Wound Care and Pressure Injury Prevention Policy Template for Aged Care

Pressure injuries are one of the most common and preventable adverse events in aged care. Under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, providers must demonstrate that they have systematic, evidence-based approaches to wound assessment, prevention, and management. A documented Wound Care and Pressure Injury Prevention Policy is essential for clinical governance compliance.

This free template covers the full wound care cycle — from risk assessment and prevention to wound classification, treatment planning, and escalation — ready for immediate use in any residential aged care facility.

Why Pressure Injury Prevention Is a Clinical Governance Priority

Pressure injuries are classified as a sentinel event in Australian health care. In aged care, they represent a direct failure of care quality. The ACQSC examines pressure injury rates and management practices during assessment visits as a key indicator of clinical care quality.

• Pressure injuries cause significant pain, infection risk, and reduced quality of life for residents
• Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (and facility-acquired equivalent) attract serious scrutiny from regulators
• A documented policy demonstrates systematic prevention — a key ACQS Standard 5 requirement
• Clear protocols reduce variation in wound care practice across shifts and staff

What This Template Includes

• Policy statement on wound care and pressure injury prevention
• Pressure injury risk assessment procedures (Waterlow or Braden scale reference)
• Prevention strategies (repositioning schedules, pressure-relieving equipment, nutrition)
• Wound and pressure injury classification (Stages 1–4, unstageable, DTI)
• Wound assessment and documentation requirements
• Treatment planning and wound management procedures
• Escalation pathways (GP, wound care nurse specialist)
• Incident reporting requirements for new or deteriorating wounds
• Staff training and competency requirements
• Roles and responsibilities matrix
• Legislation and standards references

Download the Free Wound Care and Pressure Injury Prevention Policy Template

Instant access. Editable Word document. No credit card required.