Hours based scheduling in neonatology: a practical approach

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Medical Staffing Models
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Practicing neonatologists in the United States lack a standard work assignment.
• Current attending neonatologist staffing models vary significantly based on numerous factors including job task, shift length, and clinical vs. non-clinical commitments.
• The diversity of responsibilities makes designing transparent and equitable staffing models challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a flexible and effective approach to neonatologist scheduling.
• To provide clarity on the full range of professional responsibilities for practicing neonatologists.
• To aid clinical and administrative leadership in understanding and executing staffing models.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a flexible scheduling model at two academic medical centers.
• Delineation of time dedicated to various clinical and non-clinical activities.
• Adaptation of the model across multiple sites and types of neonatology clinical practice.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of the flexible scheduling model at two academic medical centers.
• Clearer delineation of clinical and non-clinical time for neonatologists.
• Improved clarity for leadership regarding neonatologist professional responsibilities.

Conclusions:

• A flexible scheduling approach can effectively address the complexities of neonatologist staffing.
• This model enhances transparency and equity in work assignments.
• It provides a framework for optimizing neonatologist time and resources.