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

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1. Policy Summary • The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for staff within the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath NHS Trust about the requirements and processes for NPWT. • NPWT involves the use of a medical device to obtain negative pressure or a vacuum within a wound via a foam or gauze interface to promote healing. Both the suction effect and the mechanical forces generated in the wound lead can positively influence the wound healing process. • NPWT also assists in the removal of excess exudate thereby reducing local oedema. As such, NPWT can improve wound healing and health related quality of life. • The RUH currently uses Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.®) to deliver NPWT. 2. Policy Statements • The use of NPWT should be guided by informed clinical judgment and only commenced following a full assessment by a practitioner who has completed RUH NPWT training and completed self-assessment competencies following supervision by an experienced colleague. • This policy will identify what types of wounds are suitable for NPWT, who can use the therapy and how it is to be managed. • This policy aims to ensure the safe and effective use of NPWT in the RUH. • This policy also aims to ensure that no act or omission on the part of clinical professionals leads to the inappropriate management of a patient’s wound (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2008). Document name: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Ref.: 745 Issue date: 10 June 2013 Status: Approved Author: Kate Purser and Nicola Heywood Page 4 of 20
3. Definition of Terms Used NPWT: is a generic term used to describe vacuum assisted therapy that is not associated with any particular brand/company. Vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.®) therapy: is one of the most established negative pressure systems and uses a vacuum to create continuous or intermittent negative pressure at the wound bed to remove fluid, exudate and infectious materials as well as stimulating perfusion and new tissue growth (World Union Wound Healing Society, 2008). 4. Duties and Responsibilities This policy applies to all members of staff involved in any aspect of NPWT. They have responsibility for ensuring that the principles outlined within this document are universally applied. The responsibility for the delivery of care of the patient remains with trust staff and the nurse in charge of ward 4.1 Tissue Viability Nurse (TVN) • The TVN will assist ward staff to assess and manage patients with complex wounds requiring NPWT. • The TVN will ensure that regular training is available for appropriate staff. The NPWT training will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it is current. Registered nurses have a responsibility to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date, in order to maintain and develop their competence (NMC, 2008). • The TVN will ensure that self-assessment competencies are available for those who have undertaken NPWT training. Document name: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Ref.: 745 Issue date: 10 June 2013 Status: Approved Author: Kate Purser and Nicola Heywood Page 5 of 20
Page 1 and 2: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NP
Page 3: Amendment History Issue Status Date
Page 7 and 8: managing patients with NPWT, but no
Page 9 and 10: 9. Wounds which may be treated with
Page 11 and 12: 12. Potential complications Rarely,
Page 13 and 14: • Ensure that the consumables use
Page 15 and 16: 17. Who to contact for further help
Page 17 and 18: • Lee, D. L. et al. 2011. Negativ
Page 19 and 20: Consultation Schedule Name and Titl

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

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