Tissue Viability Service
Competency Framework for Expanded Practice: VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure)
Therapy
Intended staff group: All healthcare professionals
Assessing Clinical Expert ……………………………………….Job Title …………………………
Outcome: Effective and safe use of VAC therapy.
Key:
S – Supervision – performs under supervision
C – Competent – performs task effectively
C
Knowledge Base
What is VAC?
How does it work?
What are the indications for VAC therapy (types of wounds)?
What are the contraindications for VAC therapy?
(must be aware of all)
Which wounds should be treated with special care?
When, and with what, are wounds lined with an interface dressing?
Discuss foam selection and therapy / intensity settings for:
• Deep pressure ulcers
• shallow or superficial wounds
• skin grafts
• minimally exudating wounds
• painful wounds
How frequently should VAC dressings be changed? (Adults / children)
How do you obtain the pump and consumables?
What do you do in the event that a pump is not available within the
hospital.
How is consent obtained for VAC therapy?
Discuss areas of accountability and responsibility.
Can the patient be discharged with VAC therapy? If so, how is this
arranged?
Risk Management
S
Level
required
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Are there any manual handling implications?
How do you minimise the risk of tampering?
How is the equipment decontaminated / cleaned?
How do you report a fault in the equipment?
How do you report an adverse incident related to VAC therapy?
To whom. or what, would you refer if you need further information
Procedure
3
3
3
3
3
3
Explain procedure to patient, obtain informed consent.
Demonstrate ability to prepare patient, environment and equipment
Assess wound / consider wound swab
Demonstrate dressing technique:
3
3
3
•
•
3
Skin preparation.
Preparation and application of foam
VAC Comp Final SDH LC Rev0907 (3).doc
Acquired
(sign)
•
•
•
Application of drape
Connection / positioning of tubing.
Discuss technique. How would this differ if using the VAC ATS /
VAC Classic?
Document dressing application accurately and clearly in clinical record.
Explain what to do in the following situations:
3
3
•
•
•
•
•
•
Multiple wounds
Wounds in close proximity
Faecal incontinence
Wound undermining
Small wounds / sinuses
Plantar wounds or those where pressure may be exerted on the
VAC dressing or tubing
Deterioration of wound
Eschar and/or slough in the wound bed
Blood in the tubing or cannister
•
•
•
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Troubleshooting
Discuss what can be done to resolve the following:
• Loss of seal
• Pain
• Alarms : Cannister full, tubing blocked, battery low
• Patient mobility issues
• Excoriated / damaged peri-wound skin
• Foam dressing stuck to the wound bed.
Following training complete VAC ATS competency checklist. Retain
a copy of each and give the originals to your ward / departmental
manager.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
(Please sign
if seen).
Knowledge and skills framework
Your attainment of the competencies for this role will provide evidence towards the following dimensions in the
knowledge and skills framework:
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ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
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Core dimension 1: Communication: Level 3 a, b, c, e
Core dimension 2: Personal and People development: Level 3 b, c, e, f, g
Core dimension 3: Health, Safety and Security: Level 3 a, b, c, d, e
Core dimension 4: Service Improvement: Level 2 a, b, c, d, e, f
Core dimension 5: Quality: Level 3 a, e, f, g
Dimension: IK3: Knowledge and Information resource: Level 2 a, , c, d, e
I confirm that ……………………………………………….. has achieved clinical competence to the level required in all
criteria for this aspect of care.
Date …………………………..
Signature of assessor …………………………..
Practitioner
I will maintain responsibility for the review of my own clinical competence, skills and knowledge, and will discuss it six
monthly with my line manager as part of my appraisal.
Date …………………………
Review Date ………………………
VAC Comp Final SDH LC Rev0907 (3).doc
Signature ……………………………………………