Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialst

Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialst Job Code
‎30001034
Basic Function
Facilitate and educate multiple organizational teams on the concepts of
process improvement; consult with all levels of the organization on process
improvement opportunities to cultivate the culture of patient safety; present
findings at a variety of forums (meetings, seminars).
Scope
All organizational service lines; inpatient units; outpatient units; Districts
Principal Contacts
All quality department staff members, organization physicians, nursing staff,
other health and allied health staff.
Principal Duties
Improvement Science Methods and Approaches

Evaluate performance and clinical process improvement (PPI) methods (Lean, Six
Sigma, Plan-Do-Check-Act, and Business Process Management) and apply those
best suited to achieving successful outcomes. Use evidence-based, structured
methods for all PPI projects. Translate evidence-based and research knowledge
into practice to improve outcomes.

Use a range of quality improvement tools and techniques (‎5 Whys, Value Stream
Mapping, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, and Root Cause Analysis) and evaluate
the output to successfully redesign processes toward improved performance.
Employ an appropriate method based on the structure and purpose of the
project. Identify and use quality improvement tools and techniques throughout
the project. Evaluate and integrate the output of findings into the redesign
of the process.

Access and use information resources (electronic health records, registries,
comparative and benchmark data, and published research) to demonstrate current
practice, identify opportunities for improvement, and strive toward improved
outcomes. Identify sources of valid and reliable information and metrics to
monitor performance trends. Analyze and integrate information from disparate
information sources to design solutions. Analyze comparative data, benchmarks,
and best practices for possible adaptation into the organization, if
culturally and practically appropriate.

Demonstrate expertise in the use of analytical and statistical tools and
techniques (hypothesis testing, statistical process control, distribution, and
control charts) to identify when, where, and how to measure processes and
systems and make decisions supported by data. Understand how process goals are
established, monitored, and measured. Understand the concept of statistical
process control, and apply techniques and use tools to identify variation and
its causes. Identify, through measurement analysis, potential factors that may
impact process performance and statistical process control.

Communicate PPI priorities and results using narrative and visual tools
(graphs, dashboards, and scorecards), providing a comprehensive context
appropriate to the audience. Select and create specific visualizations (bar
graphs, run charts, or pie charts) to ensure accurate and valid interpretation
of findings. Develop basic dashboards and scorecards used to show internal
data and benchmark comparisons. Create and present written and verbal
communications that tell a story and are appropriate to the audience’s needs.

Principal Duties (cont'd)
Performance and Process Improvement Project Management

Define the need, expected benefits, and alignment of PPI projects to the
organizational mission, vision, values, strategic goals, and business
priorities. Develop a project plan/scope document ensuring active executive
sponsorship, the identification of stakeholders, and alignment of the
organization’s mission, vision, goals, and business priorities and goals.

Design the project plan including an opportunity statement, goals, scope,
timeline, and critical milestones utilizing project management methodologies,
performance measurements, and tools. Provide project coordination through a
variety of project management tools and methods (charters, communication
plans, Gantt charts, risk assessment, logic models, process flow diagrams, and
action plan templates). Develop a project plan within the requirements of the
charter, including project assumptions and constraints, in alignment with the
organization’s mission and vision and establishing the total scope of the
effort. Define measurement, establish a baseline, and refine the objectives.
Develop a work breakdown structure to outline the course of action required to
attain those objectives.

Manage the work defined in the project plan/scope document to ensure the
project moves forward according to the project plan goals and timelines.
Coordinate people and resources and perform the activities of the project in
accordance with the project plan. Identify and utilize clinical tools
(clinical practice guidelines, pathways, and algorithms) as deemed
appropriate.

Understand the stages of team formation. Design team activities to maximize
engagement using a range of methods for facilitating group interaction.
Establish effective and transparent ground rules for team communications and
interaction. Maintain a focus on vision, strategy, and achieving desired
results throughout the facilitation process. Facilitate groups to attain
consensus and achieve identified shared goals.

Track, monitor, and communicate project progress to all stakeholders and
provide alerts to the project sponsor when deviations from the plan occur. Use
and maintain action plans, project charters, timelines, and deadlines to drive
accountability and structure related to performance improvement project.
Develop and communicate the status of the project and corrective action plans
to the sponsor, team members, and stakeholders when the performance
improvement project is not meeting timeframes. Adapt the project plan to new
information, changing conditions, and unexpected obstacles. Use organizational
change control procedures to change the approved project plan. Close the
project and hand off the control plan to the process owner for ongoing
monitoring and to ensure sustained results.

Principal Duties (cont'd)
Culture and Process Change Management

Use meaningful measurement tools to prove the need for improvement, make
changes, and measure return on investment. Identify meaningful measures and
outcomes. Understand and explain the origin, reliability, validity, and
accuracy of data; how data is verified; and the sources used for benchmarking
and comparison. Optimize timely decision through the analysis of information
and development of alternative hypotheses and action plans. Aid effective
interpretation and communication of data and information by using visual
display techniques.

Provides other duties and responsibilities as assigned by team leader and
Process Improvement supervisor.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or related healthcare field required.
Experience
Minimum ‎3 years related experience in related field, collecting and analyzing
data, preparing reports, identifying and solving problems, facilitating
discussion with team to recommend solutions.
Certification/Other requirements as applicable

Professional Certification in applicable area (CPHQ, Lean/Sigma) preferred

Knowledge of medical terminology, diagnosis, and basic disease processes.

Knowledge of Microsoft office suite applications.

Possess advanced interpersonal and communication written and verbal skills
necessary to gather and exchange data (both internally and externally) with
members of the healthcare team.