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

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