GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The individual will provide support for the Cardiac Surgery clinical quality database. This includes, but is not limited to, data compilation, documentation, and data validation of all eligible patient cases for the purposes of quality data reporting to regulatory and other agencies. The individual will be primarily responsible for insuring data accuracy for reporting to State, regulatory and other agencies.

They will analyze data and recommend quality improvement initiatives for the purpose of performance improvement measures.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Data Gathering

• Participates in the reliable collection of preoperative, operative, and postoperative components for approximately 2,000 heart cases per annum.

• Participates in the collection of reliable, valid data for comparative risk-adjusted outcomes of Cardiac Surgery.

• Demonstrates appropriate utilization of resources necessary to obtain valid, reliable clinical data.

• Demonstrates applicability of methodology and reliability of data definitions and reviews through inter-reliability testing.

• Identifies areas for streamlining and improving the data collection process. Provides ideas, recommendations, and alternative strategies where appropriate.

• Elicits support necessary to obtain valid, reliable data for reporting to regulatory agencies.

• Maintains up to date knowledge of regulatory changes of definitions and variables for reporting data.

• Ensures and maintains confidentiality of data in compliance with HIPAA and MGB Human Research Committee regulations

2. Software Management

• Responsible for determining and utilizing software applications available at BWH for data collection and analysis.

• Participates in the accurate entry of data into the program’s software to ensure the transmission of completed data to regulatory agencies as required (STS, DPH).

3. Works Effectively with Patients, Families, and Staff

• Collaborates in a professional manner with all members of the healthcare team to promote the goals and objectives of the Division of Cardiac Surgery. This will require working with a wide variety of individuals, Divisions and Organizations.

• Collaborates in a professional manner with colleagues involved in data collection and reporting at local, regional, and other cardiac surgery site(s).

• Maintains a professional relationship with patients and families via telephone and written communications for 30-day post-operative follow-up data collection

• Educates lay and professional individuals and groups as to the nature of the project through individual as well as public presentations as needed.

4. Clinical Research Application

• Participates in the preparation and presentation of clear, precise, and clinically accurate summaries of findings including their significance and implications to various audiences.

• Participates in the preparation of appropriate clinical criteria and/or benchmarks for medical review.

• Utilizing the analysis of the study data and professional expertise, provide recommendations to improve patient care.

• Possesses clinical knowledge of medical care processes and the analytical ability to correlate clinical diagnosis and symptoms with established diagnostic and treatment modalities.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Directly reports to the Senior Database Program Manager

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in related health care field required, Master’s preferred.
2. Minimum 3-5 years of clinical experience, preferably in surgical critical care and/or cardiothoracic surgery.
3. Working knowledge of cardiac and cardiac surgery procedures and terminology
4. Computer proficiency required – familiarity and comfort with MS Office products is essential for success in this position (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access).
5. Medical record review and abstraction experience preferred.
6. Database management experience strongly preferred.
7. Meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills
8. Statistical knowledge highly preferred.
9. Background in quality improvement/assessment or utilization management strongly preferred