Sterile Processing Quality Improvement Specialist

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation • Wake Forest, NC

39d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Quality Improvement Specialist is responsible for evaluating performance through assessment of workflow efficiency, staff competency, resource utilization, safety, and compliance within Sterile Processing Services. This role involves developing and implementing improvement plans using methodologies like the IHI Model for Improvement and LEAN. The specialist will analyze data to identify trends, determine root causes, and translate findings into actionable information to drive change. They will also disseminate performance data, collaborate with departments to achieve quality recognition, document and report improvement activities, and highlight initiative successes. Additionally, the role requires strong problem-solving, leadership, conflict management, and team-building skills to foster a productive work environment and achieve organizational goals. Collaboration with leadership and staff to develop policies and procedures that ensure excellent quality care and minimize patient harm is also a key function. The position may involve travel to various Advocate Health hospital and ASC locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in health related field or industrial engineering.
• Four years' experience in health care setting with minimum of three years' experience in quality improvement, process improvement, change management, etc.
• Knowledge of quality improvement concepts, methods and tools (e.g., PDSA, rapid cycle quality improvement, LEAN, Six Sigma and reliability principles) and change management experience.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, medical records and clinical care processes.
• Detailed understanding and experience using the techniques of system design, reengineering, reliability, quality improvement, process mapping, project management, data management and statistical analysis.
• Experienced at using an evidence-based approach to facilitate multidisciplinary quality improvement work.
• Proficient in team development and facilitation techniques applied to project teams to achieve their highest potential.
• Experience in leading group processes and negotiation.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• Certification in Health Care Quality (CPHQ), Six Sigma or other health quality certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates performance through assessment of workflow efficiency, competency of staff, utilization of resources, safety and compliance.
• Develops and facilitates implementation of improvement plans following the IHI Model for Improvement and LEAN.
• Works closely with select departments to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement.
• Analyzes data for patterns and trends in care delivery; discovers root causes for specific patient care trends and for critical event analysis (i.e., Root Cause Analysis, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis). Translates data into actionable information (using data to drive change).
• Disseminates/displays data using common performance improvement tools (e.g., run charts, histograms). Maintains trended reports and summaries of key findings.
• Translates findings and outcomes and recommend strategies for early intervention and health/disease management, new programs, workflow and operational improvement activities. Assists in facilitating changes and improvements based on the data.
• Assures all staff have the education and resource material needed to facilitate the change.
• Ensures administration, staff and providers are aware of performance in relation to the desired performance level, and the evidence base for the measure. Disseminates information via corporate meetings, flyers, email, SharePoint and in personalized office training classes.
• Collaborates with select teams to increase the number of practices/providers with NCQA recognition for Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), Diabetes, Heart and Stroke, and others. Ensures those already recognized maintain their recognition status.
• Assures that improvement activities are documented and reported within the organization and externally as appropriate.
• Highlights results and accomplishments of QI initiatives.
• Demonstrates problem solving, leadership, conflict management and team building skills in order to ensure a productive work environment and achievement of goals.
• Aligns efforts with other departments to increase the likelihood of achieving our common goals.
• Collaborates with leadership and staff to create policies and procedures that ensure excellent quality care and minimize harm to the patient.
• Attends meetings, conferences and trainings related to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Generous retirement offerings
• Programs that invest in your career development
• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level