First Contact Physiotherapist

at  The Whalebridge Practice

The First Contact Physiotherapist will be an experienced practitioner and independent prescriber and will work autonomously as part of the clinical team. They will provide clinical expertise, acting as first-contact physiotherapist and making decisions about the best course of action for patients’ care (including in relation to undifferentiated conditions). This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, in order to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan. They will progress and request investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of particular tests diagnostic services such as x-rays and blood test, and interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.
They will deliver programmes of supported patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals’ physical activity, mobility, fulfillment of personal goals and independence, and that minimise the need for pharmacological interventions SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Take professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients. Manage a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs). Lead, manage and contribute to service delivery. Be accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice.
Streamline pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care. Ensure care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention. Provide care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals’ clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status; including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence.
Support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management. Communicate effectively and appropriately with patients and carers, sharing complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. Use a range of clinical skills which may include: Non-medical independent prescribing Joint / soft tissue injections Joint aspirations Provide learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care. Work with MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.
Exercise professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information. Manage interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psycho-social and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings. Record all contacts in SystmOne in an accurate and timely manner, using appropriate clinical coding. Maintain their competence and knowledge through continued personal development and adhere to all national policies regarding treatment.
Ensure that all Infection control guidelines are followed. Carry out regular clinical audit. This could be a developing role if the post holder does not have all of the skills required. In these circumstances support and training will be provided

Please refer the Job description for details