Bringing negative pressure wound therapy to the community: expanding wound care access.

Abstract

The transition of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) from hospitals to community care is a significant advancement in patient care, driven by increased practitioner competence and technological improvements. Modern, mobile NPWT systems, equipped with smaller pumps, have expanded treatment options and reduced hospital stays. However, discharging patients with NPWT systems introduces some logistical challenges, including staff training, supply management and effective communication between hospital staff and community teams. Practical challenges include achieving secure seals in difficult anatomical locations, managing patient mobility and adapting care practices to home environments. Despite these challenges, the benefits of community-based NPWT are well-documented, reducing hospital costs and improving patient outcomes. Collaboration with NPWT system providers is essential to ensure appropriate training for community nurses, especially given the variety of products used across different trusts. The successful integration of NPWT into community settings demands a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, addressing logistical, training and operational barriers to maximise its potential in improving patient outcomes.