2026 Quality Outcomes Report
At UT Southwestern, the Department of Neurological Surgery remains steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest quality care and improving outcomes for every patient we serve. Our mission extends beyond the operating room and encompasses the entire continuum of care to ensure that every step of our patients' journey is defined by compassion, precision, and collaboration.
This past year, we have continued to strengthen our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, refining our processes and deepening our partnerships across the care team. Through enhanced communication, evidence-based protocols, and ongoing performance review, we have sustained improvements in discharge efficiency, reduced length of stay, and continued to advance patient safety. These achievements reflect the dedication of our faculty, trainees, and staff to continuously elevate both the quality and experience of care.
Now in its third year, our Neurosurgery Quality Committee has become a cornerstone of our improvement efforts. The committee has done tremendous work, driving measurable and lasting change across our department. Together, we have significantly improved discharge efficiency, and this year we achieved extraordinary length of stay metrics. I am proud to share that we reached all of our FY25 quality goals, an accomplishment that underscores the strength of our teamwork and our shared commitment to excellence.
By bringing together physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, care coordinators, therapists, social workers, and administrative leaders, we've integrated a culture of shared accountability and continuous learning. This collaborative foundation continues to fuel our ability to innovate, evaluate outcomes, and implement initiatives that directly improve patient care.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on harnessing data, focusing on key quality metrics, process improvement, and teamwork to deliver even better outcomes. By aligning our research, education, and clinical missions, we are shaping the future of neurological surgery, advancing care today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and trust in our team.
Sincerely,
Nader Pouratian, M.D., Ph.D., FCNS
Chair and Professor, UT Southwestern Department of Neurological Surgery
Lois C.A. and Darwin E. Smith Distinguished Chair in Neurological Surgery
Director, Neurosurgical Brain Mapping and Restoration Laboratory