PartnerSHIPS: aligning your department with administration for smooth sailing

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Healthcare Administration
• Clinical Operations

Background:

• Successful neurodiagnostics programs require strong partnerships with hospital administration.
• Disparities in business and clinical perspectives can hinder departmental initiatives and patient care.
• Balancing high-quality patient care with operational efficiency presents ongoing challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe changes implemented at UTMB Health over two years to improve neurodiagnostics patient care.
• To highlight the role of collaboration between neurodiagnostic technologists and hospital administration.
• To demonstrate the integration of business principles with clinical practice guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Consolidated multiple neurodiagnostic services (EEG, EMG/NCV, IONM, LTM, EMU) into a single department.
• Implemented cross-training for technologists to enhance versatility and coverage.
• Developed new policies and procedures, alongside strategic planning and relationship building initiatives, including partnerships with a community college and establishing a per diem/float pool, and contracting for IONM services.

Main Results:

• Achieved better patient care outcomes through integrated departmental operations.
• Experienced an overall increase in neurodiagnostic procedure volumes.
• Fostered professional development and growth opportunities for staff, expanding service availability.

Conclusions:

• Effective collaboration between clinical technologists and hospital administration is crucial for neurodiagnostics program growth.
• Integrating business principles with evidence-based healthcare drives successful departmental improvements.
• Strategic changes led to enhanced operational efficiency, increased service offerings, and improved patient care.