TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: Reading, England
COMPANY: Nexus Health Limited
REMUNERATION: 50,000GBP/yr
JOB DESCRIPTION:
First contact physiotherapists operate at an advanced level of clinical practice, with skills to assess, diagnose, treat and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) problems and undifferentiated conditions. This will involve seeing patients, without a prior referral from their GP, to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan, thus streamlining pathways of care. They work independently in clinical practice and do not require day-to-day supervision. Patients can either self-refer or are referred by the network members.
Job Purpose:
- Provide clinical expertise, acting as the first-contact physiotherapist, and making decisions about the best course of action for patients’ care (including in relation to undifferentiated conditions). This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, in order to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan.
- Progress and request investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of particular tests diagnostic services such as x-rays and blood test, and interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.
- Deliver programs of supported patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioral change, optimize individuals’ physical activity, mobility, fulfillment of personal goals and independence, and that minimize the need for pharmacological interventions.
Core Responsibilities:
1) Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage of patients
2) Manages a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs),
3) Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice
4) Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care
5) Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention
6) Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals’ clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence
7) Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management
8) Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis.
9) Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a patient facing role, using their expert knowledge of Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, to create stronger links for wider MSK services through clinical leadership, teaching and evaluation skills.
10) Assess, diagnose, triage and manage patients, taking responsibility for the management of a complex caseload etc.
11) Progress and request investigations (such as x-rays and blood tests) and referrals to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the limitations of investigations, interpret and act on results and feedback to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.
12) Develop integrated and tailored care programs in partnership with patients and provide a range of first-line treatment options, including self-management and referral to rehabilitation focussed services and social prescribing provision.
13) Develop relationships and a collaborative working approach across the PCN supporting the integration of pathways in primary care.
14) Provide learning opportunities for the whole multi-professional team within primary care, as determined by the PCN. They will also work across the multi-disciplinary team to develop and evaluate more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.
15) Liaise with secondary care MSK services, community care MSK services and local social and community interventions as required, to support the management of patients in primary care.
16) Manage complex interactions, including working with patients with psychosocial and mental health needs, referring to social prescribing when appropriate.
17) Communicate effectively and appropriately, with patients and carers, complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, prognosis and treatment choices supporting personalised care.
18) Implement all aspects of effective clinical governance for own practice, including undertaking regular audit and evaluation, supervision and training.
19) Support regional and national research and audit programmes to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the FCP programme.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education/Qualifications
- BSc/Grad Dip in Physiotherapy
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of CPD and post registration portfolio
- CPD pertaining to Primary Care and MSK management
Knowledge and Experience
- Experience as Senior Physiotherapist working in autonomous MSK role
- Health and safety risk awareness
- Understanding of professional ethics/code of conduct and their application in practice
- Proven multi-disciplinary working
- Experience of audit
- Clinical experience of triage and care planning
- Expert clinical reasoning skills
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent oral and communication skills
- Presentation skills and ability to work effectively with individuals and groups
- Excellent communication skills and being able to articulate highly complex information.
- Able to synthesise research and guidelines into practice
- Excellent physical examination skills and prioritisation of relevant screening.
Personal Attributes
- Self motivated
- Creative and adaptive individual who can meet flexible service needs
- Able to deal with distressed clients, relatives and staff
- Able to organise complex information
- Able to use reflection to enhance practice.
- Able to cope with a busy working environment, with periods of interruption.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
Other
- Able to meet any travelling requirements of the post
- Clear vision of role and commitment to working in Primary Care.
Desirable:
Education/Qualifications:
- MSc or MSc modules for advanced practice
- Extended Scope competencies around bloods, imaging and prescribing.
Knowledge and Experience:
- Evidence of clinical leadership
- Demonstrable presentation skills
- Experience of working in Primary care and first contact roles
- Experience working in isolated or lone roles.
- Knowledge of clinical governance
- Evidence of delivering clinical education in a variety of settings
Critical appraisal skills
Evidence of research activity or skills
Skills and abilities:
- Actively involved in research contribution to EBP
- Demonstrates professional independence
- Ability to conduct professional affairs in a confident, assertive manner, using negotiating/influencing skills whilst maintaining excellent working relationships
- Knowledge of other specialities common with pain (Rheumatology, Vascular, Endocrinology etc)
Get more info: [email protected]