Cost of dressings

Ideally, a wound dressing regimen is based on cost-per-outcome rather than cost-per-dressing. Although basic dressings are often cheaper per item, they can prolong healing. Specialised dressings are often more expensive and are sometimes continued for prolonged periods without clinical benefit.

Healthcare professionals recommending and using dressings should be aware of the cost. Patient expense must be considered in the management plan and discussed with the patient. Educate patients and carers about the dressings, and how to care for them to avoid waste.

For wounds that are unlikely to heal (where the goal is maintenance or palliation), consider using basic dressings and minimising dressing changes.

Many dressings do not need to be changed until they are at least 75% saturated. Reduce unnecessary dressing changes and choose the appropriate dressing for the amount of wound exudate.

For eligible Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) cardholders, many dressings for chronic wounds are available on the Repatriation Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). Refer to the PBS website for more information.