Use of the Avance® NPWT system: wound care and learning disabilities

Abstract

Over the past two decades, topical negative pressure wound therapy has gained wide acceptance as a genuine strategy in the treatment algorithm for a wide variety of acute and chronic wounds ( Bovill et al, 2008 ) and over 1000 peer-reviewed publications describing the clinical efficacy and safety of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for all wound types have been published over this period ( Vig et al, 2011 ). Wound care and learning disabilities are very rarely discussed as joint issues. This case study aims to highlight the successful use of topical NPWT on a patient with moderate learning disabilities and examines how wound management should be individualised to meet the needs of the patient.