Improving Patient Experience through a Novel Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device.

Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is considered to be an effective wound treatment, yet time and time again research has highlighted a need for improvement.  Research has shown that patients feel NPWT has a positive impact on their wound, however, patients also reported challenges such as noise issues, sleep disturbance, and reduced mobility1.

Purpose: This poster will present a case series comparing patient experiences using two negative pressure wound therapy systems that meet the standard of care, as defined by EWMA, by maintaining set pressure at the wound site2.

Methods: Two different sites provided data from patients with lower extremity wounds who fit the criteria for NPWT. Patients received either a novel NPWT device or a commonly available NPWT device. Dressings were changed 2-3 times weekly and wound measurements were taken. Patients were asked a series of questions at weekly intervals consisting of pain level, noise level, sleep disturbance and overall satisfaction with the device.

Conclusion: The results from 12 patients (6 patients per NPWT device) illustrated comparable patient outcomes and healing times for the novel NPWT was shortened compared to the common NPWT device. Patients reported increased levels of satisfaction with the novel NPWT device which related to increased compliance.