In addition to a wound, wound treatment can also affect a patient's life. A substantial number of patients discontinued negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) before the goal was reached, due to being attached to a device, dependency on others and a reduced self-esteem. The follow-up study in 16 hospitals showed that having a sensitive skin and when the decision for NPWT is made in a shared decision way, resulted in an premature termination of NPWT. A further to be investigated potential alternative to NPWT is a capillary dressing. Patients indicated that after being informed about treatment options, they want the health care professional (HCP) to decide. In addition, patients prefer a wound professional for their wound care rather than (learning to) do it themselves. To avoid inconvenience and costs, HCPs and patients should inform each other about different treatment options and values and preferences, to come to a tailor-made treatment.
Alexandra Janssen (1970) obtained her MANP diploma in 2006, her Msc Health & Social Care (BCU) in 2014 and in 2018 she started her PhD research (Radboudumc). She works as wound care specialist in the Elkerliek hospital, in the Regional Expertise Team Wound Care, teacher of the training for wound care nurses (Zorgacademie Radboudumc) and chair of V&VN Wound Expertise.