Vacuum-assisted closure home care training: a process to link education to improved patient outcomes

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) applies subatmospheric pressure across the wound bed inducing cellular and molecular changes that are beneficial to wound healing. This healing modality may facilitate tissue debridement, infection/inflammation control, and moisture balance; the key components of the wound bed preparation paradigm. To ensure that scientific evidence is diffused into daily clinical practice, we are proposing a knowledge transfer model that articulates an educational plan for the various levels of professional development. The discussion highlights the challenges and potential solutions to integrate NPWT into a seamless continuum of care including a community-based patient care model.