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Clinical Research
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Early initiation of negative pressure wound therapy* in the treatment of stage III and IV pressure ulcers: analyzing the impact on length of treatment First Author: Mona Baharestani, PhD Authors: Mona Baharestani, PhD, ANP, CWOCN, CWS, FCCWS, FAPWCA; Michael S. Keith, PhD, PharmD; Sunni A. Barnes, PhD; Darron Daly, MS Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of early NPWT* initiation on the reduction of overall treatment time and length of home care service (LOHC) for patients with a primary diagnosis of Stage III or IV pressure ulcer. Methodology: A retrospective analysis using OCS'? OASIS assessment and NPWT* treatment data was conducted to evaluate differences in length of NPWT* and LOHC. Patients with Stage III or IV pressure ulcers were compared based on early (within first 30 days) (n=41) vs. late (after 30 days) (n=19) initiation of NPWT* treatment relative to the start of Home Health Care (SOC). Results: Sixty patients were evaluated. Patients treated early had a 63% reduction in LOHC (80 days vs. 216 days, p<0.0001). Initiating NPWT* early was also associated with a 22% reduction in NPWT* treatment time. Regression results indicated that for each day NPWT* use was delayed, 1.5 days was added to the total LOHC (ß = 1.45, p<0.0001). Thus, starting NPWT* on day 1 instead of day 10 may save almost 15 days in LOHC. Conclusions: Early initiation (within 30 days of SOC) of NPWT* in the treatment of Stage III and IV pressure ulcers was associated with a 22% reduction in treatment duration and a 63% reduction in overall length of home care service. * V.A.C.ª Therapy, KCI USA, San Antonio, TX ?Outcome Concept Systems (OCS), Inc., Seattle, WA. |
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