The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published final guidance on two different medical technologies which are found to be promising but for which there is not yet enough evidence to support routine use in clinical practice on the National Health Service.  

The ReCell Spray-On Skin system is a device designed to boost the healing of acute burns. The system uses a small piece of the patient’s skin to create a solution containing a suspension of skin cell components which is then sprayed on to the site of the burn. The cells then multiply quickly and embed themselves in the base of the wound, encouraging the growth of healthy skin, the idea being that this shortens wound healing time and hospitals stays as well as reducing the risk of scarring.

But NICE says more research must be undertaken “to address uncertainties about the clinical and cost benefits of the device, and to identify which patients might benefit most from its use in the NHS”, and that “specific clinical outcomes such as how long it takes for the burn to become 95% healed, and function of the burned area, should be included”.

The same was basically ruled for Parafricta Bootees and Undergarments, which aim to reduce skin damage in people with frail skin or who have, or are at risk of, pressure ulcers. “More evidence for their effectiveness in clinical practice is needed before their routine use in the NHS can be supported,” the Institute said, noting that research should be carried out to “address uncertainties in the benefits that the manufacturer claims would result for patients and the NHS”.