Band 4 MSK Outpatients Assistant Practitioner

at  Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

PURPOSE OF JOB: To work under indirect supervision of a physiotherapist in providing a high standard service to patients attending physiotherapy outpatients both for musculoskeletal injuries and neurological problems. The post holder will: Assist in the provision of care to patients, supported and indirectly supervised by qualified physiotherapists. Carry out clinical tasks (such as instruction/supervision and prescription of exercise programmes), delegated by qualified staff requiring a wide range of technical ability as well as an excellent level of interpersonal skills. Provide one to one treatment sessions with patients in the Outpatient setting, progress exercises in a timely manner and apply clinical reasoning skills in exercise prescription.
To manage a small patient caseloadof basic protocol based patients, to include initial assessment (measuring range of movement, risk assessments). To provide high quality group exercise sessions to patients both on land and in the hydrotherapy pool (If applicable) To conduct Gym sessions with patients. Participate in continued personal development. To contribute in the induction and training of new physiotherapy staff, physiotherapy students and other non-qualified health care staff in outpatients.
To order and monitor stock of disposable physiotherapy equipment. To contribute to the supervision and training of Band 2 and 3 staff (If applicable) KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical To work as a core and effective member of the physiotherapy outpatient team. Within specific guidelines and following training, to be responsible for a clinical caseload working within codes of practice and professional guidelines. This includes patient documentation both in written and electronic format.
To perform complex aspects of assessment and treatment in the outpatient environment, with direct and indirect supervision such as carrying out post-op assessments, exercise classes, individual gym sessions and progression of exercise. To motivate patients to exercise and to address barriers to compliance. To play an active role in promoting healthy lifestyle choices with patients. To be responsible for performing given tasks and reporting any concerns to the physiotherapists.
To demonstrate a physical ability to carry out physiotherapy interventions and therapeutic handling without direct supervision. There is a frequent requirement to exert moderate physical effort for several short periods during the day. To be responsible for the safe use of physiotherapy equipment, adhering to the Trust medical device policy. This includes competency and accuracy to use equipment by you, other healthcare professionals, carers and patients.
This job will involve exposure to unpleasant working conditions and occasional exposure to hostility in the form of verbal and physical aggression. Education To gain the required knowledge and skills in relevant technical and clinical procedures and to maintain those skills under departmental competencies and under the supervision of qualified staff. To attend external courses where appropriate giving feedback from any attended. To be responsible for and actively record your own personal development.
To be involved in the supervision of Band 2 and 3 members of staff. (As applicable) Management To prioritise a delegated caseload and balance other patient related and professional activities in accordance with the departments requirements. This will require occasional concentration in an unpredictable environment and may include responding to urgent referrals and occasionally unpredictable work patterns. To be able to manage potentially upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner including but not limited to multiple trauma, amputation, cancer patients, neurological events and palliative care.
To work within the physiotherapy outpatient team to provide an efficient and effective service and to be involved in the implementation of department policies and the yearly performance plan. To maintain and provide accurate and timely statistical information. To participate in the Trust Appraisal Scheme as an appraisee. To ensure that all equipment defects accidents and complaints are reported to your line manager and the physiotherapy manager immediately to ensure that appropriate action may be taken.
To be responsible for cleaning and checking the conditions of relevant equipment. Undertake associated admin for the role. Communication Demonstrate a courteous and helpful approach to patients and their families, ensuring patients feel reassured and supported. Take patient phone calls and seek advice from relevant specialist physiotherapists when appropriate, and to use reassurance skills that require tact and persuasion on occasions.
To maintain accurate clinical records, ensuring compliance with Frimley Health, CSP standards and local guidelines. Report untoward incidents, accidents, complaints and any other relevant information to specialist physiotherapists immediately. Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, to promote a cohesive team. To attend and be an active member in speciality and department staff meetings.
To use interpreters when required to ensure effective communication occurs with patients who are hard of hearing or do not speak/understand enough English for the purposes of consent and cooperation for treatment. Research/Audit/Quality In line with Trusts commitment to Clinical Governance to participate in the physiotherapy departments clinical audit programme. To contribute to the Physiotherapy annual business plan. This job description is an indication of the type and range of tasks that are expected of the post holder, and other duties may be required, in line with the role and banding.
It will be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder to take account of changing organisational need

Please refer the Job description for details