OBJECTIVES: Limited research currently exists on the required time and staffing to properly execute EEG cup electrode application. To correctly hook up and monitor a patient, an EEG tech must carefully carry out steps such as: the collection of materials, supply and patient preparation, electrode application and securing, and wire management. Given the evolution of technology and the rising pressures in healthcare facilities, understanding the requirements of EEG cup electrode application has become essential for neurodiagnostic departments. The purpose of this study was to understand the time required to properly apply and remove EEG cup electrodes and investigate potential (in)efficiencies.

METHODS: EEG cup electrode applications were followed at 3 university hospitals in the United States from July 2023 to February 2024. Time increments were captured for electrode preparation, transportation to and from the patient, placement, setup, head wrapping when applicable, and removal.

RESULTS: The average electrode application (preparation, transport to and from patient, placement, wrapping, and setup) and removal (transport to and from patient and removal) times were found to be 36’33” (n=25) and 8’40” (n=10), respectively. The average times to place and setup electrodes, wrap patients’ heads, and remove the electrodes were found to be 26’28” (n=25), 4’43” (n=12), and 5’18” (n=10), respectively (note that not all steps are performed on each patient).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are lower than literature which found the average time to properly apply EEG electrodes to be 50’18”. Given the variability in steps and time to apply EEG electrodes, further research should be performed as efficiencies in the hospital become more critical for patient care delivery.