title: Research to inform the strategic management of supply in pressure area care.
abstract: The NHS spends an estimated 45 million Pounds each year on products and services directly relating to the prevention and management of pressure sores. The role of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (one of two successor bodies to NHS Supplies) at the most fundamental level is to ensure that the NHS secures maximum value from that expenditure. However, the Agency is also expected to establish and implement an overall framework for the management of purchasing and supply in the NHS--and one that increasingly takes into account the key government themes of efficiency and quality of care. This paper is in two parts. Part A describes the rationale for a more strategic approach to the management of supply at the macro level, and illustrates how the broad principles are being applied to pressure area care. Part B outlines how qualitative research has been used to inform the development of a 'supply strategy' in this field, and discusses the main outputs of this study. The research found significant differences in trusts' approaches to pressure area care, depending on the type, size and specialty of trust and the experiences and views of individuals. The level and profile of expenditure on pressure relieving equipment was similarly diverse. Rental arrangements were favoured over capital purchase in most of the trusts visited, although many had a mixed economy. Common themes were continuity of care, the importance of prevention, value for money and the need for an holistic approach.
authors.affiliation: NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, Reading, UK.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Forrest
mesh_terms: D005380:Financing, Government; D017048:Health Care Costs; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D006113:United Kingdom