Health Information Systems Officer job at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)

About the Organization

MUWRP is committed to actively engaging communities at various stages of the research process, from trial protocol development, through implementation, to dissemination of research findings. Scientists are encouraged to participate in engagement activities with the public both inside and outside the research community. Sharing our research work is a crucial part of the MUWRP pillars. MUWRP ensures the community members are informed of the research protocols taking place in their communities.

Job Description

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP's portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program (EIDP) for surveillance of influenza and influenza-like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also, a PEPFAR funded program in HIV treatment, care and prevention in the districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma, Buikwe, Luwero, Nakasongola. Additionally. MUWRP seeks to fill the following position.
Contract Tenure: 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to the needs of the Organization

Duties and Responsibilities

System Management and Administration

Implementation: Overseeing the implementation, maintenance, and upgrades of health information systems (HIS) within healthcare facilities.
Configuration: Configuring HIS software and hardware to meet the specific needs of the organization and ensure compatibility with clinical workflows.
User Support: Providing technical support and troubleshooting assistance to users (healthcare professionals, administrators) encountering issues with HIS.

Data Management

Data Collection: Designing and managing data collection processes to ensure accurate and timely capture of patient and healthcare data.
Data Entry and Quality: Ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and completeness through validation processes and quality assurance measures.
Security: Implementing data security protocols and procedures to protect patient confidentiality and comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA).

Health Information Analysis and Reporting

Data Analysis: Analyzing health information data to generate reports, identify trends, and provide insights that support clinical decision-making and health management.
Report Generation: Developing and producing regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs), health outcomes, and operational metrics for stakeholders.

System Integration and Interoperability

Integration: Integrating HIS with other healthcare systems (e.g., electronic health records, laboratory information systems) to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability.
Standards Compliance: Ensuring compliance with health information standards (e.g., HL7, DICOM) to facilitate interoperability and data sharing across systems.

Training and Capacity Building

Training: Providing training sessions and workshops to healthcare staff on the use of HIS, data management practices, and compliance with data protection regulations.
Capacity Building: Building the capacity of healthcare personnel to effectively utilize HIS for improved patient care, data management, and operational efficiency.

Policy Development and Governance

Policy Implementation: Implementing policies and procedures related to health information management, data privacy, and security.
Governance: Participating in governance committees or teams to develop strategic plans and initiatives related to HIS and health information management.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in health information management, health informatics, computer science, or a related field is typically required.
Certification: Certification in health information management (e.g., RHIA, RHIT) or health informatics is often preferred.

Professional Experience

Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience in health information systems management, health informatics, or a related field within a healthcare setting.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in HIS implementation, administration, and support, including experience with HIS software, databases, and systems integration.
Data Analysis: Experience in data analysis and reporting using healthcare data and analytics tools.

Skills and Competencies

Technical Proficiency: Strong technical skills in HIS administration, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data sets and generate actionable insights.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with healthcare professionals, IT teams, and stakeholders.
Project Management: Ability to manage projects related to HIS implementation, upgrades, and system enhancements.
Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in data management and reporting.

Personal Attributes

Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address technical issues and challenges related to HIS.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing technology and healthcare environment.
Ethical Conduct: Commitment to ethical standards and patient confidentiality in health information management.