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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a clinical data analyst. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a clinical data analyst.

 

Who is a Clinical Data Analyst?

A clinical data analyst is also known as a clinical informatics analyst. This analyst is a professional in healthcare information who investigates the authenticity of scientific experiments and data gathered. These data analysts make sure that procedures are followed, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and quality of care offered. The human component of clinical business intelligence is represented by clinical data analysts. They ensure that the proper data is gathered from databases for clinical trials. They often work in clinical settings where they create and manage databases for healthcare companies.

The main duty of a clinical data analyst is to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of data across diverse businesses. Also, many organizations hire a whole clinical data management (CDM) staff to guarantee that the information gathered is accurate, pertinent, and sound. Clinical data analysts inform management, stakeholders, and other relevant parties of the findings of clinical business information. Additionally, they work in concert with other pertinent departments to choose the topics for analysis and make sure the right steps are taken to guarantee the value of the data analysis. When necessary, clinical data analysts carry out data validation, data reconciliation, and data retrieval. They might also teach software and technological courses. A clinical data analyst is ultimately in charge of managing data for a company from design to execution and the conclusion of a clinical research phase.

Clinical data analysts must carry out a wide range of duties. In addition to managing internal and external data management activities, responsibilities also include expanding or modifying the system to serve new purposes and enhance workflow. Validating experiment results and conclusions as well as research data for use in clinical business intelligence systems are among the responsibilities. They are in charge of designing and testing data-gathering methods and creating programs to accurately collect and record data. They are responsible for teaching the workforce to use various computer systems and applications. Many organizations also require these professionals to develop and analyze systems for obtaining statistics from research projects, and design clinical and administrative reports. They may also be required to analyze present and future end-user requirements to improve clinical operations and develop mechanisms for information approval and distribution. The review, extraction, compilation, and analysis of patient data, such as coded financial and medical information, are additional responsibilities of clinical data analysts. These analysts may also carry out quality improvement projects, deliver departmental orientations, and conduct on-the-job training.

Clinical data analysts should have at least two years of experience dealing with data in the medical field. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare information management, statistics, computer science, or another equivalent discipline is required for education. The capacity to assemble, code, and categorize data is among the key competencies needed for this position. Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access should be accustomed well. They should have experience with different clinical data management programs. Knowing how to evaluate data requires maintaining the privacy of all financial, legal, and medical information. These experts also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They deal with intricate problems involving medical professionals, patients, and other staff members. Also, they are skilled at balancing several objectives and seeking out creative solutions to issues. Additional requirements for this position include the ability to work independently, think creatively, and have an eye for detail. Clinical data analysts must be able to stand or sit for extended amounts of time and work on computers constantly. Additionally, they must be able to lift and handle small items like file boxes and laptops.

 

Clinical Data Analyst Job Description

Below are the clinical data analyst job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

Clinical data analysts are tasked with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee both internal and external data management activities
• Create and implement the systems for collecting and reporting clinical data.
• Assemble information for the databases used in healthcare.
• Analyze present and upcoming end-user specifications to improve clinical operations.
• Create management and clinical reports.
• Join forces with the clinical operations and information technology teams to help identify business requirements.
• Create and assess methods for obtaining the statistics required for each study topic.
• Data on the patient or topic, such as medical, financial, and coding records, are reviewed, extracted, gathered, and evaluated.
• Create a system for approving and distributing research reports.
• Create report archives and assess the veracity of the reports.
• Identify data sources, oversee the data abstraction process, and generate research and reports.
• Engage in departmental orientation, quality improvement programs, and on-the-job training.
• Organize statistical concerns as the project team sees fit.
• Offer retrospective quality audits regularly.
• Team members should receive instructions on how to use the facility’s data systems.
• Make periodic reports and data summaries.
• Perform regular upgrades and quality checks to make sure the system is always functioning properly.
• Verify the accuracy of all information in patient charts, medical records, and other documentation.
• Communicate with doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers, and patients to gather information and guarantee patient care.
• Evaluate clinical research data to verify the integrity of study design and implementation.
• Conduct patient interviews to learn more about their symptoms, medications, and other possible contributing variables.
• Gather information on the efficiency of therapies and treatments to assist in guiding future judgments regarding treatment alternatives.
• Analyze data statistically, making graphs and charts to illustrate results
• Review clinical study findings to assess their scientific validity.
• Make arrangements for testing or data analysis services by speaking with pharmaceutical companies or other outside parties.
• Ensure that research study data is appropriately recorded in a way that others can understand.
• Provide statistical and data management experience as the assigned clinical studies’ lead data analyst.
• Review the study protocols and create comprehensive data analysis strategies with the project statistician.
• Verify the completeness, accuracy, and consistency of the clinical data by performing data quality checks across databases.
• Create summary tables, listings, and figures by the project schedule and the data analysis plan.
• Utilize a range of software applications to carry out statistical studies on clinical data.
• Analyze statistical findings and offer conclusions to the project team.
• Prepare clinical trial findings reports to be submitted to regulatory authorities.
• Keep your expertise in statistical and data management techniques, as well as software, up to date.
• Teach new hires about data analysis and statistical techniques.
• Provide resources on data-related concerns to other organizational departments
• Create and keep up standard operating procedures for managing and analyzing data.
• Keep up with the latest innovations in the field of clinical data analysis.
• Observe how data is used in the databases to identify any common patterns and notify management about them.
• Work closely with the research team to gather the required data.
• Interpret data sets to improve the facility’s organizational procedures and workflow

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, statistics, or any other related discipline.
• Over 2 years of experience working with clinical data
• Experience with statistical analysis software like SAS, R, etc.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Expertise in SQL programming.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Cloud platforms, and other software technologies is required.
• Excellent leadership and project management skills.
• Willingness to adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other regulatory practices and laws.
• Outstanding presentation skills

 

Essential Skills

• Data analysis skills: A clinical data analyst interprets and evaluates data through the process of data analysis. One of the most essential skills for a clinical data analyst to possess is the ability to give their company actionable insights. Clinical data analysts need to be able to spot trends in the data they analyze and appropriately interpret them. To ascertain how particular circumstances, such as a new treatment or procedure, may influence the results of patients, they need good analytical skills. Employers typically prefer competent clinical data analysts who can offer advice in light of their findings. For clinical data analysts who handle enormous amounts of data, strong analytical skills are particularly essential.
• Communication: Strong communication skills are also essential for data analysts because they often interact with other healthcare team members. These analysts frequently have to explain their work to other team members and sometimes even to people who aren’t as knowledgeable about the area of difficult facts. Clinical data analysts can benefit from effective communication by receiving the training necessary to do their duties effectively.
• Critical thinking skills: The ability to critically assess a situation and come to a decision based on the available data is known as critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is a crucial talent to have when examining data as a clinical data analyst. You might have to decide which data to keep, which to discard, and which to keep separate. Making choices for how to deliver the information to the medical team may also be required.
• Problem-solving skills: Data analysts must be able to spot informational gaps and come up with solutions because they often work with partial data. A clinical data analyst might be able to locate that information in another database, for instance, if the patient’s income is not included in the hospital’s records system.
• Organizational skills: Clinical data analysts need to be able to manage their workload because they often work on several projects at once. This includes managing databases, keeping track of files, and making sure that all the information they require is accessible.

 

How to Become a Clinical Data Analyst

Step 1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline is required for the post of clinical data analyst. Some universities provide programs created especially for those working in healthcare IT. These courses deal with subjects like database management, medical terminology, and coding and reimbursement. While obtaining your degree, it is also beneficial to take statistics and research methodology classes. You will gain the analytical abilities necessary for this career by doing this.

Step 2. Acquire relevant work experience

Employers may prefer applicants who have experience working with clinical data even though a bachelor’s degree is the minimum qualification required for roles as clinical data analysts. To obtain practical experience evaluating patient data and examining study results, consider interning or volunteering at a hospital. The majority of clinical data analysts’ training is acquired through formal education. Although they may undergo on-the-job training to become familiar with the particular software and business procedures of the organization, they will already have a solid foundation of knowledge from their education. On projects relating to coding and reimbursement, you can also work as an independent consultant or as a volunteer. You will gain a better understanding of how insurance companies use patient information to determine coverage and payments from them. On tasks relating to coding and reimbursement, you can also serve as a volunteer or an independent consultant. This will make it easier for you to comprehend how insurance companies utilize patient information to determine coverage and payments.

Step 3. Obtain a master’s degree

A master’s degree can help you grow in your career and meet the requirements for some professions, even though it is not necessary to become a clinical data analyst. Master’s degree clinical data analysts are preferred by many organizations because they offer a more in-depth understanding of health informatics and the healthcare sector. Students who pursue a master’s degree in health informatics or a similar discipline learn about database management, electronic medical records, coding systems, and other skills that are crucial for this position. Additionally, students learn how to create solutions using patient data.

Step 4. Obtain certifications

Although certifications are not necessary for data analysts to land a job, they can assist them to advance their experience and knowledge to make them better qualified for a wider range of professions.  To obtain certification, complete your certification training with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). A combination of work experience and training is required for the AHIMA certifications, including the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), in addition to completing a prerequisite exam. Getting certified validates your knowledge and shows that you are dedicated to data analysis.

Step 5. Apply for available positions

Apply for data analyst jobs in the healthcare industry once you have the necessary expertise and skills. Try to begin your search for an entry-level position a few months before you expect to graduate. On employment websites, you can look for open positions. If it’s possible, think about checking out the career centre at your school to see if they have any listings for open positions. They might also provide advice on how to create a resume, prepare for interviews, and apply for employment. Look for any keywords in the job description while applying for employment. These are common terms or expressions that allude to the desired or necessary qualifications for the position in the description. If you want the hiring manager to pay attention to your resume and cover letter, include these keywords.

 

Where to Work as a Clinical Data Analyst

Clinical data analysts are employed in hospitals, clinics, clinical research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, schools, biotechnology firms, insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. They typically work full time, and some of them may be required to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.

 

Clinical Data Analyst Salary Scale

The salary scale of clinical data analysts can vary widely depending on a range of factors such as level of education, years of experience, additional skills, and qualifications. Clinical data analysts’ average salary in the US is $63,988, but the salary range typically falls between $58,044 and $74,137 per year. In the UK, the average salary is £30,826 annually, typically ranging from £20,000 to £44,471. In Canada, these analysts are paid about $75,972, and the pay scale is usually between $70,181 and $90,000 per year. Clinical data analysts in Nigeria earn about 4,080,000 NGN per year. This amount typically starts at 2,255,000 NGN and can reach about 6,240,000 NGN per year.

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