Reporting to the System Quality & Medication Safety Manager, the Informatics Pharmacist is responsible for the development, implementation, support, and use of comprehensive pharmacy technology and information systems. Working closely with the pharmacy management team, the Informatics Pharmacist provides clinical support and guidance for maintenance and development of pharmacy technologies and information systems.
This is a 9-month position to support Cerner EHR implementation and legacy system (Meta) maintenance at MSOPS through 6/30/2024 with potential for renewal thereafter as required by the project. This position is required to work on-site without option for remote work. Primary work location is in Tewksbury, MA with potential for travel to other DPH and DMH sites supported by MSOPS.
Responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, support, and use of pharmacy information systems and technologies.
Responsible for the coordination and management of all pharmacy/medication related information systems and automated dispensing projects.
Responsible for the information system infrastructure including CPOE, pharmacy order entry systems, and nurse documentation systems.
Collaborates with other clinical departments and the information systems department in the selection of medication related systems, development of project plans, installation/testing of pharmacy/medication related software and hardware, and the training/education of staff on the use of medication systems implemented. Provides operational, clinical, and safety recommendations related to installation, maintenance, and enhancements of Pharmacy related systems and technologies.
Responsible for the building and maintaining all databases/tables, software parameters/configurations, and other software infrastructure needed to properly install and run all pharmacy and medication related applications and automated dispensing systems (this includes but is not limited to drug formulary databases, drug information databases, computerized predefined medication orders/order sets, clinical tables required to support each system, non-clinical tables required to support each system, and software/hardware parameters set up to tailor the technology specifically to how it is to be used at MSOPS).
Provides clinical and technical support for pharmacy and medication related computer applications and automated dispensing technologies installed at MSOPS.
Analyzes needs and develops hardware and software solutions for all pharmaceutical services.
Ensures information system and technology processes support established clinical standards of care, meet or exceed patient care quality standards, comply with various regulatory agency requirements, and integrate with other departments.
Identifies opportunities to improve medication related processes through the use of clinical technology software and hardware.
Provides data derived from pharmacy technology and automation to assist in making operational decisions.
Serves as pharmacy liaison to technology vendors, IT departments, nursing, and other ancillary departments as required.
Assists with and supports pharmacy reporting and billing.
Builds and enhances professional relationships and communicates effectively with pharmacy, nursing, medical staff, hospital administration, and ancillary hospital departments to promote clinical initiatives, provide patient care, and promote pharmacy initiatives and education.
Provides clinical and technical support and drug information for formulary decisions and drug shortage recovery.
Provides clinical informatics support and participation in multidisciplinary teams concerned with medication errors, system adverse events and reactions, near misses, policy review, safe medication use, new product review, patient safety, and risk management programs.
Actively participates in EHR build/design workshops.
Assists in the development and coordination of clinically related quality improvement programs.
Responsible for the implementation of the new EHR at the PDC and for DMH and DPH sites.
Responsible for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of legacy pharmacy information systems.
Provides pharmacist staffing support as needed and performs the essential functions of a clinical pharmacist.
Assists the pharmacy management team with all aspects of medication management and clinical services, distributive functions, and ensures compliance with all regulatory and accrediting body requirements (TJC, MA BORP, DPH, FDA, etc.).
Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement, Drug Utilization Evaluation, Adverse Drug Reaction reporting, Medication Use, and other projects as assigned.
Assists in the design, implementation, and documentation of pharmacy clinical programs such as drug consults, pharmacokinetics, antimicrobial stewardship, medication safety, opioid stewardship, and other programs as determined appropriate based on patient populations and literature guidelines.
Collaborates with the pharmacy management team to develop, review, implement, and evaluate clinical practice guidelines, policies and procedures, and process improvement initiatives that address cost-effective, safe, and appropriate drug therapy.
Provides, coordinates, and evaluates staff development opportunities for practicing pharmacists; develops and documents pharmacy staff education and competency in relation to quality and informatics on an ongoing basis and assists the pharmacy management team in developing improvement plans when deficiencies in competencies are identified.
Develops and actively participates in training and mentorship programs for pharmacists, residents, students, technicians, nurses, and independent providers based on reports in the literature, responses to corrective action plans, and recommendations from committee activities.
Precepts pharmacy students and residents; serves as a role model to pharmacy students and residents; and acts as a project advisor in area of expertise or as assigned by the pharmacy management team.
Maintains excellent communication with the pharmacy management team on quality and informatics issues on a consistent basis. Provides detailed action plans and documentation to support updates.
Provides technology and information system support for medication issues driven by drug shortages, replacement drug products, and Look-alike/Sound-alike drugs.
Maintains knowledge of leading-edge developments, best practices, and evolving information technology systems and solutions by participation in ongoing independent study, education related professional activities, and affiliations.
Maintains understanding of and accountability for the requirements and all deliverables of the RFR/Contract and all attachments including but not limited to reports and hours of operation and coverage by management team to include weekends/holidays.
Maintains safety-integrity-professionalism of pharmacy at all times including communication with coworkers.
Provide in-services to pharmacy staff and professional staff.
Review of monthly medication area inspections for trends and areas of needed improvement.
Conducts periodic staff meetings to assure staff understanding of accreditation expectations.
Perform special projects as requested.
Work cohesively with Cardinal Health account leadership and accreditation team.
Other duties and work scheduled as assigned to assure continuity of service to MSOPS.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or equivalent from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy.
Registered Pharmacist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Experience with information systems applicable to the medication use process including but not limited to electronic medical records, smart pump technologies and databases, automated dispensing cabinets, and medication carousels highly preferred.
Proficient with Microsoft Excel highly preferred.
Experience as a Pharmacist in an acute care and/or long-term care setting preferred.
Ability to work and make sound decisions independently.
Ability to integrate clinical services, training and education, and research activities.
Strong leadership ability with excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills.
Possesses a data driven mindset and must understand and use basic statistical methods and formal analytic methods.
Technical expert in area subject matter demonstrated by documented experience in analysis, process design and workflow, research, installation/implementation, and support of software applications and systems.
Substantial knowledge in project management, performance improvement, risk management principles, patient safety and planning.
Must have a positive work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills to motivate other team members and promote a professional work environment.
A Covid-19 vaccination or a legitimate accommodation is required in order to be employed in this position. Covid-19 vaccination includes: 2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Please Note: vaccines may be required for the position subject to federal, state and/or customer requirements.