Electrical Stimulation for Pressure Injuries: a Health Technology Assessment

In addition, we conducted an economic literature review and a budget impact analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness and affordability of electrical stimulation for treatment of pressure ulcers in Ontario. [...] Select the appropriate method considering the goals of the treatment; client’s condition; type, quantity, and location of necrotic tissue; depth of lesion; amount of drainage; and availability of resources Control bacteria/infection: manage infection with wound cleansing, antibiotics, and debridement as necessary Wound cleansing: clean wounds with normal saline, Ringer’s lactate solution, ster [...] In electrical stimulation, electrodes are applied directly to the wound bed of the pressure injury and connected to a stimulator that is designed to create a small electrical charge in tissues. [...] The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario,14 the Australian Wound Management Association,15 the US’s National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel,16 and the US’s Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement17 suggest providing electrical stimulation to promote healing installed Stage II pressure injuries and in Stages III and IV pressure injuries. [...] Health Quality Ontario’s quality standard for pressure injuries includes an “Emerging Practice Statement” on electrical stimulation for pressure injuries.19 The statement noted that no guidance can be provided at this time on the use of electrical stimulation as an adjunct therapy for treatment of pressure injuries, because of conflicting recommendations in the guidelines used to develop the press