Management of Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy

PORTSMOUTH HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
VACCUM ASSISTED CLOSURE THERAPY GUIDELINES

MANAGEMENT OF VACUUM ASSISTED CLOSURE THERAPY. Issue 1. 28.12.2006
TITLE
Management of Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy
MANAGER /
COMMITTEE
RESPONSIBLE
Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist

Mr Mark Pemberton, Vascular Consultant
NMCEC
DATE ISSUED
28.12.2006
VERSION
REVIEW DATE
December 2007
Equality Impact
Assessment has
been applied to this
policy
B. Topley. Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist
AUTHOR
Barbara Topley Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist
RATIFIED BY
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 05.12.2006
CONTENTS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
INTRODUCTION
STATUS
PURPOSE
SCOPE/AUDIENCE
DEFINITIONS
CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDANCE
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES and Audit Standards/Audit Tool
TRAINING
APPENDICES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
FLOW CHART FOR VAC THERAPY

INDICATIONS FOR USE OF VAC THERAPY
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VAC DEVICES, CANISTERS AND DRESSINGS
PRESSURE SETTINGS
SAFE DISCHARGE
COMPETENCY LEVELS
Control Date: 10/08/16
Page 1 of 14

1. INTRODUCTION
Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) is a therapy that can be used on a variety of acute and chronic wounds to
achieve either wound closure or prepare the wound bed for further surgical interventions. It has the potential
to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with chronic wounds, is an alternative treatment modality when
other conventional treatments fail or if patients are unable to undergo surgery. Appropriate use of this therapy
has the potential to reduce length of hospital stay, reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections and
improve patients quality of life.
2. STATUS
Clinical Guideline
3. PURPOSE
This guideline has been developed to support nurses to manage a wide variety of wounds using VAC therapy
appropriately and safely at all Competency Levels.
4. SCOPE/AUDIENCE
This guideline applies to all healthcare professionals who have been deemed competent to apply VAC therapy
on the QA site within the Surgical division, Dept of Critical Care, Renal Unit. It may be applied on the RHH site
but only with the support of Senior Nursing Staff in Plastics. A practitioner who can demonstrate detailed
knowledge of the device; its application and uses as well as its side effects must only prescribe VAC therapy.
Patients requiring VAC therapy outside of the above departments must be discussed with Tissue Viability and
the surgical division prior to commencing treatment.
5. DEFINITIONS
Chronic wounds can be described as wounds that have not responded to surgical or medical treatment and
are more likely to be present in the elderly or in people with multi-system failure 1. Chronic wounds include
pressure ulcers, venous and arterial leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and fungating wounds. Acute wounds are
those that usually heal without complications, for example: surgical incisions on a healthy patient. However
any wound can develop complications that can lead to delays in wound healing 2. Patients with complex
wounds invariably have complicated, underlying health problems with multi-factorial clinical signs and
symptoms that will deal wound healing 3.
6. CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDANCE
Action
A Competent Level 3 trained staff
should carry out a thorough wound
assessment on all identified patients2
Wound selection criteria4, 5
Refer to (Appendix 1)
Explain to patient reasons why VAC
therapy was chosen and document in
the patients medical records. Give
patient leaflet information about VAC
Therapy
Notify Tissue Viability Team when
commencing VAC therapy but
complex wounds must be referred
Action
Applying the dressings6
Refer to (Appendix 3)
Rationale
The outcome of the assessment should be documented in the Trusts Wound
Assessment and Care Plan
To identify suitability for VAC therapy as some wounds are contra-indicated for
Vac therapy
VAC therapy should only commence with the agreement of the patient and their
consultant
VAC therapy may be used in certain circumstances when it is contra-indicated
although only with the approval of a Tissue Viability Nurse. This will need to be
discussed with the patient and their relatives (Appendix 2) and documented
In these circumstances, the prescriber is accountable and responsible for the
outcome of the therapy
Tissue Viability Team will guide and support ward staff to ensure safe application
of VAC therapy for all patients with complex wounds
Rationale
PHT currently have available 3 types of pumps and 2 types of foam that can be
used for applying VAC therapy
Page 2 of 14

All healthcare professionals must be able to identify the differences and choose
the appropriate dressings and device
Foam should not be placed directly over exposed blood vessels or organs. This
should be covered with natural tissues (membranes or muscle), mesh or multiple
layers of non-adherent dressings
White foam may be placed directly over Vicryl/prolene mesh, or intact peritoneum.
If there are large volumes of exudate, increase pressures by 25 75 mmHg until
it reduces except in the management of Diabetic Feet
Vac therapy can still be applied if deep tension sutures are in situ but it is easier to
dress and maintain seal if they are removed with the Consultants approval
If patients experience discomfort, use continuous therapy and follow Pain
Assessment guidelines
If patients are on anticoagulants, ensure INR is stable and, if no evidence of
active bleeding, start with lower pressure and slowly titrate to 125mmHg
Using more than one piece of foam or
a combination of foams and silicone
dressings
Care should be taken when inserting

foam into areas of undermining and
tunnelling6
Multiple wounds
Optimal therapy 4,6,7 (Appendix 4)
Dressing changes4, 8
Changing the disposable canister
Action
Monitoring the wounds9
This should be recorded in the patients notes to ensure safe removal of all pieces
of foam and silicone dressing if used to line the wound bed
The undermining and tunnelled areas must be measured before inserting foam
into these areas
Foam should be cut 1- 2 cm longer than the tunnel measures, should be placed in
the distal part of the tunnel and the end of the foam should be in contact with foam
in the wound bed. This allows the distribution of higher pressures to collapse the
edges of the wound together allowing the wound to granulate
Foam should be gently placed into the distal areas of undermining and not forced
in. This allows the distribution of higher pressures to collapse the free areas of
undermining together allowing the wound to granulate together from the distal
portion
It is possible to use a bridging technique to apply VAC therapy. A Y-connector can
be used if the patient has more than one wound that requires VAC therapy
To optimize the benefits of VAC therapy, it should remain active
Pressure settings range between 50mmHg 200mmHg and are set according to
the wound type
It can be applied either continuously or intermittently depending on the site,
volume of exudate and patients level of pain
If the therapy is turned off for more than 2 hours in a 24 hour period, the therapy
must be discontinued and replaced with conventional dressings
The first dressings should be removed out after the first 48 hours
Subsequent dressing changes: 2 or 3 times weekly depending on foam used and
if interface dressing is used
Use non-adherent dressing to protect underlying structures
In the presence of significant infection, dressings should be changed every 12-24
hours
The VAC device will alarm when the canister is full and it should be changed
immediately. As the canister is a single use item, it should be changed at each
dressing change or if exudates is low once a week.
Rationale
Wounds must be monitored for signs of complications including: bleeding,
maceration, pain, odour, skin reaction, pressure damage from tubing
If there is a marked deterioration in the wound, or the surrounding skin or if the
wound becomes very dry, VAC therapy should be discontinued and medical staff
Page 3 of 14

Management of fistula6
Infected wounds10
Odour6, 8
Pain2, 4,9
Bleeding9
Skin reaction
Prevention of pressure damage from
tubing4
Discontinuation of therapy4, 9
Action
Discharge planning
(Appendix 5)
informed
The therapy should be discontinued immediately if there is rapid bleeding and
medical staff informed
The wound must be monitored to ensure that the therapy is maintained
The Tissue Viability Team should be contacted for further advice
VAC therapy can assist in the healing of enteric fistula although results cannot be
guaranteed. Refer to the Tissue Viability Team or a Level 4 Practitioner and the
patients Consultant before applying VAC therapy
More frequent dressings changes may be necessary
Observe and report clinical signs of infection to medical staff
Interaction between foam and exudate may cause odour and dressings may need
to be changed more frequently
Increasing odour could indicate infection and medical staff should be informed
All patients to undergo a pain assessment as analgesics will be required at
dressing changes or when VAC therapy is applied
There are also rare occasions when patients may have to go to Theatre initially to
have the dressings changed
Consult with Acute Pain Team as necessary
If patients report continuous pain, not controlled by analgesia, VAC therapy can
be reduced in increments of 25mmHg until pain is relieved
This can be titrated up as the pain improves or is controlled
Increased pain may indicate infection in the wound therefore medical staff should
be informed. VAC therapy may need to be discontinued if pain is not controlled
Blood stained exudates is common as a wound heals as granulation tissue is well
vascularised and easily traumatised .
If rapid bleeding (haemorrhaging) into canister, VAC therapy must be
discontinued immediately and medical team informed
Rapid granulation tissue formation may result in ingress of tissue into foam and
cause bleeding on removal. To reduce the risk a silicone interface dressing
(Mepitel) can be used
If foam adheres to the wound bed, to avoid trauma and bleeding, saline can be
used to soak the foam dressing prior to its removal
Occasionally patients may experience a skin reaction to the drape. Cavilon Film
or Duoderm Thin can be used to protect the peri-wound skin
The tubing from the dressing can potentially cause pressure damage. Care
should be taken to avoid this when placing the tube into the foam. To minimise
pressure from tubing over areas of skin/bony prominences, spare foam can be
used to cushion the tubing
VAC therapy should be discontinued:
When the aim of the therapy has been met
If no improvement in wound after 2 applications of therapy
If ward staff are unable to maintain therapy
If there is active bleeding
If there is a deterioration in the wound
Rationale
The Tissue Viability Team must be informed of patients being discharged on VAC
therapy.
Staff to ensure competency of community staff who will continue therapy post
discharge.
Teaching to be organised if deficit in knowledge base identified. This may result in
a delayed discharge
District Nurses must be contacted and there consent obtained for continuing VAC
Page 4 of 14

therapy on patients at home

Staff must ensure patients will be safe at home whilst continuing VAC therapy. i.e.
risk of trips, falls etc.
Check list to be completed and returned to Tissue Viability Office
Patients can be reviewed in Tissue Viability Outpatient Clinic or as a ward
attendee
Ward staff must contact the Tissue Viability Department before a patient is
transferred outside PHT with VAC therapy. If unable to contact the Department
out of hours or at weekends, VAC therapy should be removed and conventional
Transferring patients to other hospitals dressings applied. This is to ensure PHT equipment is not lost and always
accounted for.
It is the ward staff responsibility to communicate recommended ongoing care to
the receiving hospital.
7. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
Specific references
Specific references
1. BENBOW M (1995), Intrinsic factors affecting the management of chronic wounds, British Journal of Nursing 4 (7) pp 407410
2. FLANAGAN M (1997) Wound management Churchill Livingstone
3. BUTCHER M (1999) A systematic approach to complex wounds, Nursing Standard 15 (29) pp58-64
4. ARGENTA L C & MORYKWAS MJ (1997) Vacuum-Assisted Closure: A New Method for Wound Control and Treatment:
Clinical Experience Annals of Plastic Surgery 38 (6) pp563-576
5. THOMAS S (2001), An introduction to the use of vacuum assisted closure, World Wide Wounds
http//www.worldwidewounds.com
6. KCI Medical (2003), VAC Therapy Clinical guidelines, Oxfordshire
7. MORYKWAS M J, ARGENTA L C, SHELTON-BROWN E I ET AL (1997), Vacuum-assisted closure: a new method for
wound control and treatment: animal studies and basic foundation, Annals of Plastic Surgery 38 pp 553-562
8. DEFRANZO A J, ARGENTA L C, MARKS M W, MOLNAR J A, DAVID L R, WEBB L X, WARD W G, MCCALLON S K,
KNIGHT C A, VALIULUS J P, CUNNINGHAM M W, MCCULLOCH J M, FARINAS L P (2000) Vacuum-Assisted Closure
versus Saline-Moistened Gauze in the Healing of Postoperative Diabetic Foot Wounds Ostomy/Wound Management 46
(8) pp 28-34
9. BANWELL P E & TEOT L (2003), Topical negative pressure (TNP): the evolution of a novel wound therapy Journal of
Wound Care 12(1) pp22- 28
10. TANG A T M, OKRI S K, HAW M P (2000) Vacuum-assisted closure to treat deep sternal wound infection following cardiac
surgery Journal of Wound Care 9 (5) pp 229-231
11. MEDICAL DEVICES AGENCY (2000) Equipped to Care: The safe use of medical devices in the 21 st century Medical
Devices Agency London
12. NURSING & MIDWIFERY COUNCIL (2004) The NMC Code of Professional Conduct: Standards for Conduct,
Performance and Ethics NMC
Page 5 of 14

8. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
Competencies for VAC therapy Levels 1 4
Wound Assessment and Care Plan
Flow chart
Discharge protocol
General information leaflet
Further reading
COLLIER M (2003), Topical negative pressure Nursing Times 99(5) pp54
EVANS L& LAND L (2004), Topical negative pressure for treating chronic wounds
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 3
http://gateway.uk.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi
HIGGINS S (2003), The effectiveness of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in wound healing
Centre for Clinical Effectiveness, MONASH University
http://www.med.monash.edu.au/healthservices/cce
Additional websites
http://www.kcimedical.com
http://www.worldwidewounds.com
http://www.nice.org.uk
http://www.mhra.gov.uk
9. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Members of the Tissue Viability Team are responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring this guideline.
Audit Standards/Audit Tool
Aspect of Care/outcomes
All patients should undergo an holistic assessment
prior to the application of VAC therapy
1. A wound assessment and care plan is
completed
2.The wound is evaluated at each dressing change
3.All patients receive general information leaflet
Expected Standard/Target
100%
100%
100%
Source of Data Collection

Patient records and Wound
Patient records and Wound
Patient records and patient
satisfaction survey
Patient records, checklist and Tissue
Viability Database
4. Patients discharged with VAC therapy have a

discharge plan and will be followed up in the Tissue
100%
Viability Outpatient Clinic
All healthcare professionals are responsible for using any medical device safely and staff applying VAC therapy must be
competent (Appendix 6). The Tissue Viability Department will be responsible for maintaining a list of competent staff. The
Medical Devices Training Team will be responsible for training staff at Competency Levels 1 and 2. The Tissue Viability
Team will be responsible for assessing staff at Competency Levels 3 -4.
10. TRAINING
All staff using VAC therapy must have received appropriate training by attending a recognised training programme
provided by either the Trust or KCI Medical11, 12. They should also have received training in wound assessment, wound
management and complete the appropriate documentation. Staff must attend a training update at least every 2 years.
Staff must be assessed in clinical practice to achieve competencies from Level 1-4
APPENDIX 1
Page 6 of 14

Flow Chart for VAC Therapy

Wound types suitable for VAC therapy
Acute
Surgical
Skin Flaps
Skin Grafts
Trauma
Thermal
Chronic
Pressure ulcers
Leg ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers
Wound Assessment
Consider the following:
Size and site of wound
Levels of exudate
Surrounding skin
Infection
Pain
Patients ability to cope with VAC
Complex
Simple
Type of
Wound
Simple Wounds
Shallow cavity or deeper
cavities
Minimal or no undermining
No necrotic tissue or slough
No active bleeding
Complex Wounds
Exposed organs/blood vessels
Risk of fistula formation
Existing fistula of unknown origin
Presence of malignancy
Presence of necrotic tissue
Untreated osteomyelitis
Extensive undermining/tracking
Infection
Exposed bone or hardware i.e. mesh, metal
work
Suitable for VAC

therapy
Assessed by
Expert Practitioner
Contact Tissue
Viability Team or
Level 4
Practitioner
Page 7 of 14

APPENDIX 2
INDICATIONS FOR USE
Indications for use 5,6
Mains Powered Device
Acute/ traumatic wounds
Sub-acute
Pressure ulcers
Chronic wounds
Meshed grafts
Rotational/ free flaps
Partial thickness burns
Portable Device
Venous stasis ulcers
Lower extremity diabetic ulcers
Pressure ulcers
Lower extremity flaps
Dehisced incisions
Grafts
Contraindications and precautions for VAC Therapy

Fistula to organs/body cavities
Dry eschar
Untreated osteomyelitis
Malignancy in wounds
Exposed blood vessels or organs
Long term anticoagulant therapy
Haemophilia
Haemoglobinopathies, i.e. sickle cell disease
APPENDIX 3
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VAC DEVICES, CANISTERS AND DRESSINGS6
Type of pump
Classic pump:
300 ml canisters
Page 8 of 14

Must be switched on to battery manually when disconnected from the mains

Battery lasts 2 hours
Mini VAC pump

Portable
Uses 50 ml canisters
Battery operated and lasts up to 12 hours
Battery must be recharged
Facility to attach to mains
ATS pump
Different connection to Classic and Mini VAC
Battery lasts up to 4 hours
Automatic transfer to battery when disconnected from the mains
Freedom pump
Only available on rental
Not available within PHT
Portable pump
Has battery life of 12 hours
Recommended guidelines for foam use 6
Type of wound
Black Foam
Deep, acute wounds with moderate
granulation tissue present
x
Deep pressure ulcers
x
Flaps
x
Painful wounds
Superficial wounds
Tunnelling/sinus tracts/undermining
Deep trauma wounds
Wounds which require controlled
growth of granulation tissue
Diabetic ulcers
Post graft placement (including
x
bioengineered tissues)
Shallow chronic ulcers
x
APPENDIX 4
Optimal settings for:
Acute traumatic wounds 6
Surgical wound dehiscence 6
Pressure ulcers6
White foam (PVA)
Either
x
x
x
x
x
x
Page 9 of 14

Initial cycle
Continuous first
48 hours
Subsequent
cycle
Intermittent
5 min ON/ 2 min
OFF for
remaining
therapy
Target pressure Target pressure

(Black foam)
(White foam)
125 mmHg
125-175 mmHg
Titrate up if more
drainage
Dressing change
interval
Every 48- 96
hours (every 12
-24 hours with
infection)
Subsequent
cycle
Intermittent
5 min ON/ 2 min
OFF for
remaining
therapy
Target pressure
(Black foam)
50-125 mmHg
Dressing change
interval
Every 48- 96
hours (every 12
-24 hours with
infection)
Chronic ulcers
Initial cycle
Continuous for
first 48 hours
Target pressure
(White foam)
125-175 mmHg
Titrate up if more
drainage
Diabetic and Peripheral Vascular Foot Wounds

Initial cycle
Continuous for
duration of
therapy
Target pressure
(Black foam)
50 100mmHg
Titrate up by 25
mmHg if healthy,
red granulation
tissue
Discontinue if dry
and / or
discoloured
Target pressure
(White foam)
75 - 125 mmHg
Titrate up by 25
mmHg if healthy,
red granulation
tissue
Discontinue if dry
and / or
discoloured
Dressing change
interval
Every 48 72
hours
APPENDIX 5 SAFE DISCHARGE

Discharging Patients on VAC Therapy
WARD----------------
Page 10 of 14

Patient Addressograph
Patient Contact No
District Nurse
Surgery
Contact No
To ensure safe discharge the pt and / or carer must be competent to;

Change Canister
Operate Pump
Trouble Shoot
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
District Nurse informed and agreed

To continue VAC Therapy at home
Date
Yes
No
Type of VAC Pump

Serial No of Pump
Alternative Dressings provided in case of VAC Therapy failure?
Yes
No
Wound reviewed by TV Team prior to Discharge?
Yes
No
TV Outpatient Appointment Required?

TV Outpatient Appointment arranged with TV Office
& Patient informed?
Yes
No
Yes
No
VAC Dressings & Canisters Supplied?
Yes
No
General Information Leaflet Supplied to Patient
Yes
No
Sign
Grade
Date
Date returned:
Please Send/Fax copy of Form prior to Discharge to: -
Tissue Viability Office, Infill Building, QAH, Fax No: 023 9228 6985
Page 11 of 14

APPENDIX 6: Competency Statement

Competency Indicators
1st Level
a. Demonstrates ability to assist a
competent practitioner in the use of
VAC therapy by informing a
competent practitioner if: i. The VAC device is alarming
ii. The patient reports pain or
discomfort associated with VAC
therapy.
iii. There is any bleeding into the
canister or under the dressing
b. Identify the 3 different VAC devices
and the different dressings and
canisters associated with each device
c. Keeps patients and relatives/carers
informed of all actions
d. Ensures patient safety whilst
mobilising with VAC therapy
e. Demonstrates an understanding of
the principles of accountability for
ones practice
f. Demonstrates an understanding of
the basic function and controls of VAC
therapy
g. Demonstrates in practice how the
different pumps are switched from
power supply to battery, and battery
life to ensure pump has power supply
at all times
2nd Level
3rd level
4th level
Level 1 and
a. Describes the principles of wound
management and wound assessment
Level 1, 2 and
a. Demonstrates a detailed knowledge
of the principles of VAC therapy
b. Able to articulate the principles of

VAC therapy
b. Undertake a holistic assessment of

the patient and complete the Trusts
Wound Assessment and Care Plan
Level 1, 2,3 and

a. Demonstrates expert knowledge of
the scientific background to VAC
therapy
c. Able to re-apply a simple VAC

dressing after initial assessment and
first application of VAC dressing by a
level 3 or 4 practitioner
c. Demonstrates knowledge of wound

types suitable for VAC therapy
d. Identify the contraindications,

precautions for and complications of
VAC therapy
d. Identify patients suitable for VAC

therapy and any potential
complications. Apply VAC therapy
without supervision
e. Demonstrates the ability to assist a

level 4 practitioner in the application
of a complex VAC dressing
e. Able to discuss with medical staff

the rationale of why VAC therapy
may/may not be suitable
f. Identify reasons why VAC therapy

should be discontinued e.g. safety,
wound changes
f. Identify adjunct dressings for use

with VAC therapy
g. Demonstrates understanding of all

the controls and pre use checks
required for VAC therapy
h. Able to rectify any problems when
pump is alarming
i. In the event of pump failure knows
how to contact Equipment
Library/Clinical Engineering for
advice. If not rectified within 2 hours,
demonstrates in practice ability to
remove therapy and apply
conventional dressings
g. Demonstrate awareness of the

potential need to protect the periwound skin
h. Select the type of foam and VAC
device to be used for each individual
and identify the optimum settings for
VAC therapy
i. Perform re-application of advanced
VAC therapy dressings after initial
assessment and implementation of
treatment from an expert practitioner,
with on-going support and wound
review from the expert practitioner
Page 12 of 14
b. Demonstrate expertise in theory,

practice and management of VAC
therapy and dressing techniques for a
variety of wounds
c. Identify and treat complex wounds
with VAC therapy
d. Perform advanced VAC therapy
dressing applications
e. Liaise with the multi-disciplinary
team if patients have complex wounds
with complex co-morbidities and
require VAC therapy
f. Provide patients and their carers
with expert advice on VAC therapy
g. Facilitate patient discharge with
VAC therapy
h. Monitor progress of wound in
Tissue Viability Clinic and discharge
when appropriate
i. Provide education to
medical/nursing staff in all aspects of
VAC therapy.

h. Provide information leaflet on VAC
therapy and inform competent
practitioner if further explanation
required
j. Provide patients and their carers

with explanations of VAC therapy and
provide information leaflet
k. Demonstrates the importance and
method of keeping accurate records of
procedures and device settings
j. Evaluate wound outcomes and

identify when VAC therapy dressings
need changing and when it can be
discontinued
k. Produces clear documentation
instructing medical/nursing staff
indicating therapy pressures, dressing
frequency and any potential problems
l. Liaise with Tissue Viability Team
when nursing patients with complex
wounds and complex co-morbidities
m. Liaise with Tissue Viability Team to
facilitate discharge home with VAC
therapy
n. Provide education to other nursing
staff on VAC therapy and demonstrates
ability to assess other nurses in VAC
application and theory
Education resources to support your development

Received basic training in the
functions of the VAC device from
a competent practitioner who
has achieved Level 3 or 4 or
from a Medical Devices Trainer
Read patient information leaflet
Read product information
Received training from a competent

practitioner who has achieved
competency Level 3 or 4
Attended a recognised KCI or Trust
training course or received training
from an expert practitioner
http://www.kcimedical.com
Author:
Barbara Topley

from an expert practitioner and
assessed as competent
Received training on wound
assessment
Competency maintained through
continuous professional development
Department: Tissue Viability

from another expert practitioner
Assessed as competent
Competency maintained through
continuous professional development
Review Date:
Page 13 of 14

Record of Achievement
To verify competence please ensure that you have the appropriate level signed as a record of your achievement in the boxes below.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Date:
Date:
Date:
Date:
Signature of Assessor
Print Name
Print Name
Print Name
Print Name
References to Support Competency

BANWELL P E & TEOT L (2003)
Topical negative pressure (TNP): the evolution of a novel wound therapy
Journal of Wound Care 12(1) pp22- 28
COLLIER M (2003)
Topical negative pressure
Nursing Times 99(5) pp54
KCI Medical (2003)
VAC Therapy Clinical guidelines
Oxfordshire
THOMAS S (2001)
An introduction to the use of vacuum assisted closure
World Wide Wounds
http://www.worldwidewounds.com
Page 14 of 14

Management of Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Management of Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PORTSMOUTH HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

VACCUM ASSISTED CLOSURE THERAPY GUIDELINES