Physiotherapist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be professionally and legally accountable for a designated case load of clients with a variety of physical and social needs. 

To undertake a comprehensive assessment of clients with a wide variety of complex conditions using investigative and analytical skills of clinical and non-clinical information to form accurate diagnosis and prognosis

To formulate individualised therapy programmes, using sound clinical reasoning skills and evidence-based treatment to provide rehabilitation, which is client led and goal orientated.

To assess competency for and delegate appropriate tasks to other team members, carers and their families

To have clinical responsibility for a designated caseload and at times dealing with unplanned and unpredictable urgent referrals for clients living in the community

To demonstrate ongoing evaluation of therapeutic interventions with the client and respond accordingly

To work innovatively to address the challenges posed by providing rehabilitation in a variety of community settings.

To provide specialist advice and assessment for equipment requirements where more complex needs are identified by members of the team.  To include joint assessment with Adult Health and Community Services OT and other agencies.

To demonstrate highly developed knowledge and skills in the assessment and provision of moving and handling equipment

To assess for, plan, coordinate and lead Home Assessment Visits in corroboration with the client, family any other involved professionals or agencies.

To assess for and provide equipment in accordance with ICES (Integrated Community Equipment Store) guidelines

To regularly work unsupervised and alone in clients’ homes

To fulfil the duties of the ‘key worker’ role. This involves being the named clinician who is available for consultation for designated clients. This includes detailed discussion with the clients, families or carers and other agencies to recommend the best course of intervention using client led goals, and developing comprehensive discharge plans.

Alongside regular caseload, to act as ‘duty’ clinician on an equitable basis with other professionals within the team. The duty clinician will triage all referrals to the service and where indicated, allocate an appropriate service response or alternatively signpost the referrer utilising knowledge of local service providers

To immediately report to the team co-ordinator any variance to the clients care pathway and document in accordance with the agreed procedure.  

To identify urgent need for, and initiate an emergency response, giving appropriate first aid as necessary within own capabilities.

To work at all times strictly within the Trust’s Infection Control Guidelines. To ensure that therapy / treatment / care does not constitute a risk of infection either to the health professional, the patient / client or to visitors, and to report any situation that compromises the safety of staff, clients / patients or visitors with regard to risk of infection.

To communicate effectively with clients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential, using a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills

To gain valid consent to intervention where possible in accordance with the legal framework and consent policy. To identify and report concerns where clients may lack capacity.

To liaise and effectively communicate assessment and rehabilitation outcomes with other multi- disciplinary teams, voluntary agencies and health and social care professionals in accordance with the Trust’s information sharing guidelines. This communication will include verbal, report or letter format and include case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings

To maintain accurate, comprehensive, contemporaneous documentation and maintain confidentiality in accordance with local intermediate care protocols, the Trust’s records policy and national professional standards

Following the principles of clinical governance to maintain a high quality of service through liaison with the Professional  Lead, participate in the implementation of: recognised professional standards, evidence based practice, effective clinical audit and clinical bench marking, risk management and validated clinical outcome measures

To undertake and promote efficient use of available resources 

To maintain accurate and timely input into electronic patient record information systems (EMIS)

Under the direction of the Professional Team Leader participate in the training/clinical education for staff and students, including: peer clinical supervision, interdisciplinary reflection.

To attend external courses were identified as part of individual appraisal

To attend professional meetings and study days appropriate to the needs of the service. Thereafter, to provide written evidence of learning and feedback to the Integrated Health team.