Utilizing the Hub-and-Spoke Model to Deliver Quality Breast Imaging in a Large Health System.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Radiology
• Health Systems Science

Background:

• Healthcare systems are expanding, creating challenges in delivering consistent quality care to new geographical areas.
• Hiring staff, acquiring technology, and providing administrative support often lag behind facility expansion, potentially compromising patient experience.
• The breast imaging division at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (UHCMC) sought to address these challenges during system growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of the hub-and-spoke organization-design model and integrated practice unit (IPU) concept in a breast imaging division.
• To explain how these models were utilized to provide uniform quality breast imaging services across an expanding health system.
• To focus on maintaining consistent quality of care and optimal patient experience during healthcare system growth.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of the hub-and-spoke organization-design model, where a central hub offers full services and peripheral spoke sites offer limited services.
• Incorporation of the integrated practice unit (IPU) concept, forming dedicated teams for the full care cycle of specific conditions like breast health.
• Integration of breast imaging hubs and spokes within breast health IPUs to standardize care delivery across the health system.

Main Results:

• The breast imaging division successfully adapted to UHCMC's expansion by implementing structural changes.
• The hub-and-spoke model and IPU concept facilitated the provision of quality breast imaging services throughout the expanding network.
• These changes aimed to ensure consistent quality and optimal patient experience in newly established or remote locations.

Conclusions:

• The hub-and-spoke model, integrated within IPUs, is an effective strategy for maintaining high-quality breast imaging services in expanding healthcare systems.
• This organizational approach addresses challenges related to geographical expansion and resource allocation.
• The model supports uniform care standards and enhances patient experience across diverse locations within a large health system.