NPWT is a topical negative pressure, sub-atomospheric pressure dressing or vacuum sealing technique generally indicated for the management of wounds, burns, ulcers, flaps and graphs. NPWT apply negative pressure to the wound in order to remove fluids, including wound exudates, irrigation fluids and infectious materials. The system is thought to benefit wounds healing by removing wound fluid and dessicated tissue, decreasing the level of bacteria in the wound, improving blood flow in the wound and surrounding tissue, promote granulation tissue, and pulling the wound edges together and stimulating cell growth.

However, the FDA has received reports of six deaths and 77 injuries associated with NPWT systems over the past two years. Bleeding was the most serious complication, occurring in all six deaths and in 17 of the injuries. These complications can occur in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and at home.

Of the 83 reports to the FDA, 27 reports indicated worsening infection from original open infected wounds or from pieces of dressing that remained in the wound, and 32 reports noted injury from foam dressing pieces and foam sticking to tissues or clinging to the wound. Most of these patients required surgery, additional hospitalization, and antibiotics.

The agency is advising health care professionals to select patients for NPWT carefully, after reviewing the most recent device labeling and instructions. Risk factors and characteristics that should be considered before NPWT use include patients at high risk for bleeding and hemorrhage; patients on anticoagulants or platelet aggregation inhibitors; patients with infected blood vessels, infected wounds, exposed organs, or sharp edges in the wound (such as bone fragments); and patients with spinal cord injuries. A full list of risk factors and contraindications can be found on the FDA’s letter to healthcare practitioners.

Patients should be monitored frequently in an appropriate setting by a trained practitioner, and should be vigilant for potentially life-threatening complications, such as bleeding, and be prepared to take prompt action if they occur. Patients who use NPWT at home should receive adequate training from their health care provider on how to use the NPWT device; understand the possible complications that may be associated with using the NPWT device; get NPWT patient instructions their doctor, NPWT distributor, or the manufacturer’s Web site; and talk to their doctors if they do not feel capable of managing the NPWT device at home.

Consumers may report adverse reactions related to negative pressure wound therapy to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Reporting Program.

SOURCE: Nursing Home Abuse › FDA warns of death, complications from type of wound therapy

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In January 2008, two employees at Radius Health Care Center in Quincy, Maine, saw their co-worker Elizabeth Landry, a 25-year-old nursing assistant, slapping a man on the head with an open hand, swearing at him and calling him and obscene name. She also reportedly pulled the man out of his wheelchair and threw him into a bed. The man was a stroke victim and used a wheelchair for mobility.

Landry said the man had struck her in the face with a menu, but the incident was enough to get her fired from Radius Health Care Center. The nursing home, as it is required, reported the incident to Maine’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs. A social worker informed the man’s stepdaughter of the alleged assault two days after it occurred.

Landry was charged with assault and battery on a disabled person over 60. She entered a plea agreement in the Plymouth District Court. Based on her previous military service and lack of criminal record, the judge gave what the man’s stepdaughter considered a lenient sentence. Landry was ordered to complete an anger-management course and to stay away from the man she abused. The case will be dismissed in one year if Landry manages to stay out of trouble.

Source: Patriot Ledger

SOURCE: Nursing Home Abuse › Woman disappointed in judge’s treatment of abusive nursing aide

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“We were surprised by that,” says Claudia Hutton with the New York Health Department. “You call the police as soon as you realize someone is missing.” Federal regulations state that the facility must report persons who have been missing for more than 24 hours.

Constable was a resident of Lakeside Manor Home for Adults, a facility that allows residents to come and go as they please. Residents there must be able to function on their own at a basic level but may require assistance with some tasks.

A therapist discovered Constable was missing when Constable was not at the home for a regular therapy session. The police are actively searching for Constable. They won’t say what condition Constable suffers from; however, they do not believe he is in imminent danger.

People who live near the home have made several complaints saying the residents of the home are publicly drunk, urinate on lawns and litter the area with cigarette butts and trash. Many neighbors don’t blame the residents of the home, but the staff there for not keeping up the property.

“It’s the staff; they’re just nasty, miserable people. They don’t care,” says neighbor Anthony Caccamo.

A representative from the health department says the facility likely won’t face more than a citation.

SOURCE: Nursing Home Abuse › Man wanders away from assisted living facility

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The outside temperature was between 36 and 40 degrees and a light rain was falling. Officials say the cold and rain likely contributed to her death, though autopsy results are pending.

Florissant Police Chief William Karabas said it is too early to say whether criminal neglect was involved. Officials say she went outside sometime after the 9 p.m. rounds. It is still unclear how Rooks managed to get outside – whether on her own or by another person pushing her wheelchair – or how she could have remained outdoors for hours without anyone noticing. Once the investigation is completed, the police report will be forwarded to the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney’s office for review. The Missouri Department of Health also is conducting interviews.

A spokesperson with Northgate Park Nursing Home, which is owned by CommuniCare Health Services, says no employee faces disciplinary action at this time.

Rooks family members are understandably distraught. “I’m just not going to let it go,” said Rooks’ stepson Eugene. “It hurts me so bad just for her to be outside for four or five hours in the rain by herself.” Eugene believes staff may have tried to cover up the scene by bringing her body inside and trying to “clean her up and dry her off” before calling police, according to the report. The nursing home says staff followed proper protocol after finding the woman.

“There’s a great deal of sadness and we want to get all of the answers for the family,” the nursing home spokesperson told the newspaper. “We know they’re upset and we understand that.”

SOURCE: Nursing Home Abuse › Elderly woman found dead outside nursing home

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When officials at Genesis Rehabilitation suspected Dellarma’s credentials were at fault, they immediately suspended him. Then they contacted the Department of Health, local authorities and the Attorney General’s office. Dellarma was later terminated by his employer.

Dellarma was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated forgery, a Class B felony, for allegedly filing a public document with a public office with the intent to defraud or deceive. Dellarma also was indicted on two counts of felony theft by deception and one count for unlicensed practice of physical therapy, a misdemeanor.

The Morning Sentinel quoted a statement released by Genesis Rehabilitation: “We take issues like this very seriously and are cooperating fully with the authorities as they handle this situation. This is an isolated incident and is not a reflection of the overall quality of care provided to our patients every day. We remain committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for the patients in our care.”

There was no evidence that any patients were harmed or endangered. No other information about the case was released, and the case remains under investigation by the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Health Care Crimes Unit.

SOURCE: Nursing Home Abuse › Physical therapist charged with unlicensed practice, forgery

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