Clinical Data Specialist - Investigational Cancer Therapeutics

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021-2022 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of the Clinical Data Specialist position is to review, abstract, and validate clinical information of care rendered to protocol patients.  Provides administrative and patient care services for the coordination of research studies.  Impacts research by collecting information for each episode of care and facilitating and tracking of research sample information.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. To assist with patient-related activities                    
   
   
   
   • Work with patients to coordinate appointment schedules.
   
   
   • Coordinate screening of patients for multiple trials and update screening lists.
   
   
   
   

• Screen patients for protocol eligibility through personal interviews and/or medical record review in inpatient and outpatient settings. 


• Coordinate and evaluate the patient’s participation in research settings. 


• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team as necessary to document patient care, achieve objectives of clinical trials, and maintain patient safety.

-     Perform EKGs with sponsor-provided machines and transmit results, as needed.

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  • Relay immediately important patient messages to research nurses and other clinical research personnel.
  
  
  
  


• Adhere to institutional policies concerning safety and infection control.

2. Direct support to clinical trial research protocols

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  • Review medical records to extract data points.
  
  
  
  


• Assist with data entry into database and casebooks.
  
  
  
  • Assist with oversight for research specimen collection, documentation, or storage (i.e., acting as liaison between personnel in the CTRC lab, the department core lab, and the department).
  
  
  • Assist in creation and maintenance of tracking database for samples or orders.
  
  
  • Make survival calls and appropriately record the data, as needed.
  
  
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient flowsheet, to include but not limited to entry of toxicities, adverse events, follow-up visits, dose modifications, and any other protocol-required data.
  
  
  
  

3.  To maintain a high level of professional expertise and credibility through educational programs, including on-site training and off-site conferences.

• Attend department research meetings and conferences.


• Attend approved off-site meetings and conferences.


• Supplement education as needed through use of reference materials, lectures, etc.


• Be punctual in arriving at all professional functions.


• Inform appropriate staff and arrange coverage for necessary functions when absent.

4.  Other duties as assigned.

The performance for all expected outcomes is measured by observation by supervisor, reports from faculty and co-workers, the accuracy and timeliness of work produced, and the demonstrated ability to effectively work under stress.  The position also requires one to anticipate needs, to recognize situations requiring assistance and have the ability to refer or perform any necessary tasks, and to comprehend the goals of the department/program and take the initiative in making decisions and taking actions to further these goals.

The above functions require the following abilities and skills:

• Ability to practice independently, strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and critical judgment skills, and effective interactions with patients and co-workers. 


• Strong attention to detail.


• Strong organizational skills.


• Ability to work with personal computers using standard word processing software, spreadsheets, and programs for database and graphics usage.

• Ability to maintain a satisfactory work environment by organizing and redistributing files, records, etc., requiring bending, stooping, reaching, manual handling, walking, visually inspecting, extended standing, sitting and repetitive motions.  May be required to lift up to 15 pounds.

• Requires use of computer via keyboard, and operating facsimile machine, calculator, printer, photocopy machine, etc.  Requires the use of push-button, multiple line telephone set.  Must be able to master new software by utilizing available resources (other program personnel, reference manual, training classes, etc.)

• Be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone.


• Strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and verbalizing and ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION

Required\: High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred\: Some college with specific training in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and coding classification systems.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

Required\: None.

Preferred\: One of the following awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA):

CCS – Certified Coding Specialist

CPC – Certified Procedure Coder

CTR – Certified Tumor Registrar

ART – Accredited Record Technician

RRA – Registered Record Administrator

EXPERIENCE

Required\: One year of related experience in medical services. 

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http\://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html