Making Strides with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
As part of her initiative to take her wound care department from “excellent” to “remarkable,” Sarah trialed several new wound vac technologies, including Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems from Medela. A great, interdisciplinary wound care committee was created. The members review processes, products and, as a team, help change practice.
“I was tasked with not only educating wound care nurses on our new system of choice, but leading the evaluation of said system,” said Sarah. “Care transition, quality, and operability were crucial. Fortunately, Medela – through their stellar product, but more importantly, through their white glove service and education initiatives – helped us reach our goals.” The team wanted to ensure continuity in care of patients transitioning between acute and long-term care. Other key points were the ease of use of the pumps for the staff, and that the pump was so quiet. The Medela team provided great in-services to the care team.
As the Finger Lakes Health team moved from trial to implementation, Medela’s clinical support specialists provided Sarah and the nursing team with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on training. The robust training was provided to the entire wound care team, guiding new users through critical moments, including complex wound dressing and overall management of patients with complex wounds.
Today, the Medela team provides Finger Lakes Health nurses with intensive, hands-on training through skills days, frequent as-needed service visits, and patient specific guidance to help onboard, troubleshoot, provide clinical insight, or procure supplies.
“Medela has been amazing, both to work with and to help me grow in the wound care field. Beyond training the team and providing constant, ongoing support, they’ve been my personal cheerleader – and a big part of my decision to go back to school and become a certified wound care nurse.”