Clinical Data Analyst

Clinical Data Analyst

Under the direction of the Director of the MSCH NICU Data Committee, the NICU Clinical Data Abstractor works closely with a Clinical Data Navigator (CDN) to abstract complex data from our Epic Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system used for data reporting, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical research.

This position identifies, extracts, and structures neonatal data utilizing Epic tools and Smart Data Elements to build a comprehensive, Vermont Oxford Network (VON)-compliant database housed in REDCap.

The ideal candidate will be personable and competent at managing relationships within the NICU clinical Data Committee and within the CUIMC Analytics Development Team. This individual must have hands-on NICU clinical expertise with a strong aptitude for healthcare informatics, ensuring the highest level of data integrity and clinical accuracy. This individual must be team oriented and possess strong customer service, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

At CUIMC, we are leaders in teaching, research, and patient care and are proud of the service and support we provide to our community. We apply the same rigor in our commitment to fostering an inclusive, thriving community and caring for our employees and their loved ones. We offer immediate eligibility and invest in our employees' families through comprehensive Health and Welfare, Employee Assistance, Tuition Programs, and Retirement Benefits.

Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Responsibilities

Data Abstraction & Epic Navigation – 30%

• Perform deep-dive clinical data abstraction from the Epic EMR for neonatal patients, accurately interpreting clinical notes, lab results, imaging, and flowsheets.
• Leverage Epic tools, including Smart Data Elements, SmartForms, and reporting workbench tools, to efficiently locate and extract targeted clinical variables.
• Translate complex NICU clinical scenarios into standardized data points aligned with Vermont Oxford Network (VON) definitions and manuals.

Collaboration & Database Development – 30%

• Work hand-in-hand with the Clinical Data Navigator to design optimal workflows for data extraction from Epic to REDCap.
• Assist in the structural mapping and design of the REDCap database, ensuring all fields map correctly to VON data dictionaries.
• Provide clinical context to technical team members to ensure data queries and automated extraction tools capture the correct patient populations and clinical events.
• Report and recommend improvements for data capture tools:
• Work with clinical team to define missing data capture, Epic tools that can be built with engineer team to improve data entry and capture at Epic engagement point.
• Work with clinical and CDN team to understand advanced tools that can be used to capture data from unstructured elements and work flow needed to validate these data elements.
• Provide feedback to clinical team on missing data and strategies to improve retrospective and prospective data capture.

Quality Assurance & Compliance – 20%

• Input, review, and clean abstracted data within the REDCap environment.
• Perform routine data quality checks to resolve discrepancies and ensure submission-level accuracy for VON reporting and internal quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines and institutional data security protocols during the handling of Protected Health Information (PHI).

Task Management – 5%

• Manages multiple tasks simultaneously keeping team members updated on progress.

Maintain Standards – 5%

• Maintains knowledge of internal and industry-wide policies, standards, and best practices, including HIPAA, IRB, and data governance policies and procedures to ensure all deliverables meet those standards.

Continuous Improvement – 5%

• Seeks out additional training to improve skills in the team's technologies and new technologies, and to improve soft skills for better team relations.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required; plus three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• RN, NNP, or equivalent clinical degree plus three years of recent, direct clinical experience in a Level III or Level IV NICU.
• Prior experience working with the Vermont Oxford Network database, including familiarity with VON data definitions and reporting requirements.
• Experience building, managing, or entering data into REDCap databases.
• A background or certification in Nursing Informatics or Clinical Informatics, or advanced data science applications in healthcare.
• Excellent decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with administrative and/or operational data and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills with an emphasis on communication, detail, and follow-up.
• Experience with other scripting languages for data analysis.

Other Requirements

• High-level proficiency navigating the Epic EMR. Specific experience utilizing and understanding Epic Smart Data Elements, SmartPhrases, and clinical flowsheets.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to independently interpret complex medical documentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing, optimizing, and troubleshooting SQL queries in a relationship database environment (e.g., MS SQL Server, Oracle, Snowflake, or other databases).

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.