Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Purpose:
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is an adjunctive therapy used in the treatment of wounds that utilizes negative pressure to remove fluid, debris and bacterial burden.
Objectives
- Discuss the principles of NPWT.
- State the indications for NPWT.
- Discuss patient appropriateness for initiating NPWT.
- Demonstrate wound assessment.
- Discuss the precautions and contraindications for use of NPWT.
- Describe and demonstrate a NPWT dressing application and removal, according to the Proficiency Standard Skills Checklist, with 100% accuracy.
- Describe the nursing responsibilities when assessing the patient receiving NPWT.
- Discuss the possible complications related to NPWT.
- Discuss the indications for discontinuing NPWT.
- Complete the end of program test.
Method
All clinical staff are required to attain and maintain NPWT competency on an annual basis. This competency training requires:
- Review of policy pertaining to Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT).
- Completion of learning module and skills test.
- Observation of at least one NPWT dressing application by the clinician.
Credits
The applicant will be awarded a Certificate of Completion reflecting hours completed during the program.
*Applicants may choose how many hours they wish to complete.