Clinical Briefings™: Best Practices in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy – Optimal Implementation in Inpatient and Outpatient Settings

Release Date: January 31, 2021
Expiration Date: January 31, 2022

Activity Overview

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was introduced into clinical practice in the early 1990s. Since the first clinical applications, the use of NPWT has expanded from the treatment of acute traumatic soft tissue wounds to a much broader spectrum of indications. NPWT is now indicated for the treatment of chronic wounds, such as leg ulcers and decubitus ulcers, as well as for soft tissue wounds.

Considering there are over 100 indications for NPWT today, it is critical that clinicians are competent in applying NPWT in appropriate situations. This online activity provides a concise, focused overview of the clinical aspects of NPWT, including indications, device options, patient scenarios, clinical data on the use of NPWT for common wounds, and barriers to NPWT use. The multimedia format of this program combines audio commentary from expert thought leaders with text-based elements.

Acknowledgement of Commercial Support

This activity is supported by an educational grant from 3M+KCI.

Target Audience

This online educational activity is directed toward physicians, podiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals who treat patients using negative pressure wound therapy are also invited to participate.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this activity, you should be better prepared to:

• Evaluate appropriate indications for use of NPWT in specific clinical settings
• Apply knowledge of clinical trials to optimize care in specific clinical settings
• Summarize guideline recommendations and the evidence base supporting best practices in NPWT
• Identify and address potential barriers to NPWT therapy

Faculty, Staff, and Planners’ Disclosures

In accordance with ACCME Guidelines, PER^® has identified and resolved all COI for faculty, staff, and planners prior to the start of this activity by using a multistep process.

Faculty

Paul J. Kim, DPM, MS
Medical Director, Wound Program at Clements University Hospital
Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
University of Texas Southwestern
Dallas, TX

Disclosures: Consultant: 3M, Integra Lifescience, Inc.

Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD, FAAD
Chairman & Harvey Blank Professor
Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery
Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences
Director, University of Miami Hospital and Clinics Wound Center
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, FL

Disclosures: Grant/Research Support: Smith+Nephew; Consultant: Mölnlycke, Smith+Nephew.

The staff of Physicians' Education Resource^®, LLC (PER^®) have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Off-Label Disclosure and Disclaimer

This activity may or may not discuss investigational, unapproved, or off-label use of drugs. Learners are advised to consult prescribing information for any products discussed. The information provided in this accredited activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent clinical judgment of a healthcare professional relative to diagnostic, treatment, or management options for a specific patient’s medical condition. The opinions expressed in the content are solely those of the individual faculty members and do not reflect those of PER^® or any company that provided commercial support for this activity.