Specialty Physiotherapist - Cardiothoracics

To perform advanced physiotherapeutic assessment of patients with diverse presentations and complex physical, psychological and emotional conditions.To provide a diagnosis, develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme in discussion with the patient according to assessment findings. To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner, to hold responsibility for own case load and be responsible for a defined area of the service seeking support where necessary from more senior staff. To participate in formal and informal supervision. To undertake evidence-based audit and projects to develop and enhance personal and teams clinical practice. To be responsible for the supervision, assessment and education of students, junior physiotherapists, technical instructors and support workers. To undertake overnight on-call duties as an autonomous practitioner, working with no direct supervision The working pattern will be rostered over 7 days, and with extended hours. Communication To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes, and to ensure an understanding of their condition/problem so that patients are supported in self-management of their condition. The communication skills of motivation, explanation, demonstration and education will be used with a wide variety of patients. To utilise a variety of effective communication skills to address specific problems such as cognitive impairment, expressive and receptive communication difficulties, embarrassment, anxiety, pain, fear, visual/hearing impairment, language and cultural diversity issues. To ensure that relevant information is communicated in a timely manner to other members of the Physiotherapy service, across all relevant sites, other agencies and other departments and NHS trusts as necessary. To achieve and maintain a level of information technology relevant to all areas of work. To ensure that all information is communicated in a professional, effective and diplomatic way. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own clinical practice as an autonomous practitioner and seeking advice from senior staff where appropriate. To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients with multi-pathologies and complex needs following evidence-based guidelines. The assessment involves the interpretation of complex information from a variety of sources. To be skilled in the use of a variety of manual physiotherapy assessment techniques including auscultation of the chest, palpation and invasive suctioning which ultimately assist in the advanced clinical reasoning process to formulate a diagnosis. To formulate a patient centred problem list and individually tailored treatment plan based on assessment findings. To create soundly reasoned prognoses and recommend best course of intervention and developing negotiated goals leading to comprehensive discharge plans. To deliver an individual physiotherapy treatment programme based on a sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and treatment options using advanced reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment skills including manual physiotherapy techniques, patient education, exercise prescription and exercise classes. Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. Evaluate patient progress, based on validated and standardised outcome measures, reassess, alter and progress treatment programmes accordingly. To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with professional e.g. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Trust standards of practice. To develop specialist knowledge, training and risk assessment to supervise the use of equipment including hoist equipment, IPPB, Cough Assist, manual handling equipment and tilt table. To accurately assess risk when working in unfamiliar surroundings with unpredictable loads. To carry out assessment and treatments, with moderate to intense physical effort on a daily basis. This will include positioning dependent patients, supporting patients limbs in asymmetrical postures during exercising and supporting patients in walking and transferring. To work in an environment where work patterns are often interrupted by demands.To be able to carry out concurrent activities and multitasking and work. To comply with the Trust Manual handling Policy and Local Therapeutic Guidelines when moving equipment patients. To sensitively deal with distressing or emotional circumstances including the care of terminally ill patients. To carry out potentially distressing treatment modalities in the best interest of the patient i.e. nasal pharyngeal suction To participate in the emergency out of hours on-call service, working alone on these occasions. Advice can be accessed by telephone as necessary from senior staff. To be mentally alert when responding to the stressful situation of being on-call. Analysis and Judgement To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients with multi-pathologies and complex needs following evidence-based guidelines Carry out standardised and non-standardised clinical assessments of functional ability liaising with senior staff and the MDT Provide advanced recommendations/advice regarding management of each patient according to the individual needs of the patient. Monitor, review and modify treatment plans/goals to measure progress and ensures effective outcomes e.g. planning safe patient discharges. Prioritise own patient caseload and develops individualised treatment interventions within resources. Discuss and make recommendations to the MDT with regard to complex patient management. Planning and Organisation Manage an agreed caseload consistent with recommendations of service therapists and professional supervisors and national recommendations. Undertake all necessary verbal and written communication required for patient care and within the scope of professional standards and Trust requirements. Responsible to the Senior Therapist/Team Leader and supervises and appraises members of staff and students as allocated. Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and maintains consistent and reliable attendance. Help to organise and lead relevant departmental and Trust meetings, audit projects and in-service training sessions. To contribute to improvements in service delivery and clinical practice Identify areas of unmet patient needs and service gaps and/or areas requiring service development in consultation with service manager Responsible for keeping up to date with current local and national developments in relevant clinical area. Support Departmental and Trust strategies regarding Clinical Governance issues. Contribute as required to audit/ research projects within own clinical area. Participate in the therapy training programmes. Lead and participate in the co-ordination of departmental and therapy service-wide initiatives To assist within the team in the supervision, appraisal, induction and co-ordination of junior staff, and physiotherapy support workers as required. Ensure that your own practice and that of staff under your supervision meet the required professional standards. To be responsible for the safe and competent use of gym equipment during patient sessions and to assist in the supervision of junior and student physiotherapists to do likewise. To deputise for the teams more senior staff in their absence, taking responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the team. To be actively involved in the organisation and running of in-service training and external courses. To be prepared to be flexible in the working day around the needs of the clinical caseload and to be response to unexpected situations. To contribute to improvements in service delivery and clinical practice To assist the physiotherapy manager in service redesign and modernisation. Service Development and Quality Governance Assist in induction of new recruits. Responsible for providing regular supervision and individual performance reviews for less experienced staff with guidance from senior staff. Assist in the teaching and training of junior staff taking responsibility for practice placement education and written assessments. To audit and monitor performance against local and national guidelines and standards both professional and clinical. To undertake as directed the collection of data for use in service audit and research projects. To participate in research into specific areas of clinical practice and service delivery using a range of research methodologies as part of MDT audit and departmental research initiatives To ensure in conjunction with senior staff that the therapy service responds to national initiatives and policies within the frame work of Clinical Governance. Freedom to act Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, national guidelines and Trust procedures. Plan and allocate work to basic grade, technical instructor/assistant staff. Accept responsibility for delegated service, departmental clinical and administrative duties. Review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional/operational supervision and appraisal. Responsible for acquiring clinical and professional skills and support. Maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes

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