Working with industry for improved patient outcomes

Various codes of practice, guidelines and protocols exist that support the engagement between health professionals and industry. Of importance is how these engagements can be encouraged to support improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the policies that exist from both the perspective of the health professionals and that of industry within the wound-care market space. Health professionals' engagement with wound-care companies in various guises in practice, including advancement of medical technologies; education development; provision on the safe and effective use of products; and true, practical research and evaluations of products. Joint working initiatives do exist between the NHS and industry that are transparent, mutually beneficial, support patient safety, ensure improved patient experience, and drive clinical effectiveness.