More spine surgeons are embracing cross-departmental collaboration. Four physicians discuss strategies to make the most of that teamwork.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity.
Question: What are the best practices for spine surgeons when working with other specialists to optimize patient care?
Rachel Bratescu, MD. George Washington University (Washington, D.C.): Some of the most important factors for spine surgeons when working on an interdisciplinary team include fostering an environment of open communication without judgment and a shared common goal. In order to provide the highest level of care providers need to maintain a level of respect for their colleagues' expertise and be mindfully open to advice and constructive criticism.
Creating this type of environment requires both thought and intentional action. Many hospitals/programs have had success implementing regular multidisciplinary conferences where providers from different specialties such as pain management, spine surgery, physiatry and radiology for example come together to review imaging and/or discuss mutual patients. From an organizational planning standpoint, it can also be incredibly helpful in terms of continuity of care and collaboration for providers from the specialties above, for example, to be housed in the same office space creating what is known as a 'Comprehensive Spine Center'. This is a model that has been implemented by a number of successful programs across the country.
Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): Effective collaboration among spine surgeons and other specialists is crucial for optimizing patient care. Best practices include establishing clear communication channels to facilitate information sharing, conducting multidisciplinary case reviews to incorporate diverse expertise, and developing tailored treatment plans that address all aspects of the patient's condition. Regular team meetings can help identify potential complications and streamline patient management. Additionally, fostering respectful relationships and mutual understanding of each specialist's role enhances cooperation. Utilizing shared electronic health records ensures everyone is informed of the patient's progress, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Lali Sekhon, MD, PhD. Spine Surgeon at Reno (Nev.) Orthopedic Center: Courtesy and collegiality. Make it as easy as you can for your colleagues. I work around my exposure surgeons'’ schedule. With trauma patients I communicate directly with trauma surgeons plans/changes in plans/return to OR so there are no surprises.
Vijay Yanamadala, MD. Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare: Working as part of a multidisciplinary clinic model where the entire spectrum of spine care is represented can often help us as spine surgeons deliver the best care to our patients. When we developed the Hartford Healthcare Spine Wellness Center, we brought together physiatrists, pain interventionists, spine surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and acupuncturists under the same roof. We often triage patients to each other on the same day based on their needs and can also coordinate a multidisciplinary discussion real time when there are potentially multiple treatment options for a given patient. This allows us to afford more efficient care to our patients, but more importantly, it helps us consider all options before presenting a recommendation.