Assessment

Key Messages

‘Think beyond the wound’
- Work collaboratively with other health professionals to investigate the cause AND contributing factors that impact upon wound healing and the success of the management plan.
Investigate ALL contributing factors
- Even if it is not the cause, it is necessary to investigate ALL contributing factors in order to optimise wound healing.
Re-assess wound healing regularly
- Monitor progress and reduce the risk of developing a chronic wound or other complications by using a validated wound assessment tool.
Psychosocial impact
- Monitor the psychosocial impact and other psychological and lifestyle barriers to wound healing.
Form a partnership with family and carers
- For children and adolescents, engage and collaborate with family and carers in the assessment and goal planning process.

Downloadable Form

SAMPLE Wound and Contributing Factors Assessment Form

This sample form can be used as a multidisciplinary assessment form to screen for the cause and other factors that may have contributed to the development or delayed healing of a pressure injury.
It may be a useful tool to facilitate communication within a multidisciplinary team and provide the client with a clear and consistent plan.
The form may be used to provide information when referring the client to a tertiary SCI service.

Further your knowledge

“Phase of Care along the PI Patient Journey” p.38 in NSW State Spinal Cord Injury Service Model of Care for Prevention and Integrated Management of Pressure Injuries in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida (2014).