What follow-up care is recommended for patients who have sustained electrical injuries?

Follow-up care for patients who have sustained electrical injuries includes:

• Monitoring for skin pressure effects from orthoses or splints, especially in those with reduced sensation or recent skin grafts, with specialist advice sought as needed.
• Managing swelling and oedema by educating patients on expected swelling, daily monitoring, and signs requiring medical attention; encouraging circulation exercises and limb elevation; and considering compression bandaging under specialist supervision.
• Scar management through desensitisation techniques such as looking at, gently touching, and moving the affected area, with special considerations for children and young people to reduce distress during painful treatments.
• Assessment and rehabilitation for possible nerve injuries, including early identification, maintaining range of movement with splinting and exercises, pain management, sensory interventions, and referral to specialists if recovery is poor or delayed.
• Addressing psychological impacts such as low mood and anxiety related to injury and recovery, with access to psychological support and multidisciplinary care.

These recommendations aim to optimise physical recovery, prevent complications, and support psychological wellbeing after electrical injuries, which often involve complex tissue and nerve damage similar to other traumatic injuries ¹.