limb educational opportunities for SHS dedicated staff. 

With the success of the initial pilot program, which involved 35 Siksika members, the partnership is eager to expand its efforts and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of integrating Orpyx SI^® Flex Sensory Insoles and remote patient monitoring (RPM) at scale within the community. 

In general, ~25% of people with diabetes will develop a DFU in their lifetime, with 49% DFU recurrence in the first year. During the initial 24-week pilot, only one participant with a long history of recurrent DFUs developed a new wound. The Orpyx SI program allowed for early and timely escalation to the ZLPC for assessment and treatment, effectively mitigating more severe complications. The low DFU occurrence rate during the initial pilot is a positive step in implementing a broader wound and amputation prevention program.

Acknowledging the complexities of managing diabetes, SHS remains committed to equipping Nation members with valuable resources to learn and implement best practices.

An integral component of the pilot program has been the organization of in-person community gatherings on Siksika Nation, which serve as a platform for providing culturally appropriate support to participants. One participant shared the significance of these gatherings, saying, “It’s a very good program, you learn a lot, and can ask questions about what you’re stuck on, maintaining your health. This program is helping a lot, for me and others I’ve talked to.” With the combined efforts of SHS Home Care, Orpyx, GMAK and the ZLPC, participants benefit from on-the-ground support, advanced data monitoring, and access to expertise in diabetic foot management. 

The pilot program is made possible through the generous support of PATHWAYS Indigenous Health Collaborations, a partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. and Bimaadzwin, who work together to bring about positive change and advancements in Indigenous healthcare.

Expanding the pilot program will give more community members access to state-of-the-art technology to significantly enhance their well-being. Together, we are dedicated to supporting more communities and First Nations in addressing their healthcare needs and improving access to quality care.

For more information:

Ryan Running Rabbit
Communications, Siksika Health Services
403-361-0584
RyanRR@SiksikaHealth.com

Karen Smith
Marketing, Orpyx Medical Technologies
210-823-9604
Karen.smith@orpyx.com