Abstract

Background
A recent economic evaluation assessed physiotherapy strategies for shoulder dislocation to tackle the limited evidence in this area.
Aim
This commentary critically appraised that economic evaluation.
Methods
We assessed the quality of the economic evaluation using a hybrid critical appraisal tool and the impacts of the intervention on physiotherapy services and different sub-groups.
Findings
The economic evaluation had limitations in considering relevant costs and outcomes, time horizon and sensitivity analyses. The intervention was marginally clinically effective, triggering questions on the magnitude of the opportunity costs. Developing sub-group analyses by immobilisation type and age groups could demonstrate differential cost-effectiveness levels and increased benefits for specific patients.
Conclusion
In this commentary we highlighted the limitations of an economic evaluation of a physiotherapy intervention for shoulder dislocation, suggesting wider implications for physiotherapy services and research gaps.