Many spine surgeons will want to add on new procedures and/or technologies to their practices, but they may face obstacles along the way.
Three spine surgeons share their experiences and how they succeeded.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity.
Question: What was the biggest challenge you faced when introducing a new spine procedure at your practice or to a hospital? How did you overcome it?
Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): One of the biggest challenges in introducing a new spine procedure is gaining buy-in from the staff who may be resistant to change. To overcome this challenge, it's important to provide education and training on the new procedure, demonstrate its effectiveness through evidence-based research, and address any concerns or misconceptions through open communication. Building a strong support team and involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process can also help in successfully implementing the new spine procedure.
Michael Gallizzi, MD. The Steadman Clinic (Vail, Colo.): Spine surgery is currently in an era of rapid technological advancement, with developments in motion preservation, robotics and endoscopic procedures. The biggest challenge when introducing a new spine procedure is often obtaining buy-in and approval from hospital administrators and committees, due to the significant capital investments required to implement these technologies. This is particularly challenging when surgical reimbursement rates are declining, making hospitals less likely to invest in technologies for procedures that are already being performed.
Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): As a new medical staff member and complex spinal surgeon, the greatest challenge was bucking the old trends, which meant the other disciplines strong hold on spinal care and instituting a culture of care urgency, when required, had to be changed. This of course was met with grave consternation and accusation. But eventually, as nervous system involvement and outcome impact became more apparent, the transition also followed. Like everything else with political overtones, change was arduous and time consuming. Eventual change occurred as availability, competence and affability replaced the old.