Innovations in district nursing: the use of a first dressing starter box

Since the advent of nurse prescribing many district nurses have raised concerns about having only a simple non-adherent dressing available to apply to a wound while waiting for a prescription to be dispensed. This type of product does not meet the criteria for an ideal wound dressing. Using dressing products acquired from other sources, for example surplus dressings prescribed for another patient, is considered unacceptable clinical practice. This article describes a pilot study carried out to determine the feasibility of providing a 'starter box' filled with a selection of dressing products for use at the first dressing consultation. The results of the pilot study show that the availability of such a starter box could lead to a better wound care service for patients, and that cost savings could be made from avoiding unnecessary additional return visits or clinic appointments.