Single Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy System and the Pediatric Patient

Problem:  Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a commonly used treatment in which a sponge is applied to a wound with negative pressure to augment healing. The process can be used on both chronic and acute wounds.¹ The NPWT has multiple pieces and can be a large piece of equipment for pediatric patients.  Although the treatment is effective, its use can lengthen a child’s hospital stay for closer patient monitoring or its size can make mobility more difficult for pediatric patients with a high activity level.  Dressing changes occur several times a week and nurses are needed to provide care. Pediatric patients and their families are left anxious over the process and time spent away from home.

Project Objective: The application of single use NPWT* for pediatric patient allows for sizing options ideal for smaller patients, allows for earlier discharge to home, and increases mobility related to the compact size.

Case Series: Demonstrate the use of a single use NPWT* on a series of pediatric patients.

Outcome: The single use NPWT* was easy to apply and demonstrated no adverse side effect. The patient received the first dressing application in the hospital and followed up with the wound care team outpatient with in the first week.  Patients followed up in seven days if wound drainage was mild to moderate and within three days if the drainage was more substantial.  Patients required fewer dressing changes and parents were able to manage the therapy at home.  Four examples are presented in this poster. Single use NPWT* proved to be effective in all participating patients leading to resolution of wound, skin grafting or basic wound care performed at home. Therapy conclusion was observed within three applications or less, and patients in all cases reported ease in use and preference over other therapy modalities.