The perception of controlled negative pressure in the local management and treatment of chronic wounds in the group of nurses. Preliminary report

Introduction
Investigation of perception and fears related to the implementation of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) among nurses treating chronic wounds.

Material and methods
The study included 401 nurses qualified to treat wounds and interested in professional development in a given field. The collected data were statistically analysed. The method of estimation and diagnostic survey was used. The questionnaire developed by the authors was used as a tool assessing the perception of NPWT; it consisted of 3 domains (knowledge, motivation, readiness).

Results
The study included 391 female nurses (97.5%) and 10 male nurses (2.5%), aged 25 to 67 years. The mean age of the respondents was 44.96 years ±10.25 years. Each of the respondents had experience in the field of wound prophylaxis and treatment (100.0%). More than half (53.6%) of the respondents had no experience in the use of NPWT, and only 12.0% used the method independently. In the overall assessment of the NPWT Perception Questionnaire, the respondents obtained 75.77 ±12.72 points (min 37, max 100 points). The obtained results indicated a high level of perception of NPWT therapy in the studied sample.

Conclusions
The respondents presented the knowledge required to implement and conduct NPWT in the treatment of chronic wounds. A group of nurses who are qualified to treat wounds demonstrated motivation and readiness to implement NPWT, but they need the support of a specialist mentor, who could introduce them to practical issues related to this method.