Use Assessment of an Interactive Patient Mobile Application to Support Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Introduction: Patients receiving Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)* with and without companion mobile app (MWH)† use were compared. Patient demographics, adherence to therapy, wound progres- sion, and therapy days were assessed to characterize the type of patient likely to use MWH and evaluate any differences in NPWT adherence and wound progression. Methods: MWH was developed for use with an NPWT unit for patients in the homecare setting. Patients undergoing NPWT were invited to download the MWH app to track their wound healing progress, receive NPWT and general wound care education, obtain help using the NPWT device, and order NPWT supplies. From January 2022 to February 2024, 4,917 patients used MWH compared to 261,667 without MWH. Data were summarized as means, counts, and percentages. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to test for differences between cohorts with alpha at 0.05. Results: MWH users were younger (54 years versus 60 years), had a higher rate of commercial insurance (MWH 38.4% versus non-MWH 25.6%), and had a higher percentage of acute wounds (MWH 77.9% versus non-MWH 69.8%). The average hours of therapy per day was 17.9 for MWH versus 15.4 for non-MWH. The rate of patients maintaining an average of 16 or more hours of therapy per day was higher for the MWH cohort (68.8% versus 54.8%). MWH patients had a larger wound volume decrease at 80.9% versus 76.8% for non-MWH. All findings were statisti- cally significant at p< 0.05. Discussion: MWH patients were more likely to meet minimum required hours on therapy than non-MWH patients. The increased adher- ence to therapy may result in a greater decrease in wound volume. HE-006 (RPT-003) Healthcare Equity: A Community-based Pilot Study on Repurposing Wound Care Supplies for Underserved Populations Anushka Jain, n/a; Jayesh Shah, MD, MHA – Adj. Assistant Professor, UIW Medical School, President Time-Oxygen Healing Concepts LLC Introduction: Chronic wounds affect 6.5 million individuals in the United States, contributing significantly to lower limb amputations, with a limb lost to diabetes every 20 seconds globally . These wounds impose a significant financial burden on the healthcare system, particularly for uninsured or homeless populations. For example, San Antonio’s homeless population increased by 7% in 2024, complicating wound care manage- ment due to limited resources and infrastructure. Many medical schools now incorporate street medicine programs to address these disparities. The Dream Donation pilot project was launched to collect unused wound care supplies from clinics, patients, and pharmaceutical representatives for redistribution to underserved populations. Methods: A significant yet under-acknowledged issue in wound care is the wastage of supplies, with surplus materials often discarded after wounds heal. Recognizing this, we established a program to repurpose unused supplies, addressing two challenges: reducing environmental waste and providing essential resources to underserved clinics. Supplies were collected from clinics, patients, and pharmaceutical representatives and redistributed to facilities serving uninsured and homeless populations. Results: Approximately $10,000 worth of supplies were collected and donated to organizations such as Corazon Ministries, Seton Home, SAM Ministries, Yanawana Herbolarios, Bexar Area Harm Reduction Coalition, and UIW’s Street Medicine Program. Discussion: Our pilot study highlights the significant need for wound care supplies among underserved populations and the potential of repur- posing unused materials. Scaling this initiative through digital platforms, such as an app to connect donors with clinics, could enhance accessibility and efficiency. Collaboration with organizations like the Amazon Founda- tion for shipping support may enable global outreach.