EQUITY IN WOUND CARE: THE ROLE OF NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES federicogattorno@gmail.com

PE129

EQUITY IN WOUND CARE: THE ROLE OF NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

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Alonso Lopez Herrera lopezhea@nychhc.org Harlem Hospital-Woodhull Hospital Surgery Harlem-Brooklyn NY United States

 

 

 

United States

Oral or Poster

Background: Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has transformed how we manage complex wounds, offering a powerful tool for healing when other treatments fall short. Yet for many patients—especially those from underserved or minority communities—access to this therapy can be inconsistent. Insurance limitations, gaps in outpatient care, and broader systemic inequities often stand in the way of recovery.

Objective: This case series highlights the real-world use of NPWT in a group of minority patients treated at an urban safety-net hospital, aiming to shed light not only on the clinical outcomes but also on the human stories behind the wounds. Methods: We reviewed the clinical journeys of 50 patients who received NPWT throughout their wound care in our limited-resource setting, where access to consistent follow-up is often uncertain. Fourteen of the most complex cases were selected for detailed presentation, reflecting variations in wound type, size, comorbidities, and overall treatment challenges.

Results: Despite those barriers, patients experienced meaningful healing while hospitalized. Some wounds were visibly transformed over time, demonstrating the potential of NPWT when it’s applied early and consistently. However, several patients faced challenges in continuing care once discharged, highlighting a critical gap in outpatient access that could compromise long-term outcomes.

Conclusion: Beyond the clinical success we achieved with these patients, these cases highlight something greater: they reflect the resilience of patients and underscore the importance of equitable access to care. NPWT works, but it works best when patients can carry its benefits beyond the hospital walls.