Benefits of a Patient-Centered Remote Therapy Monitoring Program Oriented Toward Consistent Adherence to Wound Therapy

Background: Patient non-adherence to wound care protocols may impact the effectiveness of modalities, such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Recently, a remote therapy monitoring (RTM) system has been developed for use with NPWT by patients receiving homecare. 

Purpose: We present three cases to examine the relationship between patients using the RTM system and Virtual Therapy Specialists (VTS).

Case Studies and Results: Patient 1, a 72-year-old female, was provided with RTM-equipped NPWT for at-home management of an abdominal wound stemming from a calciphylaxis diagnosis. The patient received sodium thiosulfate infusions several times per week to treat calciphylaxis. During the approximately 40-minute welcome call, the VTS listened regarding healthcare accessibility; the VTS assisted the spouse with inspecting the unit, troubleshooting blockage alarms and tubing obstruction; and provided patient education. The patient had minimal issues during treatment (6 non-adherent vs 82 adherent days). The patient discontinued RTM-equipped NPWT after attaining her therapeutic goal.

Patient 2, a 57-year-old female, developed a surgical site infection following ventral hernia repair and was discharged home with a RTM-equipped NPWT unit. Following the welcome call, the patient proactively called the VTS to voice concerns and address technical issues, which allowed the patient to remain adherent to therapy (8 non-adherent vs 49 adherent days). One call placed by the patient facilitated communication between the home health nurse and the VTS. Afterwards, the nurse initiated 3 calls to the VTS, requesting assistance with dressing application techniques and troubleshooting.

Patient 3, a 53-year-old female, was discharged home with a RTM-equipped NPWT unit to manage a dehisced surgical wound post hysterectomy. The patient resumed work shortly after starting NPWT and the VTS advised her on how to discreetly manage NPWT in the workplace, which helped promote adherence (2 non-adherent vs 14 adherent days).

Conclusions: In these 3 cases, RTM addressed individual barriers to promote adherence to NPWT.