title: Negative pressure wound therapy:  a study on patient perspectives.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to explore patients' lived experience of using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A phenomenological approach based on Heideggerian philosophy was undertaken. The study population consisted of 6 participants who had used NPWT for a minimum of 4 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and investigated for themes using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three superordinate themes were identified: altered sense of self, new culture of technology and leading a restricted life. Themes associated with an altered sense of self and leading a restricted life were in keeping with other wound care studies. Identification of barriers such as managing technical difficulties, practicalities of daily living, and improved understanding of NPWT for both patient and practitioner, can foster hope and reduce anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations include holistic assessment of patient suitability for NPWT, education for patients and health professionals on NPWT, use of lighter, quieter devices, and the inclusion of a technology domain in future health-related quality of life studies on NPWT.
authors.affiliation: Sligo General Hospital, Ireland. bolas@eircom.net
authors.forename: Niamh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bolas
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holloway
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing*