<p>JOB SUMMARY: The Clinical Informatics & Data Abstraction Specialist plays a dual-function role in advancing hospital quality initiatives by combining clinical data abstraction expertise with advanced informatics and performance analytics. This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting clinical and operational data from electronic medical records (EMR) and other systems to support regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness, and continuous quality improvement efforts. The Specialist ensures data integrity and accuracy while leveraging data to identify trends, drive strategic improvements, and enhance patient outcomes across the organization. Reports to Quality Director. Non-Exempt Position.</p> <p>KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:</p> <ol> <li>Clinical Data Abstraction & Management: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Review electronic and paper medical records to extract relevant clinical data for regulatory programs (e.g., CMS, NHSN, The Joint Commission). </li><li>Enter data accurately into quality databases and national registries, adhering to program specifications and deadlines. </li><li>Maintain up-to-date knowledge of abstraction guidelines and measure definitions. </li><li>Ensure data integrity through routine audits, validation, and QA activities. </li><li>Resolve data discrepancies by collaborating with clinicians, coders, and other departments. </li></ul> <ol start="2"> <li>Data Analysis & Informatics: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Analyze clinical and operational data to identify patterns, performance gaps, and opportunities for quality improvement. </li><li>Use analytics tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau) to track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as readmissions, hospital-acquired conditions, length of stay, and patient satisfaction. </li><li>Perform root cause analyses (e.g., RCA, FMEA, Pareto) to support corrective actions and improvement plans. </li><li>Evaluate the effectiveness of quality initiatives through pre-/post-intervention data comparisons. </li></ul> <ol start="3"> <li>Reporting & Performance Monitoring: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Generate routine and ad hoc reports for hospital leadership, quality committees, and external agencies. </li><li>Create visual dashboards and performance summaries that clearly communicate data insights to clinical and administrative stakeholders. </li><li>Monitor hospital performance against internal benchmarks and national standards. </li></ul> <ol start="4"> <li>System Optimization & Data Integration: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Partner with IT and clinical teams to implement and optimize the use of EMRs, abstraction software, and data management platforms. </li><li>Ensure seamless integration of quality data into hospital information systems for real-time tracking and decision-making. </li><li>Troubleshoot system issues related to data abstraction or reporting and recommend process improvements. </li></ul> <ol start="5"> <li>Collaboration & Education: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Act as a liaison between the Quality Department and clinical, coding, informatics, and administrative teams. </li><li>Present findings and recommendations to interdisciplinary teams and leadership to support data-driven decision-making. </li><li>Provide training to staff on data collection protocols, abstraction guidelines, and quality reporting tools. </li><li>Promote a data-informed culture of continuous improvement and accountability. </li></ul> <ol start="6"> <li>Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation Readiness: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Maintain knowledge of current regulatory and accreditation standards (CMS, TJC, NHSN, etc.). </li><li>Ensure all data abstraction and reporting activities are compliant with federal, state, and accrediting body requirements. </li><li>Assist in preparation for accreditation and regulatory audits by providing data documentation and reports. </li></ul> <ol start="7"> <li>Continuous Quality Improvement: </li></ol> <ul> <li>Identify trends, risks, and gaps in care through ongoing surveillance of quality indicators. </li><li>Support performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and clinical outcomes. </li><li>Document and standardize best practices across departments based on analysis and improvement outcomes. </li></ul> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <ul> <li>Education: Vocational program, Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Health Information Management, Healthcare Informatics, or related field required. </li><li>Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years in clinical data abstraction, healthcare analytics, or informatics within a healthcare setting. Experience with regulatory data reporting, EHR systems, and quality improvement processes preferred. </li><li>Skills & Competencies: </li><li>Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills. </li><li>Proficiency with EMR systems and data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, etc.). </li><li>In-depth knowledge of clinical terminology, workflows, and quality measurement standards. </li><li>Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines. </li><li>Effective communicator with ability to translate data findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences. </li><li>Ability to work independently while fostering cross-functional collaboration. </li><li>Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations. </li><li>Schedule Requirements: </li><li>This position requires the employee to be present in the hospital typically from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. </li></ul> <p>FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS</p> <p>Functional Job Requirements:</p> <p>Job requirements include, but are not limited to: sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting and reaching. Requires good finger dexterity, repetitive motions with hands and fingers. Requires ability to have good vision and hearing. Pushing and pulling equipment may be necessary.</p> <p>Lifting Requirements</p> <p>Job requires light lifting on an occasional basis.</p> <p>Reasonable Accommodations</p> <p>Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising the job duties.</p>