Wound Care Referral Criteria

1. Wound or pressure area with delayed healing:

a. No decrease in wound size or appearance. (Rubino says the criteria don’t lock the staff into a time frame because patients heal at differing speeds, and field nurses are expected to use their professional judgment.)

b. Any signs or symptoms of a wound infection

2. New ostomy from which the nurse needs to review or plan a specific plan of care

3. Need for any specialty equipment, supplies, or any recommendations for care:

a. Pressure-relieving devices

b. Wound care or skin care products