Rotational Speech and Language Therapist

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect)

1.1          To be responsible for managing a caseload of adult acute inpatients with communication, swallowing and airway problems related to complex cardiorespiratory disease across acute, critical care and outpatient settings. Patients may present with acute or chronic communication and/or swallowing disorders and may be tracheostomised and ventilator dependent.

1.2          To demonstrate specialist knowledge of communication, swallowing and airway disorders from a range of anatomical and physiological causes, and apply this to patients with complex cardiorespiratory disease ensuring high quality clinical care.

1.3          To develop and consolidate specialist SLT skills in managing a caseload of upper airways patients with various symptoms of laryngeal dysfunction, such as chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction. They may present with breathing and voice difficulties, globus and throat discomfort. Some may have co-occurring asthma. Therapy will be mostly in outpatient clinics with a small proportion of inpatient work.

1.4          To demonstrate specialist knowledge of voice, breathing and laryngeal function that can be applied to upper airway disorders.

1.5          To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner - to be always professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of their clinical work according to RCSLT and HCPC standards.

1.6          To accept responsibility for patients under their management according to local clinical priorities, organising their time and making efficient use of resources in order to meet the needs of the clinical service.

1.7          To develop competencies in video fluoroscopy commensurate with their level of experience and the needs of the SLT service.

1.8          To develop competencies in tracheostomy commensurate with their level of experience and the needs of the SLT service.

1.9          To assist with the provision of the inpatient FEES service commensurate with their level of experience and the needs of the SLT service.

1.10       To demonstrate flexibility in balancing the needs of the caseload during periods of high demand.

1.11       To develop and maintain good working relationships with all healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients.

1.12       To represent and advocate for the communication and swallowing needs of patients as part of integrated multidisciplinary team interventions by contributing to meetings, ward rounds and case conferences, ensuring that a coordinated and individualised care plan is formulated.

1.13       To participate in the multi-disciplinary follow up of patients discharged from the adult services.

1.14       To maintain knowledge and skills in a range of alternative and augmentative communication systems and aids.

1.15       To demonstrate continuous professional learning by developing specialist knowledge and skills in cardiorespiratory disease through a range of learning activities including independent self-directed study, work shadowing, reflective practice, completion of online training, evidence-based practice activities, attendance at internal and external training, ensuring that learning is shared and integrated into the SLT service.

1.16       To undertake informal teaching sessions with patients and their carers relating to communication, swallowing and airway disorders relevant to their diagnosis, treatment and management plan.

1.17       To work with interpreters offering training and support as necessary.

1.18       To always adhere to infection prevention and control policy.

1.19       To provide support to SLT colleagues by working at the other site from time to time when requested by the Clinical Lead SLT.

Policy Development

2.1        To assist the Clinical Lead SLT in the formulation and implementation of local policies and protocols, national policy and professional guidelines related to communication, swallowing and airway disorders, collaborating multi-professionally with colleagues internally and externally.  

2.2        To assist the Clinical Lead in the development of local protocols and clinical guidelines in line with best practice.

2.3        To demonstrate a good understanding of clinical governance and risk management and ability to apply this to work situations.

2.4        To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of your work and implement any policies which may be required to improve the safety of your work area; including prompt recording and reporting of incidents to senior staff and ensuring that equipment is safe.

Research & Service Development

3.1       To take an active interest and participate enthusiastically in opportunities for research, quality and service improvement initiatives.

3.2       To participate in the development and delivery of audit and service evaluations within SLT and multiprofessional therapy teams.

3.3       To undertake training in research, quality and service improvement methodologies to support the evaluation of practice-based evidence and implementation of evidence-based practice.

3.4       To share outcomes of research, quality and service improvement projects with SLT and multiprofessional colleagues internally and externally through a range of activities.

People Management

4.1             To communicate with kindness and collaborate with colleagues at every opportunity, recognising strengths and respecting cultural, professional and generational differences in interpersonal communication skills.

4.2             To actively promote a culture of equality and inclusion in the workplace, be positive about diversity and difference, and foster a sense of belonging.

4.3             To actively challenge unwanted or unacceptable behaviours in the workplace, and to be anti-racist.

4.4             To inform the Clinical Lead SLT of ongoing issues or challenges with the behaviours of others.

4.5             To look after your own and your colleagues’ emotional and wellbeing needs, to seek and provide support during times of difficult, and to share this with the Clinical Lead SLT. 

4.6             To assist the Clinical Lead SLT in the handling of complaints as appropriate.

4.7             To contribute to the development of the future SLT workforce through the delivery of student placements and development of clinical supervision skills.   

Communication

5.1          To tactfully and diplomatically communicate sensitive and complex information and unexpected news to patients, relatives and carers who may be emotional.

5.2          To liaise with medical teams, nursing colleagues and the MDT regarding SLT prioritisation, case management and risk.

5.3          To demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to continuously improving your own interpersonal skills to grow relationships with patients, carers and professionals.

5.4          To recognise communication breakdown/conflict when it occurs and involve the Clinical Lead SLT in generating solutions.

5.5          To liaise with SLT colleagues in the community and other acute Trusts to ensure timely and accurate handover of cases.

5.6          To represent and promote the SLT service, Rehab & Therapies, and the Trust responsibly and professionally.

5.7          To consistently document clinical information regarding the current and predicted future needs of the patient accurately, clearly, comprehensively or concisely according to the context, and appropriate to the intended audience (i.e. patient, carer, other healthcare professional).

5.8         To network with other SLTs in the region on professional issues, to share resources,  

develop care pathways, etc.

5.9        To produce information for patients which is accessible and user friendly and in accordance with Trust policy.

5.10          To regularly attend staff meetings and in-service training opportunities.