(NPWT) including Vacuum Assisted Closure (Vac) - Royal United ...

13. When to discontinue NPWT
• NPWT is associated with a significant cost implication, therefore there should be
regular reassessments of the need to continue NPWT. Reviews should be
undertaken by registered nurses with RUH NPWT competencies & occur at least
weekly. The TVN can be contacted for advice and or assistance with
reassessments.
• NPWT should be only be discontinued in discussion with the TVN or the patients’
medical team. However, if there is a serious problem such as
excessive/uncontrolled bleeding or pain, stop the therapy immediately.
• Discontinue NPWT therapy if it no longer appears to be effective and the wound
has become ‘static’ i.e. there is no new granulation tissue after one week.
Discuss with TVN whether NPWT should be continued.
• Exudate levels are so low that the wound is drying out.
• The wound has reached a stage at which NPWT therapy is no longer required i.e.
has granulated up to the level of the surrounding skin.
• The patient is unable to be discharged / transferred with NPWT therapy.
14. User responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the clinical staff that use NPWT to:
• Refer all patients on NPWT to the Tissue Viability team through Millennium.
• Only use NPWT once they have received approved RUH NPWT training and
completed the NPWT competencies.
• Be familiar with RUH policies and protocols, relevant company information and
instructions, prior to using the therapy (see Tissue Viability intranet for the latest
resources).
• Ensure that the NPWT policy and all relevant literature are available for all
members of the multidisciplinary team responsible for the patient.
Document name: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Ref.: 745
Issue date: 10 June 2013
Status: Approved
Author: Kate Purser and Nicola Heywood Page 12 of 20