In this episode of Key in to Quality, the team explores how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers care in a highly specialized environment where oxygen is the treatment, and how safety is highlighted in this environment. Because HBOT combines elevated oxygen levels and pressure, risks such as fire hazards and equipment failures require rigorous safety systems, disciplined processes and constant vigilance.

The discussion highlights how safety extends beyond policies and compliance. Daily huddles, pretreatment safety timeouts, ongoing training and clear team communication help create consistency and situational awareness. The episode also examines the concept of “drift” — the gradual departure from standard practices that can occur over time, even among experienced teams — and the importance of accreditation, leadership oversight and learning from near misses to prevent it.

A central theme is psychological safety. Team members must feel empowered to speak up, ask questions and identify risks without fear of blame. Through real-world examples and practical insights, the episode demonstrates that safe care is built through people, processes and culture working together every day. The lessons from hyperbaric medicine offer valuable guidance for improving quality and patient safety across healthcare.

Guest Name(s): Andrew Melnyczenko, Director of Hyperbaric Tech and Safety, Mayo Clinic, LinkedIn

Hosted by Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., and Sheri Nemec.

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

In this episode of Key in to Quality, Dr. Andrew Bowman, Dr. Nelly Tan, Jacob Varner, and Dyan DeYoung discuss how a multidisciplinary Radiology Patient Experience team across Mayo Clinic sites created a scalable approach to listening to patients and improving care. Recognizing that radiology lacked a consistent way to measure patient experience, the team launched a simple post-visit feedback system that began in MRI and expanded across modalities.

The guests describe how reviewing feedback, responding quickly to concerns, and sharing positive comments with frontline staff strengthened morale, improved workflows and reinforced a culture of ownership around patient experience. They also explore how collaboration among clinical, operational, analytics and experience teams — and the use of automation and AI tools — helped the program grow sustainably without adding unnecessary burden.

The episode highlights a central lesson for healthcare teams everywhere: patient experience is shaped by many small touchpoints, and meaningful improvement happens when teams learn from feedback together.

Hosted by Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D., and Sheri Nemec.

Guest Social Links/Handles (LinkedIn): Dr Tan Nelly Tan | LinkedIn & Dyan Dyan DeYoung | LinkedIn

#keyintoquality #qualityimprovement #patientexperience

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality

In this episode of Key In to Quality, Jodi Miller discusses Mayo Clinic’s Concierge Financial Navigation program. Designed to support people receiving complex, high-cost care, the program connects patients with trusted financial advocates who explain insurance coverage, resolve billing issues, address denials, and secure copay, grant, and premium assistance.

What began as a pilot for hematology and oncology patients has grown into a multidisciplinary program supporting thousands of patients across specialties, including transplant, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and dermatology. The program partners closely with providers, nurses, social work, and patient account services to identify patients at risk and intervene proactively.

Learn how to addressing financial concerns is an essential part of patient-centered care—and how helping patients navigate the cost of care can improve experience, trust, and healing.

Guest: Jodi Miller, Mayo Clinic Jodi Miller, M.H.A | LinkedIn

Here are some helpful financial support resources that physicians and care teams can share directly with patients:

Fundfinder.org Fund Finder | PAN Foundation

RXAssist.org RxAssist - Patient Assistance Programs

Mayoclinic.org (tile-grant programs) Copay and Grant Assistance Program - Mayo Clinic

Host: Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/timorgenthaler/

Host: Sheri Nemec| https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sheri-nemec-a627982a/

#mayokeyintoquality