Clinical Informatics Specialist

Description

The Clinical Informatics Specialist provides and coordinates organization-wide training and support to clinical staff and end-users of the Epic (Excellian) EMR platform.  This role is responsible for the onboarding of clinical staff and providers, as well as the ongoing training and support of Epic/Excellian at St. Croix Health. This role also serves as St. Croix Health’s Epic/Excellian champion, subject matter expert, and Allina Affiliate liaison. The Clinical Informatics Specialist collaborates with clinical teams to understand and analyze EMR workflows, to design and create effective, efficient solutions that support organizational goals and improve patient experience. This role is part of Information Technology Team and acts as a liaison between IT and St. Croix Health’s clinical practice.

1. Facilitate and Manage Epic/Excellian User Access:

• Ensure providers and staff have the appropriate user access permissions needed for their specific functions on day one, including the tools and applications required to fulfill the associated role.
• Periodically review and update user lists and user access levels to ensure appropriate access and maintain data privacy and system security across multiple applications and toolsets.
• Ensure timely deactivation of user accounts for individuals who leave the organization or no longer require access.

2. Provider Onboarding, Training, and Support:

• Provide hands-on training sessions, allowing providers to practice using Epic/Excellian in a controlled environment.
• Offer dedicated support during the initial onboarding phase to address any questions or issues providers may encounter.
• Provide continuous support through helpdesk services, regular check-ins, and refresher training sessions as needed.
• Offer personalized training sessions and support for users who need additional help or have specific questions.
• Create and distribute training materials, user guides, and FAQs to support learning.
• Customize set up for new employees Excellian needs for ordersets/smartsets, preferences, templates, professional fees/Level of service. Etc. 
• Attend medical staff meetings as needed to teach and promote efficiency and updates to clinical workflows.
• Proactively maintain and update workflows, processes, and training materials to ensure accuracy; ensure key stakeholders within the provider groups are abreast of changes.

3. Epic/Excellian Champion and Subject Matter Expert:

• Actively promote the benefits and importance of Epic/Excellian across the organization.
• Provide ongoing education and refresher courses to keep staff updated on new features, best practices, and changes in the system.
• Analyze current clinical workflows and identify ways to integrate and utilize Epic/Excellian more effectively, and to better align it with the specific needs and workflows of different departments and specialties.
• Develop and disseminate best practice guidelines for Epic/Excellian use, based on clinical evidence and user feedback.
• Continuously seek improvements of training materials, processes and methodology. Utilize new technology to develop new and efficient ways to deliver training to end-users. Keep abreast of the latest developments in EMR, informatics, and related clinical technology, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of clinical innovation.

4. Allina Affiliate Liaison:

• Regularly communicate with clinical staff to understand their needs, concerns, and suggestions related to Epic/Excellian and communicate back to Allina via the available affiliate channels.
• Serve as a liaison between St. Croix Health and Allina Health, ensuring that SCH’s needs, ideas, and feedback are communicated to Allina Health and vice versa.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including department heads and senior management, to gather input and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

5. IT Liaison:

• Facilitate clear and effective communication between clinical staff and IT, ensuring that both sides understand each other’s needs and constraints.
• Translate clinical requirements into technical specifications for IT projects and explain technical solutions and limitations to clinical staff in an unde