Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Informatics

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Pharmacy Informatics Specialist is responsible for effective design, development, implementation, and maintenance of all aspects of pharmacy-related applications, clinical information systems, and computerized pharmacy systems. This pharmacist must be knowledgeable in the total medication use process, from purchasing and receiving, to ordering, dispensing, and administration. They are responsible for project management of the work related to troubleshooting, improving workflows, and implementing new initiatives within the pharmacy systems.  The Pharmacy Informatics Specialist partners with Pharmacy Automation Technician(s) and other key stakeholders and ensures the automated dispensing systems (cabinets, carousels, repackagers, etc.) are maintained and optimized to meet patient care needs.  The Pharmacy Informatics Specialist serves as a liaison to EPIC teams, IT, Nursing, Anesthesia, and others as required. This pharmacist is responsible for training pharmacists and technicians in pharmacy software and workflow. The Pharmacy Informatics Specialist must have a thorough knowledge of clinical information systems, automated distribution systems, interdepartmental processes, and drug information.  Advanced computer skills are required.

Position: Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Informatics        

Department: Inpatient Pharmacy

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Manages the automation systems that drive the clinical and distributive functions of the department.  These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Identifies opportunities to create or implement new technology needed to support or improve pharmacy practice. Recommends and participates in the evaluation of new technologies for safety and cost-effectiveness, and considers integration with existing systems, implementation resources, and overall benefit to the organization.
• Participates in prioritization, creation, and/or validation of new drug entries in EPIC and relevant pharmacy automation systems, with attention to accurate and safe clinical and distributive workflows.  This includes new formulary additions, alternative medications in response to shortages, and other CPOE optimization requests.  Works collaboratively with other teams to coordinate, track and update CPOE requests. Acts as project manager to ensure all aspects of pharmacy requests are completed prior to go-live.
• Maintains proficiency with all pharmacy automation technology, including but not limited to, automated dispensing systems (e.g. dispensing cabinets, carousels, safe), IV workflow systems, compounding and repackaging systems, barcoding systems, computer applications, and other pharmacy and general technology solutions necessary to perform pharmacy functions.
• Manages the implementation of new pharmacy automation systems or system upgrades of current pharmacy software applications. Installs equipment, develops, assigns, and documents related test plans with vendors and IT, performs testing and validation, and ensures system tests are completed thoroughly and that all test requirements are met.
• Serves as a resource for functional performance and operation of pharmacy automation systems.  Responds to user questions, determines origin of system malfunctions, investigates, and resolves technical, mechanical, and operational problems. Works collaboratively with staff to troubleshoot problems with malfunctioning equipment, safety concerns, medication errors, or user issues in a timely manner.  Identifies and maintains key spare parts inventory on-site to assure system uptime. Promptly initiates calls to technical support (BMC Help Desk, vendor support) as needed.  Follows up with vendors, technical support, and IT on issues until fully resolved. Provides supporting documentation and communicates findings to supervisors, external teams, and involved users.  
• Works collaboratively with manager and Pharmacy Automations Technician(s) and serves as their backup in case of absence or vacancy
• Analyzes reports and monitors trends in dispense data to complete routine inventory optimization of dispensing cabinets. Monitors dashboards for failed drawers, stockouts, and discrepancies and communicates with technical staff to facilitate resolution of issues.
• Collaborates with the IV Supervisor in building, validating, and/or troubleshooting the IV workflow system
• Develops educational materials and provides orientation and hands-on training for new pharmacy staff to ensure appropriate use of information systems. The Pharmacy Informatics Specialist may become credentialed as an EPIC trainer during the orientation period.
• Analyzes monthly bedside Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) compliance reports for items that require barcode maintenance.  Partners with Pharmacy Operations Managers and Nurse Managers to design system improvements and education.
• Collaborates on the development and implementation of strategies to eliminate or minimize medication errors
• Participates in eMERGE Pharmacy User Group, Pharmacy IT Roadmap, and other pharmacy IT-related meetings as needed. Presents at Nursing Informatics Council and other meetings on pharmacy technology workflow changes, upgrades, and other related topics as requested.
• Monitors and maintains system configurations and settings of all pharmacy IT systems.
• Coordinates or assigns purging, backups, and other maintenance functions and ensures they are executed as scheduled. Oversees scheduling of critical overrides for scheduled downtimes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of power outage and emergency procedures for automated distribution systems, EMR and other pharmacy related applications. Performs routine review of downtime standard operating procedures and policies.
• Implements and adheres to effective change control processes. Documents and maintains all required records. Disseminates information to end-users in a timely manner.
• Maintains standards related to data integrity, security and confidentiality.
• Complies with all Federal, State and Local laws, regulations, rules, and accreditation standards. Understands and adheres to all policies and procedures of the organization
• Sustains own professional and specialized competency and promotes self-development through participation in in-services, workshops, seminars, and professional organizations
  • Attends and participates in department staff meetings.
  • Remains informed by regularly reading all department communications/email.
• Participates in performance and/or quality improvement initiatives by actively sharing ideas and cooperating with the execution of initiatives to improve pharmacy services.
• Participates in the creation and maintenance of a healthy work environment.  A healthy work environment is one where people feel supported, held accountable, where standards are applied and expectations are clear.  A healthy work environment is one where leadership supports and leads, models behavioral standards and sets the example for how to do all things right.

Critical responsibilities related to this:

• Adapts positively to change, including but not limited to: frequent interruptions, changes in workload, and/or work schedule, re-prioritizing work for urgent patient care needs, offering assistance to other team members, etc.
• Being engaged in the department, including owning team decisions, and supporting department and/or organizational initiatives.
• Holds self and others to the highest ethical standards, acts with integrity, demonstrates truthfulness and discretion.
• Supports and maintains controls, cost savings initiatives, systems and clinical programs to lower costs while maintaining the highest level of care.
• Interacts courteously and professionally with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Establishes productive, collaborative relationships with staff members and within the community.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment consistent with clinical/academic background.
• Performs work completely, accurately, and within specified time frames.
• Responds to stressful situations in a calm, rational manner.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Completes special projects as assigned
• On-call rotation

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or PharmD from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school is required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Must be licensed as a Pharmacist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the hire date.

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires at minimum a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and at least five years of pertinent work experience or a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and Post-Graduate Pharmacy training, with at least three years of pertinent work experience or a Doctorate Degree from an accredited college of pharmacy with Post-Graduate Pharmacy training or two years of pertinent work experience
• PGY1 with experience or PGY2 in informatics preferred

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Effective interpersonal skills to interact cooperatively with hospital staff, patients/families/visitors, and pharmacy colleagues.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, solve problems, and respond quickly to urgent requests.
• Ability to perform work accurately, with attention to detail, and within a specified time period in a fast-paced, and high acuity environment.
• Exercise sound professional judgement and consider medication safety/human factors in designing all clinical and technical work
• Communicate effectively in English (both orally and in writing) including ability to interpret and follow complicated verbal and written instructions with precision, accuracy, and dependability.
• Ability to multi-task, handle frequent interruptions, and adapt to changes in workload.
• Must maintain competency to perform the essential duties and responsibilities necessary to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Intermediate to advanced competency in Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Must have the ability to perform data analysis and complex reporting functions.
• Knowledge/experience with ADS, carousels, and EPIC are preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans