SmartMat Delivers Preventative TelePodiatry Care for Veterans
The VA’s Remote Temperature Monitoring (RTM) program, using the Podimetrics SmartMat, enables daily foot temperature readings for veterans with diabetes, automatically transmitted to their VA care teams. This early detection tool helps identify hotspots—often up to five weeks before a diabetic foot ulcer appears—and allows proactive intervention. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Highlights:
- Early Warning Signs: A temperature increase of ≥2.2 °C at the same location over two days triggers alerts to veterans and their VA podiatry teams, prompting closer inspection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- High Adoption & Reach: Over 8,100 veterans across 158 VA sites are enrolled; participation surged from ~20 to 247 at one center during COVID‑19. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Outcome Improvements: Studies show using the SmartMat reduces hospital admissions, foot ulcer development, and amputations—evidenced by a 91% relative risk reduction in one cohort. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Veteran Impact: Users report reduced clinic visits and greater confidence in managing their diabetes, allowing more time with family. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Expanding Innovation: The VA is piloting other technologies—like smart insoles and socks—for continuous foot surveillance. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
By detecting ulcer precursors up to five weeks earlier than traditional methods, the SmartMat program offers a scalable, preventive approach to reducing diabetic foot complications and improving quality of life among veterans.
Read more on the VA News website.
Keywords:
SmartMat,
remote temperature monitoring,
diabetic foot ulcer,
telepodiatry,
early intervention