In 2015, NSW Health Commissioned Francis Group International (FGI) to conduct horizons scanning pertaining to the podiatry workforce, and to develop workforce scenarios through consultation with key stakeholders. A further validation review was conducted in 2017 to ensure the initial findings of the project remain current.

The resulting Podiatry Horizons Scanning Report provides valuable information about this workforce, clarifying concerns that had previously been difficult to understand. It has also identified strategies that may assist with strengthening this workforce for NSW Health.

The consultation approach was designed to canvas a broad representative range of expert views on the critical risks and opportunities facing the workforce, whilst also building cumulative insight and consensus on these risks and opportunities to inform future action planning.

The resulting Podiatry Allied Health fact sheet provides valuable information about this workforce, clarifying concerns that had previously been difficult to understand. It has also identified opportunities that may assist with strengthening this workforce for NSW Health.

Additional work has been undertaken to better understand the impact of diabetes related foot disease in the Aboriginal population in NSW and how Aboriginal podiatry workforce initiatives could be explored to support the delivery of high quality care to people at risk of or with diabetes related foot disease. Further information can be found on this project on the Healthy Deadly Feet.