Physiotherapy Assistant Practitioner

Please see the attached job description for full details Clinical: To hold responsibility for own caseload within the defined area of work, at times working without direct supervision. Support available by bleep. Following appropriate training and demonstration of competency to work unsupervised to assess patients with mobility and functional impairments. To obtain an accurate and full social history to facilitate early discharge planning, liaising with family/care agencies as needed.
To accurately assess range of movement, muscle power, sensation, sitting and standing balance and transfer abilities. To assess and progress patients mobility including issuing and training in the use of walking aids as appropriate. To safely assess a patients ability on the stairs where needed and correct technique as appropriate. To develop and safely deliver individualised treatment programmes.
To prepare patients for treatment including undressing/dressing and toileting. Using own knowledge and reasoning to analyse the patients condition and needs and modify treatment accordingly. To monitor the effectiveness of treatment and use clinical knowledge to progress the patient within defined protocols. To identify the need for ongoing rehabilitation/support and liaise with the MDT and patient flow centre to recommend the appropriate level of care on discharge.
To assist and encourage patients with routine breathing exercises and chest clearance techniques after completion of appropriate competencies. To maintain accurate and contemporaneous treatment records including valid consent to interventions. To ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times. To be aware of limitations of own knowledge and refer to the supervising physiotherapist where appropriate.
Communications: To communicate effectively with patients, to maximise rehabilitation potential through verbal and nonverbal methods. This may require explanation, instruction, persuasion, motivation, negotiation and reassurance. To manage barriers to effective communication eg hearing loss, altered perception, confusion, anxiety etc. To take handover from relevant wards as designated by Senior Physiotherapist and pass on any relevant information.
To liaise with designated Physiotherapist regarding the workload of the area. To liaise with Physiotherapists, other members of the MDT, relatives and carers regarding ongoing care and rehabilitation of individual patients. To represent physiotherapy at ward rounds, board rounds and case conferences where required. To communicate effectively with ward teams, community teams and Patient Flow Centre regarding patients requirements for discharge.
Education and Training: To be appraised by the Senior Physiotherapist, agree personal objectives and personal development plan. To complete all required mandatory and compulsory training and maintaining 100% compliance as per trust requirements. To be responsible, with guidance, for maintaining own competencies through a range of relevant CPD activities and maintenance of an appropriate portfolio. To co-ordinate provision of clinical supervision/mentorship/training for Physiotherapy assistants.
Organisation and Management: To be responsible for prioritising and managing own clinical workload. To manage workloads for short periods in the absence of a qualified Physiotherapist. To be aware of and comply with Professional, Trust and Departmental policies. To make an active contribution to service development.
To work with senior staff to supervise and coordinate Physiotherapy assistants on a daily basis. To maintain a safe environment at all times for patients, visitors and staff. To ensure safe use of all mechanical and electrical equipment or orthoses and appliances used in the care of patients. To act immediately to rectify any unsafe practices or environments witnessed and report adverse incidents or near misses according to Trust policy.
To provide statistical information regarding own workload as required for managerial purposes. To provide administrative support to the physiotherapy team e.g. appointment booking, stock control, ordering, monitoring the loan of equipment. To be responsible for maintaining a tidy working environment and ensuring that there is a satisfactory level of cleanliness in the designated area.
To ensure appropriate quantities of mobility aids are maintained within the department and/or deputise for the Equipment Store Person if /when appropriate. Professional: To maintain own Continuing Professional Development in line with Clinical Governance. To work within the Assistant Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. To share responsibility for maintaining own competence through reflective practice.
To be legally accountable for all aspects of own work. To assist with research, audit and service development projects where appropriate.