Analyst, Laboratory Information Systems

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Analyst, Laboratory Information Systems, is responsible for maintaining, testing, and validating the assigned laboratory information systems. Investigates and corrects laboratory system errors and provides staff training as required by the LIS Coordinators. Works with other LIS Analysts and receives guidance and direction from the LIS Coordinators. Required to work at various sites across the Lower Mainland Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Maintains, tests, and validates the laboratory information system as prioritized by the administrative leader in collaboration with the LIS Coordinators; maintains the laboratory information system through methods such as analyzing error logs and audit reports; identifies problems and brings to the attention of the LIS Coordinators, as required.
2. Assists in the maintenance of databases for the laboratory information systems.
3. Maintains patient information systems including specific activities such as; demographic updates, patient merges, and other visit/episode changes. Maintains system’s tables for quality and accuracy as well as performing regular updates.
4. Provides services to medical technologist by correcting related LIS errors and problems; refers unresolvable problems to the LIS Coordinator or appropriate personnel.
5. Participates in the development of changes and enhancements to the laboratory information systems as required to ensure the systems are consistent with current medical laboratory practice requirements.
6. Assists in program testing for new or revised laboratory information systems. Assists with the preparation of detailed implementation plans and works towards on time completion of system implementation tasks.
7. Assists with the installation of system interfaces and equipment, in collaboration with other teams.
8. Investigates and corrects laboratory system errors, working to resolution by following established procedures, consulting with the LIS Coordinator, Information Management staff or other appropriate personnel.
9. Troubleshoots LIS errors and problems including giving advice and guidance to laboratory staff on the steps required to correct and resolve problems.
10. Performs all related functions required for the production use of new configurations or builds as required according to established procedures.
11. Participates in the implementation of new technology and procedures as required and in collaboration with the LIS Coordinator and administrative leader, and also by liaising with Regional Technical Specialist, Medical Discipline Leaders, and Operations Directors.
12. Determines and documents all LIS issues requiring escalation. Acts as a contact on behalf of the laboratory for the vendor and IMIT for the resolution of LIS issue. Provides input into the escalation process procedures and utilizes process as needed.
13. Liaises with Laboratory Clients and with LIS administration and Information Management/Information Technology as required on quality assurance initiatives. Performs quality assurance activities such as following up and investigating incident reports, evaluations and other data, collecting and compiling statistical data for research and evaluation purposes.
14. Makes recommendations for the development of new and changed policies and procedures for the laboratory information systems, including downtime procedures and interpretative guidance on system/application capabilities. Assists the LIS Coordinators with maintaining procedures manuals, maintaining relevant documentation and correspondence.
15. Designs and develops reports for both clinical and laboratory business purposes which may include billing recovery, turnaround time reports, summaries of test utilization and test ordering patterns.
16. Provides instruction to system users such as Pathologists, Medical Technologists, Laboratory Assistants, and Clerks on routine operations, maintenance, and problem correction; serves as an ongoing resource to system users.
17. Represents the interests of the Laboratory and the Laboratory Information Systems by participating in meetings and committees, as required.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
Graduation from a recognized program in Medical Laboratory Science and certification with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
Three (3) years recent, related experience as a Laboratory Technologist including recent, related involvement in LIS maintenance and testing.
Diploma in Information Technology or related field supplemented with courses in communications and/or customer service, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a constantly changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with others effectively in a supportive and positive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to keep up abreast of new developments in information technology.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.