A preliminary economic evaluation of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of various treatment modalities for hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Design. A stage II economic evaluation.

Main outcome measures. Incremental cost effectiveness ratio of P-NMES, compared to slings and anti-inflammatory injections.

Results. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of p-NMES, compared to anti-inflammatory injections is €6,061 (±3,285). The incremental cost of the first quality-adjusted life year after implantation of the P-NMES device compared to anti-inflammatory injections is €33,007 (±5,434). This decreases to ≈ €7,000 after 5 years, and to ≈ €5,000 after 10 survival years.

Conclusion. In this early evaluation, P-NMES seems to be cost-effective according to known guidelines. Treatment with P-NMES is recommended for patients with chronic HSP.

Keywords:

• Electrical stimulation
• hemiplegic shoulder pain
• stroke
• economic evaluation