Patient Safety Specialist - Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR
About the Job
The Patient Safety Specialist takes an active role in the implementation of the Patient Safety Plan and the daily
operations of the Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Program. The Specialist works with others within the
facility to implement effective practices designed to reduce error, create reliable systems, identify
improvement opportunities, mediate risk, and improve patient outcomes. Specific duties include: clinical
reviews of patient safety incidents; conducting case reviews, Root Cause Analyses, and Failure Mode, Effects,
and Criticality Analyses; performing quantitative and qualitative analyses of incident reports, claims reports,
and survey data; working with leadership and departments to effectively implement and maintain National
Patient Safety Goals; interacting with external safety organizations including UHC and the Oregon Patient
Safety Commission; and working with clinical departments and units to create patient safety plans and
programs. The Specialist works closely with the Patient Safety Program Manager, the Quality Management
Director, and the Chief Medical Officer.
Function/Duties of Position:Program Coordination
- Work with the Patient Safety Program Manager to implement components of the Patient Safety Plan.
- Work to assure that we are meeting external patient safety requirements including National Patient Goals, Oregon Patient Safety Commission requirements, and participation requirements with the PSO.
- Serve as the facilitator with assigned projects and priority areas.
- Develop and maintain work plans for assigned projects and priority areas.
- Provide project management, change management, and performance improvement methodology expertise including daily management systems to assigned areas.
Event Management
- Review PSIs on a regular basis and conduct further analysis, investigation, and action planning as appropriate.
- Work with department leadership to follow-up on reported events and complete action plans including communication back to the event reporter
- Lead and complete Root Cause Analyses, Case Reviews, and Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analyses as assigned and as necessary
- Collaborate with Risk Management, the Patient Advocate Office, and the Business Office, as appropriate.
Analysis and Reporting
- Conduct on-going and focused analyses with patient safety incidents to help identify priorities, improvement opportunities, trends, and improved performance
- Develop dashboards and reports for Clinical and Hospital Departments, the Quality and Safety Executive Committee, the Clinical Risk Committee, and the Administrative Team.
- Extract data for internal/external reporting and provides data and analysis to Clinical and Hospital Departments, Oregon Patient Safety Commission, and PSO.
- Conduct analysis on critical incidents as requested.
- Utilize external databases and resources (UHC, PSO, Oregon Patient Safety Commission, The Joint Commission) to benchmark performance and identify best/better practices.
Education and Consultation
- Provide education and training on patient safety to clinical staff
- Provide expertise in the patient safety principles and the implementation of a “just culture”
- Participate and help lead Patient Safety Rounds and staff discussion groups on patient safety issues
- Present patient safety data and information at physician and hospital committee/department meetings and orientations as requested.
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Related Field
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years recent clinical healthcare experience in a hospital setting.
- Experience that demonstrates expertise in patient safety concepts and practice including conducting Root Cause Analyses, FMECA, and/or TJC National Patient Goals
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
- Excellent knowledge base of quality improvement processes and tools. A proven record of accomplishment of strong leadership skills to ensure that improvement processes stick, priorities established, and performance goals are met.
- Systems knowledge and experience in identifying root causes and developing reliable and safe systems.
- Excellent knowledge understanding of statistical analysis and reporting practices pertinent to stable and high performing systems.
- Evidence of leadership, creativity, initiative and a diplomatic communicator. Ability to effectively work with and communicate with staff in all levels of the organization.
- Expertise in presenting technical reports and leading group discussions with clinicians and administrators
- Evidence within last 2 years of working with teams requiring self-direction and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in office automation computer software including the Microsoft Office Suite of products.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master’s Degree or evidence of progression toward an advanced degree.
- Current Oregon Nursing Licensure
- Certification in Healthcare Quality or Patient Safety
Experience:
- Hospital Acute Care, Critical Care, Surgery, or Medication Management Experience
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
- Knowledge and experience in Lean, Human Factors, Simulation, and Project Management
- Knowledge and experience with program evaluation, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and conductive focus groups.
- Knowledge of Staticial Process Control
- Normal office environment.
- Generally follows M-F 0800-1700 workweek with variability depending on Clinical Department and project needs.
- Extensive computer use. Frequent walking between buildings and to remote locations. When facilitating, may be standing for several hours at a time.
