An Overview of Present-Day Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – Part Two

In part two of this three-part NPWT educational series offered in partnership with ExtriCARE USA, we will explore the current state of NPWT in the industry, how that is evolving, and what challenges are presented as the treatment advances to the next level.

As discussed in part one of this series, present-day negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is much different than its first iterations. Over the past decade, NPWT has become a more well-known and sought-out treatment. It has become widespread in use due to an increased number of new studies and clinical trials being published showing its effectiveness in healing wounds.1

Additionally, the introduction of NPWT variations such as single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) has further advanced its usage potential.2 NPWT was historically used to treat complex wounds. Today, NPWT is used on nearly every type of wound—from incisional to acute—and revolutionizing the industry’s perspective on who can benefit from this therapy.

Although NPWT is steadily progressing beyond its original form, its evolution presents industry barriers and learning curves. The article will explore some of the key challenges clinicians are faced with during this therapy’s state of transition and the solutions that can be implemented to further maximize its potential to elevate it to the next level of utilization.

The Pandemic’s Effect on NPWT Advancement

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many, if not all, industries to pivot and adapt—wound care being no exception. The pandemic has pushed wound care towards the home care market, forcing the industry to adapt more to home-based usage.

To briefly reiterate its history until now: Modern NPWT started with wall suction for acute wounds in hospitals and then transitioned to a portable device-based therapy, which allowed it to evolve and follow the patient to other settings. Thanks to technological advancements, devices have become smaller and more mobile, allowing patients to utilize the therapy at home.

This posed a challenge because clinicians in the home care setting have different skillsets and may not be as familiar with NPWT. Therefore, the treatment needs to become more versatile and easier to use to be effective.

NPWT manufacturers should continue to think more innovatively so that any clinician can apply NPWT and treat patients in their homes, even without a wound care background. Patient adherence and comfort are essential to the growth of NPWT, and its transition into home care will hopefully enhance the patient healing experience.

An Overabundance of Options

In the last five years, there has been a drastic increase in innovations with NPWT devices. Because many companies are bringing a variety of new offerings, this presents a challenge to clinicians. Some companies have multiple device options and different application methods, posing the question back to the clinician—"Which product is best for my patient?” Because of this, clinicians may feel burdened with too many options without having a clear path to select which option will be best for that specific situation.

Although innovation will make the industry better, it does pose a present challenge in the long run. Clinicians need to be trained on new methods and products that are constantly being released. Education is often time-consuming, of which a clinician’s time is limited. Therefore, manufacturers and providers need to make educational resources and support as easily accessible as possible.

Clinician Burnout

Although clinicians feeling overworked has been a historical norm, the pandemic has especially increased this phenomenon. Clinicians are overburdened, and facilities are overtaxed. The number of patients that need care is increasing while the amount of time per patient is decreasing, which is why manufacturers need to create products that reduce the time it takes to apply NPWT. Clinicians do not need overcomplex solutions; they need more intuitive systems to help reduce workloads and improve efficiencies while still considering the patient’s best course of treatment and quality of life.

Insurance Compliance

Insurance companies have not yet adapted to the evolution of NPWT. Currently, the way NPWT is billed may not cover the ways in which NPWT can make it easier for patients. It is challenging to introduce new products and boost NPWT innovation if insurance companies are not willing to adapt. How can clinicians improve the quality of a patient’s life via the most appropriate products if the cost of those is not covered?

Ultimately, the industry is heading towards NPWT being a preventative solution rather than a last-resort treatment method. Insurance companies currently do not see incision-line management as a fully covered cost, but as new research continues to be published, this may be a hopeful change.

Solutions to Move NPWT Forward

As an industry, wound care companies need to create products that adapt to the patients’ needs instead of the patient adapting to the product. For example, hybrid negative pressure wound therapy (hNPWT) offers clinicians a simple solution, allowing one NPWT pump to utilize traditional and incisional management dressing types. This gives clinicians the freedom and confidence to apply which method they feel will best fit the needs of the patient.

NPWT is continuing to expand, and its various benefits will be explored and optimized in the future as it becomes a preventative wound healing solution. As new modalities of NPWT devices enter the market, there will need to be a concerted effort as an industry to offer more educational resources and support for clinicians collectively. Proper and ongoing wound care education is key to positive patient outcomes and clinician satisfaction.

In part one, we looked at the past to understand the scope of NPWT’s potential. In part two, we dove into the current industry challenges as it evolves. In part three, we will explore the many possibilities of NPWT usage as we innovate into the future.

About ExtriCARE USA:

ExtriCARE USA is a national medical device distribution company specializing in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Our products save clinicians time and benefit patients by introducing mobile solutions and provide a more flexible treatment. To learn more, visit www.extricareusa.com.

References:

1. Lalezari S, Lee CJ, Borovikova AA, et al. Deconstructing negative pressure wound therapy. Int Wound J. 2017;14(4):649-657. doi:10.1111/iwj.12658
2. Crumley C. Single-use negative pressure wound therapy devices: a technologic analysis. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2021;48(3):195-198. doi:10.1097/WON.0000000000000761