Competency Framework Name……………………………………… Assessor………………………………………………………… Role / Band……………………………… Level Of

competency framework name……………………………………… assessor…………………………………………………………. role / band………………………………. level of competency expected of r

Competency Framework
Name……………………………………… Assessor………………………………………………………….
Role / Band………………………………. Level of competency expected of role 1 □ 2 □
3 □ 4 □
Competency:
Management of Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) / Negative Pressure Wound
Therapy (NPWT)
Competency Statement:
To have the knowledge and skills to effectively use NPWT / VAC therapy
in the community
Initially please self-assess your current level of competence in
relation to the competency statements outlined. You may feel that you
are at different levels for different components of this competency.
For example you may feel that you are safe to practice autonomously in
some aspects of the competency but only understand basic principles
for other elements. Initial and date where you feel that you are for
each statement. This information will help you focus your learning
needs. Agree with your assessor a timeframe to complete the
competency. At the end of this period reassess your competence and ask
your assessor to do the same
*
Complete self assessment regarding this competency on day 1
*
At agreed date re-assess your level of knowledge / skills /
attitude
*
Assessor to indicate level of competency achieved at negotiated
end point
Link to KSF dimensions and levels
1.
Understands basic principles
2.
Consistently able to demonstrate principles and apply to practice
3.
Safe to practice unsupervised
4.
Autonomous
Clinical decision making
Negotiated timeframe for successful completion
Knowledge required
*
It is expected that the HCP will read the relevant operator’s
manual related to the model and type of equipment before use.
*
To have the knowledge of NPWT in order to care for the patient
effectively and safely by managing the risks associated with NPWT.
*
To have the knowledge of how NPWT effects wound healing.
*
To have the knowledge of the type of wounds and patient groups
that NPWT is both suitable and unsuitable for.
*
To have the knowledge required for who to contact when support is
required.
*
Know where to obtain further stock of dressings and canisters.
*
To know and understand the acute to community discharge process.
Skills required
*
Use the NPWT in a safe manner.
*
Demonstrate competence in performing the procedure of setting up
the VAC therapy unit including troubleshooting alarms
*
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles/ application of VAC
therapy
*
Demonstrate an understanding of the risks associated with VAC
therapy including; complications; precautions.
*
Demonstrate the procedure of applying VAC therapy including more
complex techniques:
*
Mushrooming
*
Bridging
*
“Picture framing”
*
Demonstrate the knowledge of when white foam is indicated.
*
Demonstrate the knowledge of when a liner is indicated.
*
Demonstrate Canister insertion and release.
*
Demonstrate knowledge of battery facility
*
Demonstrate therapy functions:
*
Pressure setting
*
Continuous/intermittent therapy
*
Demonstrate an understanding of alarms and rectification:
*
Canister full
*
Tubing blocked
*
Leak
*
Battery low
*
Therapy not activated
*
Demonstrate how to lock the pump programme.
Suggested learning opportunities to develop skills and knowledge
*
VAC Acadamy
*
Acelity Representative.
*
Individual learning support as/when patients are discharged with
VAC therapy.
*
Shared learning within the Community Teams.
Other resources
*
Tissue Viability Team
*
District Nursing Service – Tissue Viability Resource Nurses
Related Policies
Medical Devices Management Policy and Procedures CP08:
http://obmhintranet.obmh.nhs.uk/pp/Documents/Clinical%20policies%20(from%201st%20April%202011)/Trust%20Wide%20Clinical%20Policies/Medical%20Devices%20Policy%20and%20Guidelines%20(CP08).pdf
Infection Prevention and Control IF1:
http://obmhintranet.obmh.nhs.uk/pp/Documents/Clinical%20policies,%20guidelines,%20protocols%20and%20procedures/Trustwide/Policies/IF1%20Infection%20Control%20December%202011.pdf
Consent to Treatment CP1:
http://obmhintranet.obmh.nhs.uk/pp/Documents/Clinical%20policies%20(from%201st%20April%202011)/Trust%20Wide%20Clinical%20Policies/Consent%20to%20Treatment%20(CP19)%20Dec2010.pdf
Clinical Risk Assessment and Management CP16:
http://obmhintranet.obmh.nhs.uk/pp/Documents/Clinical%20policies%20(from%201st%20April%202011)/Trust%20Wide%20Clinical%20Policies/Clinical%20Risk%20Assessment%20and%20Management%20(CP16).pdf
Privacy and Dignity CP51:
http://obmhintranet.obmh.nhs.uk/pp/Documents/Clinical%20policies%20(from%201st%20April%202011)/Trust%20Wide%20Clinical%20Policies/Privacy%20and%20Dignity%20(CP51).pdf
Incident reporting policy RMHS1:
http://obmhintranet.obmh.nhs.uk/pp/Documents/Risk%20Management%20(inc%20Health%20and%20Safety)/Incident%20Reporting%20and%20Management%20Policy%20Incident%20Reporting%20SIRI%20Procedure%20(RMHSI).pdf
Clinicians Comments
Assessors Comments
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
Date of competency/Training review
Subsequent Review Period
Clinicians Comments
Assessors Comments
Signature
Date
Signature
Date
Date of competency/Training review
VAC Therapy competency, V1, 17.3.15