Monthly multidisciplinary complex spine conference: a cost-analysis utilizing time-driven activity-based costing

To understand costs and provide an initial framework associated with conference implementation as it pertains to complication prevention. Team members' time spent on conference preparation, presentation, and follow-up tasks was recorded and averaged to determine the time required to prepare and present one patient. Using 2022 hourly wage rates based on our urban hospital setting, wage values were calculated for each personnel type and applied to their time spent. The total cost of the conference was annualized and calculated from the time spent in the three phases of the conference multiplied by the wage rate. Published data on complication rates and associated costs before and after conference implementation were used to calculate total cost reduction. With 3 active spine surgeons and 108 patients per year, the total time investment was 104.04 min per patient, costing 21,791 annually. Total RN equivalent value per patient was 5.25 for all three phases. Using a historical model, this multidisciplinary approach for adult spinal deformity reduced complications by 51