Patient preference with regard to negative pressure wound therapy and participation in wound care: A qualitative study

Objective: To explore the experiences and preferences of patients with wounds treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) regarding shared decision-making and patient participation. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult patients treated with NPWT. Interview topics included shared decision-making and patients active participation in wound treatment. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes. Results: The interview cohort comprised ten patients. Four themes emerged: (1) Having a wound makes patients uncertain and thus influences their quality of life; (2) NPWT influences patients daily lives; (3) Patients consider professional treatment decisions most important in the decision-making processes; (4) Self-management of wounds is accepted by patients only for low-complexity and wellhealing wounds under supervision. Participants emphasised their worries about the future and the impact of the wound/treatment on their families. After being thoroughly informed, participants preferred that health professionals decide on the treatment choice. In addition, participants and/or their relatives did not want to actively participate in complex wound care. As well as expressing a need for qualified wound care professionals, participants reported that they did not want to be or feel responsible for the wound treatment. Conclusion: Shared decision-making and active patient participation are underused and underexposed topics in wound care. Patients recognition of the importance of their personal preferences can facilitate shared decision-making. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest.