Navigating the world of remote clinical data abstractors is tricky because the task associated with the role is more vital than ever. As healthcare providers seek to streamline processes, improve patient care, and comply with regulatory standards, the need for the right people for the job has surged.
As with the rise of remote work, there is now an easy and attractive option for many healthcare organizations. That’s outsourcing.
What is a Clinical Data Abstractor?
Let’s break down everything one by one. A clinical data abstractor is responsible for analyzing and extracting important data from medical records. This data is then used for various purposes. It could be quality assurance, clinical research, or regulatory reporting.
This role is not for anyone because it requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare protocol. All data extracted should always be complete and accurate.
Is it better to get Remote Clinical Data Abstractors?
Unlike traditional clinical data abstractors who work onsite in hospitals or clinics, remote clinical data abstractors perform these tasks from another location, often from home. This flexibility has made it easier for healthcare organizations to tap into a global talent pool, including highly skilled professionals from the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Remote Clinical Data Abstractor
The roles and responsibilities of a remote clinical data abstractor can vary depending on the healthcare organization’s needs. However, their core duties typically include the following:
Data Abstraction
The primary task is to extract relevant data from patient medical records. This may involve identifying key information such as diagnosis, treatment plans, outcomes, and other clinical details. The data must be accurate and complete to ensure it meets the organization’s requirements. Otherwise, it’ll all be for nothing.
Data Entry
After every abstraction, the data must be entered into specific databases or systems. Similar to the first step, this requires precision and attention to detail, as errors can affect patient care, research, or even compliance.
Quality Assurance
The work does not end there. Ensuring the quality of the abstracted data is another crucial responsibility. Remote clinical data abstractors often review their work or the work of others to verify accuracy and consistency.
Compliance and Reporting
Closing the loop for the whole task would be reporting. Many remote clinical data abstractors work on projects that require adherence to specific regulatory standards. Since it may change frequently, they need to be updated with the latest coding systems, healthcare guidelines, and other regulatory requirements.
They may be responsible for generating reports for regulatory bodies or internal stakeholders, ensuring that all data meets compliance requirements.
All the tasks of clinical data abstractors often require regular communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and researchers. Clear communication is essential, whether through email, video calls, or other digital platforms.
The Philippines has become a global hub for outsourcing various services…
…and the healthcare sector is no exception. The country’s strong English proficiency, high literacy rates, and cultural compatibility with Western nations have made it an attractive destination for outsourcing healthcare-related tasks, including clinical data abstraction.
What contributes to this?
The Philippines has a large pool of healthcare professionals
Having a skilled workforce makes all the difference. In the Philippines, there are lots of nurses and medical coders who possess the skills needed for clinical data abstraction. Many of these professionals are highly trained and have experience working in both local and international healthcare settings.
Outsourcing to the Philippines is cost-effective
It’s actually cheaper compared to hiring in-house staff in Western countries. Companies can access highly skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost, making it an attractive option for healthcare organizations looking to optimize their budgets.
The Philippines has invested in building strong IT and communication infrastructure
Remote work can be feasible and efficient given the right infrastructure. This is crucial for roles like remote clinical data abstraction, where access to secure, reliable internet connections and communication tools is essential.
The Philippines shares cultural similarities with Western countries
Collaboration and communication are smoother with Filipino professionals because they are also known for their strong work ethic and adaptability. Foreign employers are definitely looking to outsource in the country not just for healthcare, but for any task in general. If that doesn’t tell you a two about the quality of service, then we don’t know what will.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing a Remote Clinical Data Abstractor in the Philippines
Like with all other outsourcing tasks, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Benefits
- Cost Savings: Healthcare organizations can reduce expenses related to salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment by hiring remote clinical data abstractors from the Philippines.
- Access to Skilled Talent: The Philippines offers a large pool of skilled healthcare professionals with expertise in clinical data abstraction. This ensures that organizations can find qualified candidates to meet their specific needs.
- Scalability: Healthcare organizations can quickly adjust the number of remote clinical data abstractors based on project requirements or workload fluctuations without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time employees.
- 24/7 Operations: With time zone differences, organizations can maintain round-the-clock operations by outsourcing to the Philippines. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that require continuous data abstraction services.
Clinical Data Abstractors are essential in the healthcare industry
At KamelBPO, we understand the immediate need to provide organizations with the right people for the job. Good thing that outsourcing clinical data abstractors in the Philippines offers healthcare organizations access to skilled professionals at a competitive cost.
Our team can help your businesses enhance efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards in their data abstraction processes.
Contact us today to get a tailor-fit solution for your needs.