Utilizing International Consensus Panel Recommendations and a Clinical Decision Tree to Guide Selection of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Abstract

Introduction. A variety of NPWT products have become commercially available in the last 30 years. Utilizing advanced wound therapies appropriately can improve patient outcomes and decrease health care expenditures. Due to the increasing number of available product options, Hurd and colleagues published 10 Consensus Statements and a clinical decision tree to provide guidance on how and when to use NPWT and when to transition between device types. Objective. To demonstrate the applicability of the consensus panel’s statements and the clinical decision tree, 2 clinicians in the United States and Canada explored the benefits of applying these recommendations into their routine wound management practice. Materials and Methods. Case studies were collected and reviewed in accordance with the Consensus Statements and clinical decision tree. Results. Case presentations illustrate the application of the consensus panel’s guidance through the prescribing of the NPWT products utilized as standard of care within both facilities. Conclusion. Utilizing NPWT devices according to the consensus panel recommendations and the clinical decision tree may assist in optimizing care delivery to patients and address logistical and economic efficiencies.