To better understand the estimated time required to properly apply electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes.

Despite EEG electrodes having been used to monitor brain activity for almost a century, limited research exists on the required time and staffing to properly administer electrodes to run an EEG. To properly connect and monitor a patient, multiple steps must be carefully carried out such as: the collection of materials, preparation of the patient and supplies, electrode application, and wire management. As the field and technology of neurodiagnostic evolves and the pressures in healthcare facilities increase, understanding the active hands-on time for EEG electrode application has become more important than ever.

A survey was distributed to individuals involved in the placement and reading of EEG electrodes and managers in either Neurodiagnostic or Neurology departments from multiple care settings across the United States.

A total of 50 respondents completed the survey, with 44 answering questions regarding estimated time per step. The survey found the average (standard deviation) estimated time for Step 1: preparing for the EEG setup to take 10.8 (6.5) minutes, Step 2:  preparing the patient by measuring and marking their head and skin preparation to take 12.5 (7.9) minutes, Step 3: applying electrode with conductive paste and securing using glue and/or gauze to take 13.8 (8.1) minutes, and Step 4: managing the electrodes to take 13.2 (12.2) minutes. The combined average estimated time required to properly apply EEG electrodes totaled 50.3 minutes. The median estimated time was found to be 42.5 minutes, indicating some outlier influence.

The estimated average time to properly apply EEG electrodes was found to be 50.3 minutes. Literature has found electrode application takes between 12-60 minutes. This may indicate recall bias in our sample and a prospective analysis should be performed to ensure its validity.