Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Factors Affecting Healing Potential

Local <---------------------------------------------------------> Host <------------------------------------------------> Environment

  • Necrosis
  • Infection
  • Pressure injury on the ulcer area Micro-vascular supply
  • Foreign body
  • Iatrogenic/cytotoxic agents
  • Local trauma to ulcer area
  • Co-morbidities:
  • End-stage renal disease
  • Immunosuppression
  • Inflammatory condition
  • Visual impairments
  • Glycemic control
  • Nutrition
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Venous insufficiency
  • Lymphedema
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Obesity
  • Systemic cytotoxic drugs
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and substance use
  • Adherence to plan of care
  • Cultural/personal beliefs
  • Mental illness (schizophrenia, depression)
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Low socioeconomic status
  • Concordance to plan of care
  • Access to care
  • Access to appropriate offloading
  • Family support
  • Health-care sector
  • Geographic surroundings
  • Socioeconomic status
Chronic Disease
Assessment and Management of Foot Ulcers for People with Diabetes - Second Edition
Point of Care Resources