Examining equipment for wound care: the use of forceps and cotton wool in dressing packs

Wound care experts have, over recent years, questioned the routine use of forceps and cotton wool balls in packs used for cleansing and dressing wounds. Despite relevant research supporting this view, these items still appear in wound care packs in some hospitals and the basis for this practice, at times, does not seem to have been questioned. A project to explore the effect of introducing a new pack (substituting gloves and non-woven gauze for cotton wool and forceps) was undertaken at St James's University Hospital in the summer of 1993. Nurses' opinions regarding satisfaction with the new pack were explored along with whether they would prefer to use forceps. Results showed that the majority of nurses were satisfied with the new packs and found them an appropriate, acceptable alternative. The Accident and Emergency findings are reported with a discussion of the implications for practice.