Job Description
Position Summary: The Clinical Informaticist bridges the gap between clinical practice and information technology, ensuring that healthcare IT systems support and enhance the quality of patient care. They use their understanding of healthcare processes combined with expertise in IT to implement, modify, and optimize clinical information systems, aiding both clinicians and administrators.
Key Responsibilities: System Implementation & Optimization: Participate in the selection, customization, and deployment of clinical information systems. Ensure systems meet clinical needs and enhance patient care. Training & Support: Provide training to clinical staff on the effective use of IT systems. Offer support and troubleshooting assistance when issues arise. Workflow Analysis: Analyze clinical workflows to determine how IT systems can improve efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes. Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilize data analytics tools to gather insights from clinical data. Generate reports that aid in decision-making and improving patient care. Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with clinicians, IT professionals, and administrators to ensure alignment between clinical needs and IT solutions. Quality Assurance: Monitor the performance of clinical IT systems, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and organizational goals. Change Management: Lead and manage change when introducing new technologies or modifying existing systems. Stay Updated: Continuously update knowledge about emerging technologies, clinical guidelines, and best practices in the field of clinical informatics. Project Management: Oversee informatics projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Policy & Procedure Development: Assist in the creation and revision of policies and procedures related to the use of clinical IT systems.
Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Health Informatics, Nursing, Medicine, or a related field. Additional qualifications in IT or informatics is a plus. Previous clinical experience is highly beneficial. Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and other clinical software. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Effective communication abilities, both verbal and written. Familiarity with data analytics tools and software.
Physical Requirements: Primarily an office-based role with long periods of computer work. May require occasional walking or standing, especially during facility tours or system deployments.
Working Conditions: Generally works in an office within a healthcare facility, but might also work remotely or in an IT department setting. Collaboration with a diverse team including clinicians, IT professionals, and administrators. May require occasional evening or weekend hours, especially during system deployments or critical situations.
Career Advancement: Opportunities might include specialization in specific clinical software or systems, leading teams of informaticists, or progressing to executive roles in health informatics or IT.