Achieving value for money? Evaluation of two wound dressings

During the past three decades there has been dramatic increase in spending on wound dressing products in the UK. While the rise in costs in many ways reflects a rise in the performance of the products purchased, it remains vital that nurses charged with prescribing such products achieve value for money. This article describes a small study of the use of a primary dressing and a secondary wound dressing in 12 patients, representing a range of wounds. In each case a more expensive alternative would normally have been used. In each case observed, involving both primary and secondary dressings, no deficit in clinical performance was noted but potential cost benefits were identified. The authors conclude that these initial findings are encouraging and further studies are required to address this important area of wound management.