Address Job Specific Outcomes Diagnose and perform appropriate treatment according to local and national protocols, as an independent autonomous practitioner (historically performed by a doctor). Identify abnormal test results from pathology, perform biopsies, image capture, complete pathology requests and prescribe treatment. Perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to agreed competency level, as agreed by the clinical lead. Prescribe complex medicines management regimes including the administration of intravenous medicine within agreed protocols to patients undergoing clinical management regimes based on clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning.
As a Non-Medical Independent Prescriber, utilise highly developed specialist knowledge and skills ensuring that safe prescribing and administration of drugs occurs in accordance with current professional regulatory frameworks (e.g. NMC & HCPC) and Organisational Policy. Use highly developed specialised knowledge to take Informed Consent from patients by informing them of the benefits, risks, complications and effects of the intended management regime or procedure, and any alternative treatments. Perform a comprehensive patient-focused holistic health history and physical examination.
Critically analyse and interpret history, presenting symptoms, physical findings and diagnostic information to develop the differential diagnosis within the Specialist area. Lead highly complex clinical situations, recognising and initiating treatment in patients experiencing deterioration in clinical condition (physical & psychological) such as an adverse event, major haemorrhage, respiratory/cardiac arrest and acute mental health crisis. Communicate highly complex and highly sensitive information to patients at the appropriate level of understanding about issues surrounding their medical condition, whilst maintaining patient confidentiality. Ensure that they understand the rationale for the proposed treatment, its consequences and any alternatives.
As far as is possible, ensure that the patient understands the information given to them, overcoming any communication barriers such as deafness, learning difficulties, language skills, and demonstrate excellent levels of verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Utilise sensitive communication styles to provide reassurance, counselling and support to patients and relatives, especially when breaking bad news Provide a nurse-led service for patients giving advice, support, counselling and prescribing for complex patients with acute, chronic and life-limiting disease. Determining, leading on the development of complex, individualised evidence-based care pathways. This will include the whole patient journey and will be undertaken in consultation with the multi-professional team and likewise, where relevant, primary and secondary care providers.
This may include the admission rights for patients requiring secondary care services. Similarly, the role will necessitate leadership in complex discharge planning and assurance around seamless quality care delivery in the patients preferred place of care. This role will also be pivotal in developing public health initiatives to promote patient safety and high standard patient care outcome. .
Develop and maintain professional networks, actively seeking opportunities to promote, publicise and disseminate the ACP role and integrated working. Provide clinical leadership, expert practice and advanced knowledge, integrating research evidence into practice and contributing to/leading on research in their clinical field. Act as a resource and teach on under and post graduate educational programmes relevant to the role.
