Job responsibilities
Clinical/Professional Duties
To be responsible for the provision of a high standard of physiotherapy/osteopathy practice and patient management for musculoskeletal outpatients supporting other staff to do the same.
To be highly competent in assessing a wide range of conditions experienced by patients within this specialty based on advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, often in situations where conflicting evidence is present.
To interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical facts to form accurate diagnoses and prognoses in a wide range of highly complex presentations, to recommend the best course of intervention and to develop comprehensive discharge plans.
To formulate, evaluate and reassess individualised physical therapy management and / or treatment plans using clinical reasoning skills and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options, for example manual physical therapy techniques, in order to formulate a specialised programme of care.
To demonstrate the physical ability to carry out physical therapy assessment and interventions, including manual physiotherapy/osteopathy techniques, therapeutic handling and the use of specialist equipment e.g. electrotherapy.
To demonstrate highly developed dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills for the assessment and manual treatment of patients.
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.
To be responsible for the checking and/or teaching competency to more junior and non-qualified staff in using equipment e.g. electrical appliances and gym equipment.
To lead within the department to ensure a high standard of clinical practice and patient care is maintained and to ensure that other physical therapists in the team do the same through ongoing competency assessment and evaluation of treatment outcomes using evidence based practice and professional guidelines.
To ensure that the musculoskeletal team follows and implements clinical policies and service development changes relating to the provision of high standards of clinical practice
To work, as appropriate, with GPs and Consultants in the provision of a high standard of care to patients within the specialty, who may be presenting as complex cases.
To supervise, educate and train less experienced staff for example junior physiotherapists/osteopaths and assistants/rehabilitation instructors, to ensure provision of a high standard of patient care for all patients within the specialty.
To participate in the supervision and education of undergraduate physiotherapy students ensuring that all university set standards and procedures are maintained for the duration of the placement.
To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, caregivers and other professionals to promote understanding of the aims of physical therapy to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
To accept clinical responsibility for the musculoskeletal outpatient caseload and be responsible for own care plans of patients for the specialty.
To represent EPUT in the provision of expert physiotherapeutic/osteopathic knowledge of issues relating to the specialty as requested
To use specialist knowledge to refer to other agencies as appropriate, e.g. community Physiotherapy, patient appliances, GP etc.
The Physical therapist must be able to adapt their communication, treatment, information and advice to meet the needs of individual patients.
To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own professional activities.
To comply with Health and Care Professions Council regulations and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapys professional code of conduct, standards of physiotherapy practice or General Osteopathic Councils Osteopathic Practice Standards at all times.
To provide accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation including patient records, reports and letters, as required in accordance with local and professional HCPC, other regulatory body and CSP standards and regulations or General Osteopathic Councils Osteopathic Practice Standards.
To act as a change agent to bring about service improvement in line with the requirements of commissioners, ensuring these changes are implemented where appropriate.
To be responsible for health & safety and clinical governance issues of own and of others in the team, actively participating and reporting all incidents as necessary in accordance with local trust policies.
To work with the Musculoskeletal Manager, in developing the strategic and operational management of the physical therapy service within this specialty
To accept delegated tasks from more senior staff and to accept responsibility when delegating appropriate tasks, to more junior physical therapists, non- qualified physical therapy staff, carers and other professionals, having first assessed the individuals competence.
To deputise for the Musculoskeletal Manager and Team Leads in periods of absence.
To represent the MSK service and/or specialty at meetings, contributing to decisions made and feeding back to the line manager as appropriate.
Communication Skills
To use verbal, non-verbal and written communication tools to ensure that the patients and carers have a thorough understanding of their condition and the role and aims of physical therapy in relation to this.
To be able to communicate sensitive and complex information to patients and carer
To liaise effectively with other delivery sites to ensure the smooth running of the department.
To communicate effectively with other members of the MDT including GPs, Consultants and other AHPs.
To develop effective lines of communication with referrers to ensure referrals are appropriate.
Education and Research
To maintain and develop expert knowledge of current evidence-based practice developments within the musculoskeletal field
To use reflective learning and a variety of resources to inform clinical practice and teaching to more junior staff
To be responsible for arranging attendance of mandatory training sessions and to ensure other team members do the same
To be an active participant in the Individual Performance Review (IPR) process. This includes prior preparation in identifying own development needs and objectives. To undertake the IPRs for more junior staff in the team
To take a lead for setting and evaluating competencies and objectives for the less experienced staff in the department.
To be an active member of the in-service training programme
Managerial Responsibilities
To manage referrals received in the department, prioritising them in line with the access policy, overseeing the booking of appointments, and ensuring efficient access to services.
To provide professional and clinical leadership for the team on an ongoing basis. This includes managing change, motivating the team, promoting teamwork to facilitate optimum standards of patient care, service efficiency and a pleasant working environment.
To mediate within the department in times of conflict aiming to resolve issues quickly and avoid the need for formal grievances.
Monitor and review sickness and performance issues.
Identify and inform the MSK manager of any opportunities within the service for preparation of business cases
To be responsible for Health & Safety within the department. Ensure the team comply with all relevant local policies (e.g. health & safety, infection control, security) and complete incident reports and risk assessments.
To oversee maintenance of equipment within the department liaising with the maintenance company when required. Ensure action is taken when required on Medical Devices Agency alerts.
To convene regular staff meetings within the department to facilitate effective communication on all levels.
To investigate complaints within the department and endeavor to resolve informal issues promptly. To gather information about formal complaints and pass accurate information to the Musculoskeletal Manager.
To work with the Musculoskeletal Manager on recruitment of staff for the department including review of skill mix, application for funding, interviews and induction.
Finance and Physical Resources
To be responsible for the ordering of specific items for the service.
Information Management
To be actively involved in the accurate and timely collection of data &/or information as required for audit / clinical governance in order to monitor and improve standards and quality as applicable
Input data and information accurately and completely using the latest versions of policies and procedures in manual and electronic systems
Ensure the necessary precautions are adhered when transferring information, only disclosing patient identifiable information in line with Caldicott and the Data Protection Act
Policy/Service Development
To write and update policies for use within the department and to contribute to the writing of policies to be used in the West Essex Musculoskeletal Service.
Freedom To Act
Authority to make decisions within the department and manage local change that does not impact on the wider MSK service. To consult the Musculoskeletal Manager and team leader colleagues about changes that affect other services.
Effort and Environment
Therapeutic handling of patients e.g. supporting them when mobilising, spinal mobilisations which will include working in awkward positions e.g. crouching, kneeling.
Sustained concentration throughout the working day will be required plus balancing management and clinical duties.
At times the post will involve working with highly emotional patients
