Patients' views on topical negative pressure: 'effective but smelly'

Topical negative pressure (TNP) is increasingly being used in both the UK and internationally, on wounds of acute, chronic and surgical origin. However, little is known about patients' experiences of this therapy. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland undertook a health technology assessment on TNP in 2009-2010. This assessment considered clinical and cost-effectiveness, patient issues, and organizational issues. This article describes the primary research undertaken for the patient issues section. Qualitative methods were used to attempt to understand patients' perceptions and experiences of TNP. A focus group and individual interviews were held in Glasgow, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically. The themes which emerged as being important to patients receiving TNP were healing, smell, embarrassment, pain, nurse training, self-care, information provision, getting out of hospital, and returning to normal life. Implications for practice are suggested for manufacturers, service leads and nurses.