Quality Improvement Specialist

Basic Function:

The Quality Improvement Specialist is responsible for coordinating the development and maintenance of data abstraction tools for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) External Peer Review Program (EPRP) project. S/he will collaborate with the VHA team to develop, revise and maintain the data abstraction tools and devise systems to assure the validity and reliability of the data collected.

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to Director of Field Operations

Role and Responsibilities:

• Holds primary responsibility for development, revision and maintenance of quarterly data abstraction tools and reports for Quality Insights’ VHA EPRP contract. This includes review of external comparators such as The Joint Commission Specifications Manual to ensure VHA measures are aligned.
• Serves as lead and/or assists in development of data abstraction tools and reports for selected Focused Studies with VHA EPRP. This also includes training of abstractors and provision of reports to study sponsors.
• Develops a comprehensive knowledge of the abstraction tools used by Quality Insights.
• Maintains skills and knowledge in the use of abstraction tools.
• Conducts testing of new and revised abstraction software using established testing procedures.
• Participates in technical training in the use of laptop computers for independent contractors who abstract medical records for EPRP.
• Assists with development of project timelines.
• Conducts review of reconsideration cases and provides outcome to facility point of contact.
• Assists with VHA EPRP internal quality control and inter-rater reliability activities.
• Assists with development and review of training materials.
• Assists with development and maintenance of Exit Report Guides.
• Accepts assignments as may be necessary to ensure the success of Quality Insights review programs and to advance the goals of Quality Insights to achieve excellence in quality performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Skills / Professional Competencies Required:

• Demonstrable knowledge of medical record practices
• Skills in medical record abstraction
• Knowledge of quality improvement techniques and practices
• Ability to manage complex projects
• Knowledge of medical terminology and clinical quality measures specifications
• Knowledge of clinical professional functions in the health care setting
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
  

Minimum Education/Training Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is required. Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) is preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:

Five or more years of full-time clinical practice in nursing. Two or more years’ experience in development and maintenance of quality measures specifications.

Substitution(s):

N/A

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

Must have an RN license in good standing in at least one U.S. State. Must complete required continuing education hours to maintain current licensure/certification.

Security Level:

Low

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands marked below are representative of those that will be required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.