The transplant community is rightfully focused on speed given what we are all doing – getting a lifesaving organ to a waiting recipient when every minute matters.

But, the quote “go slow to go fast” perfectly embodies how ProCure thinks about team credentialling fitting into this process. We take our time to ensure the people we put in place to do this difficult recovery work are ready to do it. 

Intentional and meticulous are words that drive how ProCure thinks about surgeon credentialling. When it comes to who shows up in the recovery OR, this is never a last minute consideration as the case unfolds. Our approach is done in advance and includes a comprehensive review of skills needed to not just survive, but to drive excellence and ensure collaboration in today’s complicated donor ORs.

Why do we take our time credentialling surgeons?

To us, it is simple. We believe the right combination of surgical skills, collaborative spirit and change-maker attitude will lead to more organs making their way to more recipients. With the many technologies, changing regulatory landscape and innate complexities of doing a recovery (time sensitivity, unfamiliar circumstances and teams) uncertainty and pressure are very high. Careful consideration of who shows up to steward the donor/donor family’s gift is essential. We are members of OPTN (BSPC) and take our involvement in and commitment to the transplant community very seriously.

What does our credentialling process entail?

 Let’s start with what it doesn’t include - there is no “phoning a friend,” or cold-calling around in the middle of the night to find a surgeon for a case. Surgeons are credentialed in a fair, but rigorous process that is done well in advance of anyone showing up in the OR.

All surgeons follow a defined credentialling process:

• Application: An official application gathers pertinent background information.

• Supplemental information: Case logs, educational experience, references to ensure technical proficiency and collaborative spirit, CV, etc. are all submitted to gain a well-rounded understanding of the applicant.

• Interview: Each clinician is interviewed by an internal surgical leader to understand experience, as well as ensure mission and cultural alignment.

• Observed experience in the OR: A ProCure team must have first-hand knowledge of their skills and demeanor in the OR. If we haven’t seen the surgeon in an OR, then we will take additional steps to ensure we do see them in the OR before they are credentialed to take independent cases.

• Formal credentialling committee: Each candidate is presented to the credentialling committee – a cross functional committee then reviews each candidate and discusses the appropriateness of the candidate against ProCure’s needs and mission. ProCure’s Chief Medical Officer signs off on each candidate’s credentials.

• Specific credentials assigned: Specific credentials are assigned based upon current capabilities, and supplemental credentials can be added upon demonstration of proficiency. For example, only a subset of surgeons are credentialed for NRP.

• Signed agreement: Each person signs an agreement with ProCure which ensures appropriate disclosures and connects the surgeon to ProCure’s professional liability insurance. This part of the process also lays out expectations and a Code of Conduct.

• Background checks: Background checks are undertaken on all surgeons.

• Onboarding process: Once this process is complete, each surgeon goes through a formal onboarding process and is welcomed to the ProCure team. The process includes a thorough onboarding meeting and connections to  relevant team members. This step ensures the clinician has clarity around available tools, clinical support from ProCure recovery professionals, case logistics, protocols, etc.

How do you know your process works?

We monitor the outcomes that matter. Do we have any organ injuries? Are there behavior issues reported by transplant centers or OPOs? What are graft function rates? What are overall satisfaction scores from clients? Each case is followed up on by our team and multi-level feedback mechanisms are available to clients to provide feedback on the entire case – staff, case logistics, etc. A formal feedback loop is in place to follow up on any issues, ensuring a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

If you are interested in becoming a part of our network you can learn more at the Recovery Team section of our website. If you are interested in learning more about how ProCure’s services might be able to support your organization’s needs, please fill out the form here, email partner@procureodx.com or call 917-451-3395.