For selection of a dressing for a wound, what criterion would hold more priority, the type of dressing or the cost of it?

Clinically, priority (in this case, between type of dressing and its cost), would be determined on a case-by-case basis. Ideally, the best type of dressing for a particular wound (i.e. The dressing that offers the least chance of infection or contamination of the wound surface and the best chance of wound closure with minimal future side-effects etc.) should always be used (or recommended) irrespective of it’s cost. As a PT acting in the best interest of your patient, this is the most ethical- and professional thing to do.

However, we must recognize that in varying scenarios; practicality (e.g. wound dressing on the battle field or sports field may require improvisations), availability of dressings, skill level of the health professional applying the dressing, third party payer limitations, patients beliefs and choices, patient’s ability to pay and of course, cost of a particular dressing may supplant the ideal.