A preliminary economic evaluation of percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of various treatment modalities for hemiplegic shoulder pain.


METHODS
A stage II economic evaluation.


METHODS
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 euro(+/-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 euro (+/-5,434). This decreases to approximately 7,000 euro after 5 years, and to approximately 5,000 euro after 10 survival years.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Van Til
Janine A
JA
Roessingh Research and Development, Enschede, The Netherlands. j.vantil@rrd.nl
Renzenbrink
Gerbert J
GJ
Groothuis
Karin
K
Ijzerman
Maarten J
MJ
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004180:Direct Service Costs; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D017059:Models, Econometric; D009426:Netherlands; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal