Band 5 MSK Physiotherapist

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

Clinical/Professional Duties

1.     To undertake comprehensive assessments of patients using clinical reasoning to select appropriate assessment techniques which lead you to determine a clinical diagnosis of the patient’s needs. This will involve seeking and sharing personal and potentially sensitive information with the patient.

2.     To analyse the information gained from the assessment to formulate appropriate objectives for Physiotherapy treatment.

3.     To agree appropriate and realistic goals for treatment with the patient and so produce a comprehensive treatment plan in order to achieve these goals.

4.     To ensure the patient understands and agrees to the treatment plan giving consent to it. This will involve negotiation and motivation skills.

5.     To select appropriate treatment techniques from within their current scope of practice referring to evidence based practice. This could include electrotherapy, manual techniques, patient education, exercise groups, hydrotherapy, use of appliances etc. The selection of techniques will be based on both theoretical and practical knowledge.

6.     To be personally responsible for all aspects of safety relating to equipment used when treating the patient or issued to the patient for their own (future) use in accordance with department policies.

7.     To produce clear written information and exercise programmes for patients to follow at home or when not with a Physiotherapist.

8.     To use clinical reasoning to review and evaluate patient progress and condition at each appointment and to amend the treatment programme (or plan) as necessary to achieve the agreed goals.

9.     To plan and undertake discharge of patients from Physiotherapy when agreed goals have been reached or treatment is no longer appropriate (e.g. the patient has reached a plateau or there is a change in their medical circumstances).

Communication Skills

10.   Using verbal, non-verbal and written communication tools ensure that patients and carers (if appropriate within the scope of patient confidentiality) have an understanding of their condition and the role and aims of Physiotherapy in relation to this. The Physiotherapist must be able to persuade, motivate and negotiate, as well as demonstrate empathy and reassurance.

11.  If it is in the best interests of the patient, to objectively present clinical information regarding a patient to colleagues in order to contribute to the high standard of care e.g. to their supervising Physiotherapist, during handover to another Physiotherapist, to update medical and other allied health professional colleagues on a patient’s condition or when liaising with Social Services or Education services.

12.  To share information in a timely manner with supervising physiotherapist if there are concerns about a patient’s safety, condition or progress.

13.  To urgently report and seek guidance regarding any concerns about staff and/or patient safety to a more senior Physiotherapy staff member.

Education and Research

14.   To consolidate a broad range of Physiotherapy skills gained across in accordance with the core objectives.

15.   To be an active participant in the Individual Performance Review process. This includes prior preparation in identifying own learning needs to set own development objectives. Objectives will be set in conjunction with Senior Physiotherapists, and are reviewed.

16.   To take responsibility for booking and attending mandatory training as specified in Trust policies and take action as required in the work place (e.g. basic life support, fire, manual handling).

17.   To understand the importance of audit procedures and participate in the collection of timely accurate statistics, data and other information that may be required to support the Physiotherapy service’s audit plan and Clinical Governance framework.

18.   To accept responsibility for own continuing professional development (CPD) and maintain a diary/portfolio which includes evidence of reflective learning. To maximise the learning opportunities available in order to support evidence based practice and influence clinical practice. Such CPD should include:

a.     Actively participating, by attending and presenting, at departmental in-    service-training

b.     Participating in supervision sessions with Senior Physiotherapist

c.     Valuing experiential learning and formally reflecting on it

d.     Using a variety of information resources to support and facilitate evidence             based practice e.g. library, internet, external courses.

Managerial Responsibilities

19.  To be an active member of the Physiotherapy team recognising own responsibilities whilst respecting other individuals and the team (both within your immediate work group and the service as a whole).

20.  To delegate tasks appropriately to assistants, carers, care givers and other professionals considering the skills and competence of that person.

21.  To provide advice and supervision to less experienced or new members of staff within the team. This may include supervision or induction to routines and systems in the area of work.

22.  To accept responsibility for specific tasks within the unit as specified by Band 6/7 Physiotherapist

23.  To achieve sufficient understanding of the systems and procedures in place in each area of work to be able to implement them effectively to contribute to the continuity and smooth running of the service.

25. To effectively manage and prioritise your own workload within the time available, for example, fulfilling patient assessment/treatment commitments in conjunction with any other commitments e.g. a meeting that same day. To be able to delegate or arrange cover when required.

Information Management

26.   To produce timely and accurate patient’s records and reports in accordance with Health Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

27.   To keep accurate statistics of patient activity in line with the service policy.

Freedom To Act

28.   To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work including the management of patients in your care.

29.   To exhibit and maintain a high personal standard of professional expertise, attitude and behaviour at all times in accordance with policies of The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the local Trust, PCTs and Physiotherapy service. To be an advocate for the Physiotherapy profession.