About this role
Job Requirements
Under limited supervision, the Senior Quality Improvement Specialist plans, coordinates leads and monitors quality improvement initiatives within Perioperative and Procedural service (PPS) and across both UMMC campuses. Communicates with leadership and other departments (Performance Innovation, Infection Prevention, Nursing, etc.) to drive change toward high reliability and Zero Harm. Ensures awareness of, and continuously implements, the UMMC and PPS Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) program and the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) goals.
Provides leadership and direction to multi-disciplinary teams (which include physicians and senior leaders) to collaboratively accomplish quality improvement strategies at the hospital. Accountable for overall quality of care provided to all patients in PPS across both campuses, as well as compliance with quality requirements as outlined by CMS, Joint Commission, and/or disease specific certifications. Collects and analyzes data, conducts presentations, provides consultation, and staffs and leads service specific and hospital-wide committees. Promotes UMMC on its journey to become a High Reliability Organization (HRO) through the use of robust quality improvement tools and by promoting a Just Culture.
Encompasses various roles (ex. subject matter expert, coordinator, educator, project manager, data analyst, facilitator, and mentor). A working knowledge of clinical workflows and strong leadership skills are therefore integral to gaining credibility and collaboration from colleagues.
Duties include
- Working with UMMC clinical service departments across both campuses on quality improvement strategies to
- 1) enhance clinical/patient outcomes,
- 2) maximize the hospital’s financial reward within the State of Maryland’s pay for performance programs, and
- 3) optimize the hospital’s ranking within Vizient’s Quality and Accountability (Q&A) dashboard.
- Works with hospital leadership, staff, advanced practitioners, and physicians to provide a planned, systematic, approach to identify, measure, monitor, and evaluate quality improvement activities to foster a Zero Harm environment while promoting principles of a High Reliability Organization.
- Develops and maintains interactive and collaborative relationships with key medical staff (including Chairs and Chiefs); collaborates with and provides structure and guidance to clinical service departments; and serves as a vital quality improvement resource to clinical teams and support staff including faculty, unit dyads, and front-line team members.
Work Experience
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in Nursing or other Health Care field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Current licensure in Nursing or related field is required (i.e. nursing, physical therapy).
- Five years of progressively responsible professional experience performing quality improvement activities, or equivalent is preferred. Two years of leadership experience is preferred.
- Experience in an Academic Medical Center is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated broad based knowledge of quality improvement methodology, analysis and improvement strategies is required.
- A history of demonstrated leadership success.
- Proficiency and demonstrated effectiveness in problem-solving, analytical skills and implementation of new processes or programs.
- Proficiency in monitoring, evaluating and motivating the performance of clinical and non-clinical professionals, and the ability to coach and lead staff is required.
- Ability to facilitate and lead clinical quality improvement and the problem-solving process in a clinical setting.
- Must possess the ability to effect change among groups from various departments, to coordinate/prioritize information and activities, and to problem solve.
- Ability to work with limited supervision in the management of projects and programs is required. Initiative and problem-solving skills are needed
- Ability to develop collaborative programs and projects with other disciplines (clinical and non-clinical) is required. Must be able to contribute to team effectiveness, build relationships, and facilitate improvements.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulations, and The Joint Commission standards and practices for acute care hospitals is required. Knowledge of Departmental of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) for state licensure and Medical conditions of participation. Knowledge of quality improvement is required. Familiarity with physician practice standards, and legal and ethical practices
- Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary to work with all levels of hospital personnel, administrators, clinical staff and external review agencies in monitoring and evaluating the quality of patient care
- Ability to assess safety, quality, and regulatory compliance problems, recommend solutions, and assist responsible areas to resolve issues in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
- General knowledge of PC and database management software packages is required
- Intermediate project management skills
- Strong presentation skills including executive level presentations