Job Description
For the assigned area of specialty, the Clinical Data (Coordinator, Specialist, Reviewer) is responsible for clinical chart review, data abstraction, high quality data compilation and entry into applicable databases. This includes database maintenance to support planning, research, documentation, and quality improvement within designated areas in the organization. The Clinical Data (Coordinator, Specialist, Reviewer ) works closely with hospital personnel to monitor and identify opportunities for clinical quality improvement as well as manage special projects. He/She will serve as the Quality Dept. liaison, serve on quality committees, ensure hospital wide compliance of Quality Dept. policies and standards and provide training of software products to hospital personnel as required.
Responsibilities
QUALITY MEASUREMENT DATA ABSTRACTION and DATA INTEGRITY:
- Initiates, conducts, and manages the retrospective review and abstraction of quality data.
- Identifies patients for inclusion in appropriate databases through the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria and protocols.
- Responsible for the accurate and timely entry of data into databases and meets the caseload accrual requirement protocol as indicated. Reviews information sources and responds to report findings.
- Provides ongoing quality assurance of the clinical database, to include validating accuracy and completeness of data in forms and reports, by using a variety of techniques to research and resolve data integrity issues.
- Gathers and maintains data for Department specific metrics regarding regulatory, quality and performance improvement measures.
- Demonstrates appropriate utilization of resources necessary to obtain valid, reliable, data for entry into the databases.
- Coordinates the selection and implementation of operational and clinical measures, aligned and consistent with organizational measures.
DATABASE MAINTENANCE:
- Maintains databases to support planning, research, and documentation for designated area or department (i.e., Vermont Oxford Database, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, Society for Thoracic Surgery, Get with the Guidelines, National Database Nursing Quality Improvement, solutions for Patients Safety, NAPRTCS/SCOPE, Obstetrics database, Delivery Room Database, etc.).
- Utilizes software applications for data collection and analysis.
ANALYSIS & REPORTING:
- Creates reports to display Quality related information in accordance with agreed upon format.
- Serves as the resource for ad hoc and standard reporting and analysis of database information to meet the needs of the department.
- Extracts data for use by Principal Investigators and stakeholders in conducting research and QI projects.
- Acts as the department liaison for dissemination and interpretation of information to hospital committees, departments, and staff.
- Attends department and hospital wide meetings to ensure reliable data collection. (i.e. Mortality and Morbidity, Perioperative meetings, Emergency Response Committee, Quality and Safety).
- Demonstrates validity of the methodology and the reliability of definitions utilized by reviewers within the programs.
- Using the organization's QI methods, monitors, tracks, and trends the outcomes of standards of practice within the departments/practices and quality assurance/improvement activities that address issues such as improvement of patient outcomes, patient safety, patient satisfaction, and efficiency of functions.
- Reviews information sources as indicated and responds to report findings.
DEPARTMENT DATA SUPPORT, resource and training:
- Serves as the resource for staff members who access EMR or databases.
- Provides necessary software training to new staff as needed. Develops and maintains procedural documentation for end-users of database applications.
- Consults with physicians and staff on quality issues.
- Serves on quality committees as needed.
- Serves as an educational resource related to performance improvement methodologies, quality findings, and regulatory requirements; develops educational material and presentations.
TEAMWORK:
- Establishes effective working relationship with members of the hospital community, especially staff in the Surgery, Medicine, Nursing, Medical Records and the Information Services Departments whose support is necessary for the management and success of the program.
- Contacts patients/families via telephone and/or written communications for the purpose of identifying possible occurrences associated with the hospital.
Demonstrates knowledge of, population-specific differences, the needs of patients in specific populations i.e. from neonate through adolescence, and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers.
Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with hospital wide standards.
Qualifications
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor’s Degree in nursing required. Minimum two years’ experience in a related field where focus of data abstraction and review will occur (i.e. hospital surgery department, surgery clinic, NICU, PICU, Quality Improvement, clinical research or medical records preferred.
- Successfully completes all required Training/Certification Programs (database or registry dependent). Clinical chart review and abstraction experience preferred.
- Prior experience with relevant PC software, Microsoft Office applications and hardware.
- Prior experience with databases preferred
- Quality improvement or patient safety knowledge and experience preferred.
LICENSE And/or CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure required.
Certification Based on Registry or database involvement.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Database construction, management and retrieval methods.
- Departmental and/or organizational policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the development of performance measures and processes.
- Data collection and identification of areas for quality improvement.
- Clinical knowledge and understanding of patient care.
- General math and accounting.
- Behaviors that are consistent with the CCMC standards i.e. clinical standards of care, documentation and patient record policies and standards.
- Demonstrates clinical understanding as well as access to a clinical mentor that can advise when clinical questions arise.
SKILLS:
- Intermediate end-user skills in Microsoft Windows operating system environment; Intermediate end user skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications (preferably using MS Office applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Database management skills including ability to utilize database applications, perform basic queries and produce reports.
- Skill in use of operating basic office equipment (e.g. copier, fax, calculator, multi-featured telephone).
- Excellent organizational & communication skills.
- Group presentation and facilitation skills.
- Demonstrates ability to learn and to utilize new software and web applications for data entry and
report generation.
- Demonstrated strong analytical and statistical skills and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workload.
ABILITY TO:
- Analyze data, draw conclusions and make decisions required to adjust standard procedures.
- Assess needs, plan, implement & evaluate quality improvement activities.
- Work collaboratively across disciplines.
- Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
- Resolve data input, storage and/or retrieval problems and to design solutions and modifications.
- Understand and apply knowledge of department/organizational policies and procedures to resolve routine to complex problems and meet multiple needs of customers.
- Organize and manage time, activities and processes on weekly and/or project basis.
- Good command of grammar and spelling skills.
- Focus on customer needs and follow through to meet needs.
- Function in a fast paced environment with strong attention to detail.
- Teach relevant computer skills to clinical staff.
- Identify opportunities for knowledge exchange to relevant groups or meetings (for example: M&M, infection control, quality management, and administration).
- Interact with all levels of management and health care staff to effectively work as a team member by sharing information across multi-functional areas.
- Be flexible.
About Us
Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.
At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.
