Caroline McIntosh

Professor of Podiatric Medicine

Professor Caroline McIntosh is an Established Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Director of the Alliance for Research and Innovation in Wounds at the University of Galway. She previously served as Head of the School of Health Sciences, where she provided strategic leadership across education, research, and clinical partnerships.

Prior to her academic career, Caroline worked as a Senior Podiatrist within the NHS, specialising in vascular disease. She has a specialist interest in diabetic foot disease and lower extremity wounds and has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in this field. Caroline’s research is focused on improving outcomes for people living with diabetic foot disease through prevention, early intervention, and innovative models of care. She has secured funding as both Principal Investigator and co-applicant on several national and international research projects and was co-PI of the €1.5 million Health Research Board Collaborative Doctoral Award (CDA), DFD PRIMO (Diabetic Foot Disease: From Prevention to Improved Patient Outcomes), which supported six PhD scholars undertaking research across the diabetic foot disease pathway.

Internationally, Caroline is a member of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), where she co-authored the 2023 International Guideline on Wound Healing Interventions and is currently a member of the working group developing the 2027 guideline update. She is also a member of the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Diabetic Foot Committee, contributing to the development and implementation of evidence-based practice and innovation in diabetic foot care across Europe.

The Burden of Pain in Diabetic Foot Disease

Pain in diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) remains under-recognised despite its significant impact on mobility, wound healing, psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life.

This presentation explores the epidemiology and mechanisms of pain in DFD, differentiates neuropathic, ischaemic and inflammatory pain, and reviews the latest evidence on their prevalence and clinical significance.

Drawing on current research and clinical experience, it highlights validated pain assessment tools and emphasises the importance of a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to pain assessment and management within the multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes for people living with DFD.