Job responsibilities
Key Result Areas:
Knowledge, skills and experience required:
Clinical
General
The post holder will be responsible and accountable for the audiological care of patients allocated to them. For every patient contact the post holder will comply with the Trusts Infection Control Procedures to minimise the risk of cross infection with particular reference to the handling, cleaning and disinfection of ear canal impressions, earmoulds and equipment.
To provide excellent service to clients, outlining options in a family-friendly, supportive atmosphere, working empathetically with the client to overcome fears and anxieties about solutions to their communication difficulties.
Diagnostic Audiology
ENT clinics are held at Warwick Hospital, Stratford upon Avon Hospital and Ellen Badger Hospital. The post holder will work autonomously to British Society of Audiology Standards to provide accurate assessments for patients of all ages. The post holder will be responsible for providing accurate reports to General Practitioners, ENT Consultants and other professionals and advise where appropriate onward referrals and/or further audiological investigations.
Discussing diagnostic results with patients informing them about their hearing loss in an empathetic manner to motivate them to make informed choices about rehabilitation options to assist with their communication difficulties
Recognise conditions that require medical treatment and refer to medical practitioner as necessary.
Provide instruction to clients to enable them to respond appropriately to routine hearing tests.
Undertake a full range of audiological procedures in line with national and departmental protocols and procedures but working safely outside the procedure when clinically necessary.
Ability to work under pressure choosing the most appropriate diagnostic tests to enable an accurate diagnosis to be made.
Tests on young children as part of Ear, Nose and Throat clinics
Adult Rehabilitation
At clinics held at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Ellen Badger Hospitals the post holder will work autonomously and where necessary alone to provide Hearing Assessments, Hearing Aid Fittings, Hearing Aid Reassessments, Follow ups and Hearing Aid Repairs for adult patients.
Hearing Assessments and Reassessments to be conducted using BSA recommended Procedures via programmable audiological testing equipment. Assessments of patients disability and handicap will be assessed using interview and counselling techniques using a variety of questionnaires/formal outcome tools. The post holder must confidently discuss their findings and agree a care plan with the patient. If appropriate impressions of the patients ears can be taken for earmoulds. Appropriate reports and onward referrals must be completed.
The fittings of digital hearing aid devices including RITE and CROS systems must be undertaken using appropriate prescription targets, using Real Ear Measurements. Instruction to patients on the use, acclimatisation and hearing strategies to ensure the needs of the patients and abilities are met.
Hearing Aid Follow Ups are essential to provide the patient with the opportunity to discuss challenges faced and experiences gained and identify potential changes to their hearing aids to maximise their hearing experience and should include outcome measures
Hearing Aid Repair Service is offered as a booked appointment at all sites. The post holder will be required to work efficiently and effectively under pressure. Where necessary reprogramming hearing aids, impression taking, necessary counselling and hearing aid maintenance will be undertaken. The post holder must use initiative to develop care plans and make decision regarding onward referrals or additional supportive appointments outside the scope of a hearing aid repair.
Undertake assessments/rehabilitation within patients homes and ensure that all clinical equipment is handled with care particularly when being transported for domiciliary visits.
To support the Complex and Tinnitus teams in the Audiological rehabilitation of patients with additional special needs other than hearing loss. This will include Tinnitus, Severe and Profound Hearing Loss, Sudden Hearing loss, evidence of abnormally severe recruitment, dual sensory loss, non-organic and or non-organic overlay, learning disabilities and patients with cognitive problems i.e. dementia.
Future technologies / new initiatives management
To act as lead to the adult service in research and introduction of new technologies and advancements, under the guidance of the Adult Audiology Manager
To lead the adult service in projects that enable greater access to services for patients, including remote technology, under the guidance of the Adult Audiology Manager
To act as Equipment lead, ensuring equipment is maintained, calibrated and fit for purpose
Support delegated responsibilities for the services IQIPS preparation and assessments across the adult service
To use a variety of sources at local through to national level, collating, critically appraising, and formally presenting information. Providing outcomes in format indicated (e.g. written report, or a formal presentation to colleagues)
To lead the adult service in projects for income generation purposes, including Private clinic and Wax Management services, under the guidance of the Adult Audiology Manager
Administration
Read new referrals, accepting those that fit departmental criteria and redirecting those that do not to appropriate alternative departments such as ENT.
To support the department in meeting its waiting list targets for adult clinics
Training, supervision, research and professional development
Provide clinical supervision for students, work experience and colleagues from other disciplines on agreed clinics
To strive to increase knowledge relevant to Audiology and administration in your role.
To participate in appropriate training and development activities as required developing and maintaining competency in your role.
Participate in the personal annual review process and work to achieve agreed set objectives.
To undertake peer reviews on Band 3 6 staff members, students and locums when requested
Communications and Working Relationships:
To recognise the importance of personal contribution to the team and the wider professional network.
To inform and liaise with senior colleagues on all aspects of Audiology and administration related to your role.
To establish a working rapport with other team members and to contribute to team meetings. The post holder is required to work as part of a team. Assigned workloads identify booked appointments, however it is essential to review colleagues workloads and assist when possible to maximise capacity and efficiency.
Ensure departmental and/or national policies and procedures are implemented in your area and to be pro-active in suggesting improvements for the service as a whole.
Having a good understanding of the needs of the hard of hearing and Deaf patients so that clear communication is possible in a friendly and helpful manner always.
At all times, be aware when communicating of the need for confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
Measurable Result areas:
Ensure accurate documentation occurs within patient records & produce reports on Audiometric differential diagnosis.
Ability to interpret audiological results and deliver rehabilitative options to patients and carers.
Ensure British Society of Audiology recommended procedures and protocols are adhered to.
Ability to prioritise workload and organise own/others workload ensuring efficient and effective working is maximised within the team/service.
Participate in promoting innovative practice within the department.
Review, as delegated by senior colleagues, policies and protocols to ensure best and up to date practice is maintained.
Patient feedback on the service, including completion of outcome measures, satisfaction surveys, mystery patient reports and audits
Development of the service against IQIPS standards as agreed with the Adult Audiology Services Manager
Contribute to specific service developments, investigative projects and audit tasks. To obtain, manipulate and utilise information
Provision of education and training packages for students and Audiology staff relating to new services, techniques, technologies and practices, as agreed with the Adult Audiology Services Manager.
