Use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the Unit of Pain Management of the Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital

• Main Author: Andrea Isabel Martínez Tapia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medwave Estudios Limitada 2014-08-01
• Series: Medwave
• Online Access: http://www.medwave.cl/link.cgi/Medwave/Estudios/Investigacion/6006

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological therapy (TNF) used to alleviate pain and is among the current available treatments offered by the Units of Pain Management (Unidades del Dolor) in Spanish Hospitals. The goal of this study was to identify the characteristics of portable electro-stimulator use, and its costs in the Unit of Pain Management of the Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital (Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón). A retrospective descriptive study was carried out between January, 1999, and October, 2010, in the Unit of Pain Management of the Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital. The information on TENS delivery forms and its supplies was collected, and the characteristics of use and the associated costs were calculated. It was observed that the longest period of time used was less than a year. The cost of delivery for the portable equipment was 148 050 euros and the average annual cost for the use of TENS by a patient was 854 euros. From the information gathered, it can be concluded that the use of electro-analgesia is a valid option in terms of expenses for long periods of use, thereby allowing a reduction in costs and decreasing the use of other healthcare treatments.