Determine likelihood of healing

Determining the likelihood of healing allows realistic goals to be set and indicates the need for referral to a specialist service. Healing is dependent on the patient's general health, wound characteristics, availability of resources, and the patient's ability and commitment to participate in the plan. If a pressure injury is not expected to heal, the priority of care is the patient's quality of life and symptom management (as determined by the patient or their family). For management of pressure injury in patients receiving palliative care, see Pressure injuries in palliative care.