Program Aide

Responsibilities

• Conduct RCA Quality Reviews
• Review RCA submissions using the RCA Quality Analysis Tool (QAT) and established evaluation criteria
• Evaluate RCA team composition for multidisciplinary membership and appropriate subject matter expertise
• Audit initial and final flow diagrams for completeness, chronological order, and identification of information gaps
• Evaluate initial and final understanding narratives for comprehensive event depiction
• Evaluate cause and effect diagrams for proper causal chain development
• Assess root cause/contributing factor statements for compliance with the Five Rules of Causation
• Verify statements use the cause, effect, event cadence and avoid blame-focused language
• Evaluate action statements for specificity, system-focus, and strength using the Action Hierarchy
• Ensure actions are assigned to titled positions with reasonable implementation timeframes
• Prepare written RCA Consultative Reports documenting review findings, commendations, and recommendations
• Identify areas for improvement in RCA process team factors, thoroughness of work, and action planning
• Communicate recommendations clearly using established templates and guidelines
• Track and trend common gaps across facility submissions to identify systemic improvement opportunities
• Maintain Knowledge and Support Program Development
• Stay current on RCA best practices, including VHA NCPS guidelines, Joint Commission standards, and RCA² methodology
• Aid in the development and revision of RCA training materials and guidance documents
• Support facility education on RCA methodology and quality improvement
• Coordinate with PSO Director on RCA findings

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, public health, quality improvement, or related field
• 3 years’ experience participating in Root Cause Analyses in a healthcare setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in healthcare administration, public health, or related field
• Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) or Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
• Experience with VHA National Center for Patient Safety RCA methodology or NPSF RCA2 Methodoloy
• Training in human factors engineering principles
• Experience working with Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs)
• Knowledge of The Joint Commission sentinel event requirements
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
• Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis methodology, including the Five Rules of Causation and Action
• Ability to analyze complex healthcare events and identify system vulnerabilities
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide constructive feedback in a non-punitive manner
• Knowledge of healthcare regulatory requirements related to patient safety and event reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management tools
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple review assignments
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of protected patient safety work product