Quality Improvement Consultant

KEY FUNCTION:

Build organizational capability for quality improvement, advance patient safety in the organization and promote patient and family centred care. Share knowledge of patient safety principles, continuous quality improvement methodology and patient and family centred care through training, coaching and facilitating at all levels of the organization.

REPORTING:

Under the general direction of the Director, Quality and Patient Relations.

DUTIES:

1. Guide the organization in the ongoing development of measuring and monitoring patient experience, quality and safety.
2. Advance patient safety and quality in the organization through consultation and education on continuous quality improvement methodologies, patient safety concepts and patient and family centred care.
3. Provide consultation at all levels of the organization inclusive of physicians, learners and patient and family advisors to support corporate and program specific quality improvement, patient safety and patient experience priorities.
4. Facilitate quality improvement initiatives in alignment with HSN’s strategic direction and defined priority improvement target areas.
5. Use data sources to identify and communicate quality improvement and patient experience opportunities.
6. Assist in the selection and analysis of quality related performance indicators to monitor organizational, program and/or unit level performance in alignment with HSN’s strategic direction.
7. Promote the use of the Safety Event Management Systems to report safety events and good catches; provide coaching and assistance to all levels of leadership to facilitate the analysis, follow-up and documentation of events.
8. Collaborate with leadership to conduct patient safety event reviews and quality of care reviews in accordance with legislative requirements, best practice and policy; monitor and facilitate the implementation of countermeasures and reporting on process improvements as required.
9. Support the ongoing development of the HSN Quality Improvement Framework by developing, monitoring and revising standards.
10. Engage key stakeholders to influence patient and family participation in decision-making, information sharing, and policy and program development; encourage engagement at all levels of the organization following the HSN Patient Engagement Framework.
11. Teach and coach all levels of leadership to utilize and engage patient and family advisors to promote a quality experience; develop and deliver organizational wide education, inclusive of concepts of patient and family centred care, key strategies, tools and patient centered design.
12. Build quality improvement capability within all levels of HSN including physicians, learners and patient and family advisors, through designing and facilitating educational materials and sessions, coaching and support.
13. Prepare reports for target audiences (i.e. Quality Committee of the Board, Senior Management, Director and Program level committees, etc.), highlight trends and make recommendations.
14. Research and provide recommendations on the development of policies, procedures, and standards affecting patient safety, quality and risk by employing best practices and emerging trends.
15. Participate in supporting development and monitoring of the annual Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
16. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
17. Participate in the accreditation process and work to ensure that the program and HSN achieve, maintain and continually improve upon their accredited status.
18. Ensure a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors; investigate report, debrief and take or direct corrective action as required on incidents.
19. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders/organizations/community groups to achieve program objectives, integrate and link services and foster partnerships across the continuum of service delivery.
20. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
21. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
22. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

1. Minimum of a four (4) year Bachelor’s Degree in a professional health discipline, Business, or Engineering field, from an accredited university.
2. Master’s Degree in Business, Education, Behavioural Science, Health Sciences Administration or a related discipline is preferred.
3. Current Institution for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) patient safety Certificate, Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) Officer Certificate or equivalent is required.
4. Current Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Green, Black belt or equivalent is preferred.
5. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a healthcare environment.
2. Two (2) years’ experience implementing improvement methodologies is required.
3. Two (2) years’ overall management/supervisory experience is preferred.
4. Demonstrated experience in data analysis, report generation and writing skills.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements relevant to patient care and healthcare facilities (i.e. Excellent Care for All Act, Public Hospitals Act, Quality of Care Information Protection Act, etc.) and Accreditation Canada standards.
2. Demonstrated current knowledge of patient safety and performance measurement.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of process improvement thinking and competency in applying associated tools and techniques.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of concepts of patient and family centred care.
5. Demonstrated ability to lead improvement projects independently.
6. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to coach, advise and teach others using the principles of adult learning, group dynamics, group facilitation, needs analysis, program design and evaluation and change management.
8. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
9. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
10. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation and principles of management, hospital committee structure, conflict management and resolution, system needs analysis and organizational assessment.
11. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and employees.
12. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
13. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
14. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

1. Demonstrated ability to work in an execution, results-oriented environment.
2. Proven ability to work effectively with people at all levels in an organization and to build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
5. Demonstrated positive work record and excellent attendance record.
6. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
7. Ability to travel between local sites.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.