Authors (including presenting author) :
Cham WC(1), Pong WT(1), Ho KKB(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is widely used in orthopaedic to benefit wound healing. NPWT reduces edema, infection and boosts local blood flow aiming to speed up wound healing and shorten hospital stay.
Skilled operators are essential for quality NPWT application. Training workshop are provided to wound link nurses, however, other nurses are lack of competency in managing NPWT. To ensure timely treatment and continuity of care, training among nurses in NPWT application other than wound link nurses is crucial. Nevertheless, time limitation, manpower and lack of opportunities join the workshop are the constraints for training workshops. Therefore, a continuous quality improvement(CQI) program about NPWT application was developed and launched in January 2024 to equip nurses with knowledge and skills to manage NPWT effectively, improving patient outcomes and enhancing health care quality.
Objectives :
1) Enhance nurses’ understanding of the indications and contraindications about NPWT.
2) Build nurses’ confidence and competency in operating of different types of NPWT machines.
3) Standardize nursing practice in providing NPWT.
Methodology :
Orthopaedic wound team developed a pre- online test and post- online test to assess nurses’ knowledge and understanding of NPWT. Additionally, they prepared instructional videos which demonstrate the application of various types of NPWT machines. Nurses from two orthopaedic wards, each with at least 4 years of wound care experience, were invited to participate in the program. Firstly, all participants should complete pre-online test, then they learned from videos about indications, contraindications and applications of NPWT. During return demonstration, immediate feedback was provided to participants for highlighting area for improvement. Standardized checklist was used to evaluate the competencies of their return demonstration. Post- online test was done to evaluate participants’ knowledge of NPWT application.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 20 nurses with at least 4 years of wound care experience from two orthopaedic wards initially scored 79 on the pre-online test about NPWT therapy. After completing the CQI program, they have demonstrated a comprehensive scored 100 on the post-online test about NPWT therapy. They also achieved a 100% pass rate in the audit of their NPWT application skills.
