Specialist Physiotherapist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To have an active role in the assessment of a wide range of Musculo-skeletal, chronic pain and rheumatologically conditions based on advanced theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, and pathology, often in situations where conflicting evidence and/or complex bio-psychosocial issues are present. To apply advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess and form a diagnosis and ensure progress through the appropriate care pathway.

To recognise the most appropriate pathway for the patient such as when referral to specialist Orthopaedic, Rheumatology or Pain Management is fully appropriate. To use theoretical and practical knowledge to make recommendations for further management of the condition and assist the patient as far as possible in the referral process. This requires knowledge and understanding of the role of other health professionals, (e.g. psychology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinic, general practitioner).

To communicate some highly complex patient related information effectively to ensure collaborative working within the MSK, pain and rheumatology services/teams and with multidisciplinary colleagues across health and social care sectors to ensure the delivery of a coordinated multidisciplinary care. Making appropriate recommendations for further management and ensuring that the patient is informed.

To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regards to clinical priorities and use of time.

To independently or with the Extended Scope Practitioner triage referrals and make onward referrals as appropriate. This will involve the coordination of the patients complex pathway of care between healthcare professionals comprising the multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team consists of Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, GPs, Doctors and Consultants in both primary and secondary care and may involve other agencies e.g. social care. Thus the clinician will be expected to refer on beyond their scope of practice.

To undertake comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with complex presentation, using investigative and analytical skills and to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care. There may be conflicting information to make a judgement on the best course of action to be taken for the management of the patients condition.

To develop and maintain skills required to practice at an advanced level and use an extended scope of practice beyond that of Physiotherapy (including referral for and interpretation of imaging, pathology reports, delivery of injection therapy).

To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care. To ensure high standards of clinical care for the patients under your management and support others to do likewise.

Provide advice and support to staff, patients and carers in relation to the general management of the service users condition whilst understanding the broader implications for the individual, family unit and carers.

To provide spontaneous and planned specialist advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professions to promote understanding of the aims of clinical triage and Physiotherapy and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

To be proactive in encouraging the use of a range of self-management strategies to patients or their carer/relative and in doing so overcome barriers to understanding. This will frequently require negotiation with patients on the return to activities where cognitive, behavioural, and motivational issues may be significant barriers to change.

To maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up to date treatment documentation in line with legal and service requirements, communicating assessments and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of reports and letters.

To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within the legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

Safeguard the confidentiality of all information discussed regarding the medical and social circumstances of the patient and their family.

Professional:

To maintain own clinical professional development and competence (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends, research evidence and clinical guidelines and incorporate them as necessary into your work.

To develop, monitor and maintain high standards of practice for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy within the MSK Assessment and Triage and physiotherapy services.

To make recommendations about and lead on the development of evidence-led clinical initiatives within the Musculoskeletal triage service.

To have a role in the development of ECCHs contribution to the local pathways within the scope of the MSK Assessment and Triage and physiotherapy services.

To take a leading role in the clinical development of Physiotherapy staff within ECCH and their teaching and supervision.

To be an active member of the in-service training programme and provide clinical leadership within the musculoskeletal team by attending and delivering presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions in-house and by attending external courses, practicing ...