title: The Value of the Neurodiagnostic Professional in Patient Care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine and describe the contribution of Neurodiagnostic (ND) technologists in achieving better patient outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey was distributed to ND services leadership (administrators, laboratory managers, supervisors, team leads, service owners, and Medical Directors) in the United States (U.S.) to assess the impact of ND professionals and credentialing on improved patient care. The 9-question internet survey addressed three sections: 1) Participant demographics; 2) Quality improvement with credentialing; 3) Value in obtaining credentials. Responses were anonymous.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey response rate was 27% (152 of 564 respondents). Approximately 74% of all survey respondents acknowledge direct observation of quality improvement in EEG procedures by credentialed technologists; 85% agree that credentialed technologists are better able to identify and recognize abnormalities in the EEG and alert physicians for timely interpretation and patient health management; 45.6% observe improved patient outcomes with credentialed technologists; 72.8% percent agree credentialed technologists provide better quality of recording and data acquisition; and an overwhelming 96% of all participants express the view that technologists obtaining credentials in their modality of practice is valuable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our survey data support the positive impact that credentialed Neurodiagnostic Technologists have on the quality improvement of EEG procedures and patient care as observed by ND leadership nationwide. Furthermore, survey data support and demonstrate that ND leaders in the U.S. promote and endorse credentialing for their technologists as evidence of ample knowledge and competency, elevating the level of professionalism and providing neurodiagnostic services of the highest quality.
authors.forename: Susan D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Agostini
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bonner
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005791:Patient Care / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States