Reviews
Vol. 3 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.4081/ahr.2026.136

Artificial intelligence applications for wound management in nursing palliative care: a narrative review

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Published: 5 August 2026
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artificial intelligence; nursing; wound care; palliative care.

Authors

Daniela Nigrelli
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4984-7271
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
Marika Lo Monaco
marika.lomonaco@unipa.it
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3047-6611
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy.
Mariachiara Figura
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8204-0564
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy.
Angela Peghetti
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9391-3268
Former AISLeC President, Executive Board of World Union of Wound Healing Societies; Hospital S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
Laura Iacorossi
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2172-8055
Department of Life, Health and Health Professions Sciences, Link Campus University, Rome, Italy.
Roberto Latina
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7829-3654
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy.
Giuliano Anastasi
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0984-1987
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Italy.

In contemporary practice, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved into a practical tool for clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy in healthcare. In wound management, AI-based tools enable the analysis of tissue types, precise size measurement, and automated boundary delineation. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the role of AI in nursing practice for wound management within palliative care settings. It evaluates technical applications, ethical implications, and nursing readiness to provide strategic directions for clinical practice and education. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect for literature published up to 12 February 2026, focusing on AI, machine learning, wound care, and nursing. The database search identified 1,228 records. After screening and eligibility assessment, approximately 20 studies relevant to the aims of this narrative review were thematically synthesized. Thematically synthesized findings suggest that AI technologies, particularly computer vision and predictive analytics, may enhance wound assessment accuracy and documentation. Mobile platforms support remote monitoring and telemedicine, which is crucial for rural and home-based palliative settings. While AI offers tools for prognostication and decision-making, nurses express a need for better training to address concerns regarding algorithmic bias, privacy, and the preservation of the relational aspect of care.AI serves as a powerful partner that supports nursing expertise rather than replacing it. In palliative care, its value lies in providing objective assessments and enabling proactive responses to patient needs while maintaining a focus on comfort and dignity. Integrating AI fundamentals into nursing curricula and professional development is essential. Furthermore, nurse participation in the design and governance of AI ensures they align with professional values and clinical workflows.

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How to Cite



1.
Nigrelli D, Lo Monaco M, Figura M, Peghetti A, Iacorossi L, Latina R, et al. Artificial intelligence applications for wound management in nursing palliative care: a narrative review. Adv Health Res [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 5 [cited 2026 Aug. 5];3(1). Available from: https://www.ahr-journal.org/site/article/view/136
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