Overall, the development of pressure injuries continues to decline. That is certainly good news. However, there are still opportunities to improve how wounds are assessed and managed. One important part of Pressure Injury Healing is using a validated assessment tool. The tool should produce accurate results and help drive resident care. There are many validated tools available. There is no single “right” choice as long as the tool supports accurate assessments and meaningful clinical decision-making. One thing to avoid is creating a homemade assessment tool.

Recently, I came across a resource I had almost forgotten about over the years: the PUSH Tool. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) developed the tool to give clinicians a quick and objective method for tracking pressure injury healing over time. Clinicians in acute care, long-term care, and home health settings use it regularly. They find it especially helpful for residents with Stage II through Stage IV pressure injuries.

Clinicians should use the tool regularly. Complete it at least weekly during routine wound measurements and whenever wound status changes. Consistent use helps clinicians evaluate healing. It also guides treatment decisions and shows whether current interventions are producing the desired results.

The PUSH Tool evaluates three key wound characteristics: surface area, exudate amount, and tissue type. By focusing on these measures, it simplifies wound assessment. It also reduces guesswork and supports evidence-based clinical decision-making. As a result, healthcare professionals rely on it to monitor Pressure Injury Healing in a variety of care settings.

If your current wound assessment process is meeting both your community’s needs and those of your residents, there is no reason to change. However, if you believe there may be opportunities to strengthen your skin care program, consider downloading the PUSH Tool and its instructions. Try it alongside your current process for a short trial. You may discover valuable insights that improve your wound management practices. Or, you may confirm that your current approach is working exactly as intended.

Stay well and stay informed!