A pilot study on the effect of topical negative pressure on quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To discover the impact of topical negative pressure (TNP) on quality of life.


METHODS
An exploratory prospective cohort study was conducted on 26 patients undergoing TNP. The Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule (CWIS), a wound-specific tool, was used to investigate quality-of-life scores before therapy and four weeks after therapy or at wound closure. Wound dimensions were measured at both assessments, and the values for the CWIS domains (physical symptoms, social functioning, well-being and overall quality of life) were investigated using parametric and non-parametric tests.


RESULTS
The mean duration of TNP therapy was 3.3 +/- 1.7 weeks. Topical negative pressure therapy helped to achieve complete wound closure in 14 patients (54%), and there was a mean reduction in wound surface area from 52.2 cm2 (range 4-150) to 26.8 cm2 (0-120). While there was no significant change in quality of life in patients whose wounds healed (1 +/- 11.9), the physical-functioning domain improved in obese patients (20 +/- 21, p < 0.05) and worsened in ambulatory patients (-3 +/- 13, p < 0.05). The portableTNP system had no significant impact on quality of life (-3 +/- 16), while the global quality-of-life score worsened with surgical intervention (-0.5 +/- 2, p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Although TNP aids wound closure in patients with complex wounds, in selected cases their quality of life can worsen. This is the first exploratory cohort study of its kind, and has identified an urgent need to validate the use of patient-based outcome measures in TNP therapy. Such data can be useful in allocating resources and justifying funding in wound care.
Mendonca
D A
DA
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Drew
P J
PJ
Harding
K G
KG
Price
P E
PE
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*