Job responsibilities
The role of
Physicians Associate exists to support the physical, mental and social
well being of care home residents and the elderly population of our PCN
practices.
Under the supervision of a GP
and as a member of a broad multidisciplinary team (Integrated Care Team) the
post holder will facilitate high quality, compassionate, safe, effective and
holistic care to this vulnerable population.
The post holder will perform
physical examination, arrange basic investigation, review patients on admission
to the care home or following discharge from hospital. They will also be
involved in discussion with residents and their families about personalised
care planning, liaising with care home staff, community matron, clinical
pharmacists, mental health, GP practices and the wider Integrated Care Team.
Background
This is a new
role, developed in direct response to a recognised need for high quality care
in Care Homes. Residents have a range of physical, mental and social needs
often in the context of long term illness, disability or palliative care.
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and their workforce will be central to the
development of improved care for this population.
The post
holder has the potential to add real value to the PCN team by offering
continuity of care under the clinical supervision of an experienced GP. The
role provides a significant opportunity for development and to facilitate
integrative working between primary care, specialist mental health teams,
community services and voluntary sector organisations.
Principle responsibilities
1.
As
a dependent practitioner, undertake patient/ service user consultations,
physical and mental state and social assessments, clinical examinations, order
appropriate investigations and interpret investigation findings
2.
Form
a list of differential diagnoses, recommend management/ treatment for
discussion with and sign off by a clinical supervisor
3.
As
part of a multi-disciplinary team, support the delivery of care in care homes
within the Primary Care Network
4.
As
part of a multi-disciplinary team, support the delivery of care in Practices
within the Primary Care Network
5.
Under
clinical supervision, take responsibility for a patient caseload in care homes
and practices
6.
Maintain
timely and appropriate documentation on practice clinical IT system
7.
Within
scope of practice and working as part of a multidisciplinary team, perform
delegated diagnostic or therapeutic procedures
8.
Contribute
to the development of pathways of care
9.
Working
as part of a multi-disciplinary team, ensure timely clinical reviews of patient
and necessary monitoring or investigation
10. Review documentation from admissions,
discharges, outpatient, specialist and community services relating to patient
care and take wider information into account when assessing patient need.
11. Always provide a high standard of care
with the patients interests as paramount
12. Act in a timely manner on any
safeguarding concerns
13. In order to support the full holistic
care of care home residents, under clinical supervision, liaise with;
a. GP practices and their wider clinical
and non-clinical teams
b. Primary Care Network staff including
medicines management team, practice pharmacists, well-being co-ordinators and care co-ordinators
c. The network Community Integrated Care
team including in particular the Community Matron
d. Community mental health team and
learning disability team
e. Voluntary and 3rd sector
organisations
f. Other relevant organisations
14. Contribute to service development
through audit, implementation of guidelines, continuous CPD, the teaching of
others including undergraduates, nursing staff and allied professionals
Clinical and professional
responsibilities
1.
Adhere
to the relevant NHS codes of practice
2.
Develop
and maintain medical knowledge through relevant Continuing Professional
Development (CPD)
3.
To
be accountable for the care given and to comply with the Fitness to Practice
and Code of Conduct standard as established by the PA Managed Voluntary
Registration Commission (PAMVRC) and subsequently the appropriate statutory
regulating body when this is in place
4.
Develop
and maintain independent prescribing skills following expected professional
regulation
5.
Work
in partnership with the Primary Care Network and its constituent practices,
colleagues and patients to promote and support the role of Physicians Associate
as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Teaching and training responsibilities
1.
Attend
and prepare for all scheduled teaching determined for the purposes of CPD
2.
Work
with colleagues to promote and support an environment of learning
3.
Maintain
regular clinical supervision and access to peer support
Research and audit
1.
Participate
in all aspects of clinical governance including audit and risk management