Technical Research Officer

Role Purpose The purpose of this role within the relevant business unit and for HIQA as a whole:

HIQA has a statutory mandate for health information under the Health Act 2007. HIQA’s remit is to set standards in relation to data and information, monitor compliance with these standards, evaluate information, and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister for Health about deficiencies identified in respect of health information under Section 8 (1)(i, j, k l) of the Health Act. HIQA’s health information function has been extended under the Patient Safety Act to include private hospitals and prescribed health service providers. In addition, there have been many recent changes happening in Ireland and at European level in the area of health information that will impact on HIQA’s work. For example, the recently published Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030 and the forthcoming Health Information Bill which advances and supports the development of an integrated health information system for Ireland. At the European level, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation requires member states to establish health data access bodies (HDABs) to support the re-use of electronic health data. The Health Information function in HIQA, working in conjunction with stakeholders, aims to drive improvements in the quality of health data and information across health and social care services to support the provision of high quality, safe and person-centred care. The teams work across the following areas:

• Producing evidence-based recommendations and guidance to inform national Health Information and digital health policy and decisionmaking.
• Supporting the delivery of integrated, high quality and safe care by developing evidence based health information standards, guidance and technical specifications based on well-established standards tailored to Irish/National requirements.
• Undertaking a programme of assessment of compliance against national health information standards across ehealth services and national data collections.
• Developing and maintaining a catalogue of national health and social care data collections
• Developing an evidenced-based data quality, utility and maturity programme to support data holder preparedness for the European Health Data Space. In order to support Ireland to meet its obligations under the European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS), the Health Information function within HIQA is currently undertaking a major programme of work in conjunction with the Department of Health. The work is being carried out as part of a European grant provided to Ireland to progress the design specification and minimum digital business capabilities for health data access and related services and infrastructures in Ireland. Projects within the programme of work include Dissemination, Education and Training activities; Data Quality Enhancement; and the development of a national Health Dataset Catalogue (nHDsC). Further information on the EHDS regulation and the Health Data Access Body is available on:
• Joint Action Towards the European Health Data Space – TEHDAS1
• Second Joint Action Towards the European Health Data Space – TEHDAS2
• Home - EHDS2 Pilot - Official website HIQA, as task leader on a number of work packages, has committed to:
• Define requirements and specifications for a national Health Dataset Catalogue (nHDsC)
• Implement and pilot the national Health Dataset Catalogue
• Launch an operation ready national Health Dataset Catalogue
• Enhance the quality of electronic health data made available through the health data access body by undertaking a readiness assessment of across multiple domains – primary care systems, community care systems, secondary care systems and national data collections.
• Develop a national interoperability framework to support the provision of health data from data holder to the health data access body.

The Health Information Technical Research Officers will provide a key role in supporting the advancement of these work programmes during 2025. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team and will require strong technical research, communication and organisation skills. HIQA also provides excellent training and development opportunities for successful candidates. Following the interview process, a panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.

Behavioural Expectations The way that HIQA people are expected to work to role model HIQA values: The incumbent of this role is expected to demonstrate HIQA’s values in the delivery of everyday work and interactions with service users and colleagues, by putting people first, being fair and objective, being open and accountable, demonstrating excellence and innovation and working together.

Common Tasks Team Member

• Seek clarity on the tasks associated with own role
• Complete tasks in compliance with policies and procedures
• Adhere to relevant legislation, standards and internal audits
• Fulfil any mandatory or professional competency requirements
• Maintain confidentiality and a professional approach
• Raise any concerns in relation to workplace health and safety
• Actively identify learning needs and development opportunities
• Actively contribute as a team member
• Follow direction and take on new and different tasks
• Set and achieve performance goals that contribute to HIQA strategy
• Regularly seek feedback to meet performance expectations and goals

Role Specific Tasks The key tasks and activities associated with the role:

• Undertake research and synthesise the outputs in the relevant area of health and social care under the direction of the team including scoping reviews, desktop research and reviewing technical documentation to support the objectives of the team.
• Support the programme of work in the following areas:
• Assist with the development and implementation of an online national health dataset catalogue
• Assist with the development and rollout of a readiness assessment tool
• Assist with the development and piloting of a draft national interoperability framework
• Plan, organise and provide administrative support for all stakeholder engagement forums including focus groups, information sessions, workshops, public consultations, advisory groups, steering groups, conferences and seminars.
• Liaise with all stakeholders (internal, national and international) as required.
• Assist the team in project management, including preparation of project management plans, minute-taking and reporting on key milestones.
• Assist with the development and, as appropriate, the implementation of specific health information guidance/implementation support tools for the health and social care sector. For example FAQs, info-graphics, digital learning tools, social media, e-learning modules and easy-toread booklets.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the relevant Manager and/or relevant Deputy Director or Director. The contents of any role description are not exhaustive and are intended to be indicative of the scope of the role.

Qualifications The qualifications that are essential to effectively meet the requirements of the role: In determining your eligibility, the following are the essential qualifications that will be assessed as part of the shortlisting stage of the selection process.

• Degree qualification (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent) in an area deemed relevant by the Authority such as health informatics, business information systems, information science, computer science or similar.

The qualifications that are desirable to effectively meet the requirements of the role:  Professional certification or postgraduate qualification in area of Health Informatics, Business Information Systems, Information Science, Computer Science, or similar.

Knowledge and Experience The knowledge and experience that is essential to effectively meet the requirements of the role: In determining your eligibility the following are the essential knowledge and experience that will be assessed as part of the shortlisting stage of the selection process.

• A minimum of one year experience in identifying and documenting business process and requirements to inform technical and functional specifications Other knowledge and experience that are deemed necessary for the role
• Demonstrable skill in analysing data and an understanding of the full information lifecycle.
• Evaluating information for applicability and relevance and in writing findings up into reports, presentations and other formats to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• Collaborating with and assisting colleagues, subject matter experts and stakeholders in identifying and documenting business process and requirements to inform technical and functional specifications
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with a proven ability to provide support for a wide variety of tasks, reports, presentations and guidance materials and meet deadlines
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders
• Proficient with Microsoft Office toolset, in particular a high proficiency in Work, Excel and PowerPoint.

The knowledge and experience that is desirable to effectively meet the requirements of the role: Knowledge and experience Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Knowledge of Health data catalogues, data dictionaries and the standards underpinning these
• Knowledge of Clinical terminology and classification systems
• Knowledge of Healthcare messaging and interoperability standards
• Knowledge of Healthcare information systems and applications, such as PMS, Electronic Health Records, Picture Archive and Communication Systems, and Radiology Information Systems.
• Knowledge of Irish health care system.
• Knowledge of national health information system.

Principal Conditions of Service Probation: A probationary period of six months applies to this position. Pay: Candidates will be appointed on the minimum point of the salary scale (€38,083) and in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines. The rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation.

The incremental progression for this scale is in line with Government pay policy. The salary scale for this position is as follows: €38,083 €40,580 €41,248 €44,580 €47,924 €51,275 €54,739 €56,925 €59,123 €61,338 €63,541 €65,750 €67,959 €70,160 €72,381 €74,834¹ €77,284² 1. After 3 years’ satisfactory service at the maximum 2. After 6 years’ satisfactory service at the maximum Entry will be at the first point of the scale. An exception may occur where an appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale. In this case the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. Please note the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

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