Practical Aspects of Initiating and Maintaining a Multidisciplinary Program

This chapter, written from the perspective of an otorhinolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon, discusses the practical aspects involved in creating a successful multidisciplinary program to provide upper airway stimulation therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Topics covered are critical professional elements, including proper education and training; the importance of multidisciplinary professional collaboration; how best to develop an integrated approach; and the optimal administrative approach. Economic considerations and cost-effectiveness information relevant to this therapy are also discussed. The goal is to guide the interested practitioner in building a robust program providing upper airway stimulation therapy that will be adaptable to future technological innovation in this burgeoning field.