Are hydrocolloid dressings cost effective?
Studies too numerous to cite have established that hydrocolloid dressings are more effective than ‘traditional’ dressings, such as parafin gauze, dry gauze and saline soaks. Despite this, and the relative reduction in cost over the decades, many health professionals continue to use obsolete materials and methods. When the efficacy of hydrocolloid occlusive dressing technique is compared with conventional wet-to-dry gauze dressing technique, the patient has been shown to benefit with a greater chance of healing, faster healing times, and less pain. Nursing time is very significantly reduced, because the wound does not need dressing so often (or for so long) dressing time is markedly reduced. Costs are saved in materials alone, before even considering the cost of professional time [1] Similar results have been found in patients with leg ulcers [2] Reference 1: Kim Y.C., Shin J.C., Park C.I., et al. Efficacy of hydrocolloid occlusive dressing technique in decubitus ulcer treatment: a comp
