Clinical Trauma Performance Improvement Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Clinical Trauma Performance Improvement Specialist role develops and implements a robust standardized performance improvement plan. Provides comprehensive monitoring and evaluates the quality of clinical care for the injured patient concurrently and retrospectively via the following mechanisms: identifying performance improvement issues through primary review level as well as multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary reviews at the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary review levels. Requires strong organizational, leadership, group cohesion, and a high level of interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, necessary to interact effectively with all internal and external resources as needed. A high degree of professionalism is essential. Given the nature of handling highly confidential and proprietary information, a high level of discretion is also critical.

Position: Clinical Trauma Performance Improvement Specialist        

Department: Critical Care & Trauma Surgery

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• In collaboration with the Trauma Program leadership, develops and implements the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Division’s Performance Improvement and Patient Safety (PIPS) plan in compliance with the recommendations of the American College of Surgery by maintaining current knowledge in “Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient” standards.
• Works closely with Trauma Program leadership to prepare for and participate in upcoming Trauma verification surveys.
• Supports the trauma medical director and hospital administration in the development, implementation and evaluation of a high quality plan that is multidisciplinary and focused on evidence based patient outcomes.
• Assists in monitoring and coordinating all aspects of PIPS program.
• Consistently and actively monitors the Level 1 trauma center standards through protocols and guidelines, identifies deficiencies and has an ongoing action plan and timeline to address the deficiencies through the PIPS process.
• In collaboration with the Trauma Program leadership, assist with the development of program-specific administrative and clinical guidelines, serving as a resource for clinical practice and provides education to any pre-hospital, hospital, health-care agency, and/or community resources that requests assistance or information related to trauma or injury prevention activities.
• As part of the PIPS review process, actively identifies and monitors performance improvement issues through chart reviews, attendance at daily morning report, M&M conferences, trauma registry and other modalities, then validates, reviews, creates action items and closes the loop to optimize clinical outcomes across the continuum of care.
• Leads the committee that guides the PIPS processes including preparation of select morbidity/mortality cases for secondary and tertiary review and provides written and/or verbal feedback to various disciplines across the care continuum as determined by the Trauma Program leadership.
• Actively participates in hospital based Trauma Operational Group and Trauma Anesthesia Group.
• Participates in local, state, regional, and national meetings such as Trauma Systems Committee, MA Committee on Trauma and TQIP.
• Oversees Trauma clinical databases for accuracy.
• Develops, organizes, facilitates, and/or participates in trauma-related educational opportunities with target audiences for healthcare providers such as physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, pre-hospital providers as well as community members in formal or informal settings.
• In collaboration with the Trauma Program leadership, assists with the design and implementation of audits and reports to support registry data validation, facilitate performance improvement activities, trend reports, and conduct research while maintaining confidentiality.
• Develops, implements, and analyzes specific, data-driven performance improvement projects and injury prevention initiatives based on trauma registry data trends and TQIP data to the Trauma committee.
• Special projects: Supports the Trauma team on special projects, initiatives and strategic priorities as assigned. Creates reports, spreadsheets, charts, presentations or other correspondence as requested.
• Coordinates communication with the state ME Office to receive autopsy reports in a timely fashion.
• Monitors all trauma patient transfers and adherence to the transfer protocol process, including providing feedback to transferring hospital staff, physicians and EMS.
• Manages professional growth and development by participating in trauma-related educational opportunities, committees, and projects at the local, state, and national levels.
• Represents the trauma program at local, regional, and national levels.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of patient safety science and quality improvement methodologies/tools and some database knowledge.
• Displays interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively with administrative and clinical leadership, frontline staff and other healthcare professionals.
• Highly self-motivated and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to work deadlines.
• Excellent presentation skills including the ability to speak and present before large audiences with excellent Power Point Presentations.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as necessary.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Graduate from an accredited MSN OR an APP (Advanced Practice Provider) program OR a BSN with masters in a healthcare field.
• If APP: Qualified Nurse Practitioners will have completed an accredited educational program for nurse practitioners required. Qualified Physician Assistants will hold a Bachelor's degree and must be a graduate of a PA Program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) or its predecessor.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS) certifications.
• NP must be registered with the ANCC or other accrediting organization for Nurse Practitioners.
• Registered with the State of Massachusetts and DEA for prescription writing privileges.
• PA must be National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) PANCE eligible and eligible for PA licensure in the State of Massachusetts. Documentation of Massachusetts PA license and initial NCCPA certification are required upon hire. If prescribing medications is included in clinical duties and privileges, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration and federal DEA Controlled Substance Registration are required.

EXPERIENCE:

• 8-10 years related clinical work experience: trauma ,emergency department, critical care unit

• QI/PI experience preferred

• Three to five years of experience with a high proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the care of trauma patients and the ability to identify opportunities within this population
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality improvement methodologies/tools and use of patient safety science
• Use of process improvement methods
• Excellent interpersonal skills within a highly complex environment
• Maintain strict confidentiality of information
• Ability to collect event information and organize Into coherent narrative
• Ability to follow timelines and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to work/project deadlines
• Ability to inspire trust and be seen as someone who provides support and assistance
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and organizational skills
• Skill interpreting Corporate and Departmental policies and procedures. 
• MS Office application skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) at the advanced level
• Ability to coalesce teams and organize interview schedules and meetings. 
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous, and complex tasks and projects under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and composure under pressure. 
• Ability to adapt to changes as needed in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize, be resourceful and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Initiative, creativity and flexibility.
• Completion of TPOIC(Trauma Outcomes and Performance Improvement Course) within 6 months of hire

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans