First Contact Practitioner

Job responsibilities

1. Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact practitioner (MSK), with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage and onward referral of patients.

2. Manages a complex caseload in lieu of a GP (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs).

3. Leads, manages and contributes to service delivery.

Flexibility

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.

Your knowledge, experience and qualifications

Knowledge and skills:

Extensive knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal symptomatology and evidence-based practice

Evidence demonstrating advanced clinical examination skills, for example, recognising MSK masquerades and bone tumours in MSK presentations

Excellent communication skills ensuring consistently high levels of communication with the whole team

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise effectively and manage your time efficiently.

4. Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice.

5. Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care.

6. Ensures care is proactive, preventative in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention.

7. Provides 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.)

8. Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management.

9. Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis.

a. Uses a range of advanced clinical skills which may include:

b. non-medical independent prescribing

c. joint / soft tissue injections

d. joint aspirations

10. Provides learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care.

11. Works with MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.

12. Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information.

13. Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings.

Patient Care

1. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work.

2. To monitor the appropriateness of referrals to the FCP role, obtaining additional information relevant to patient care from referrers e.g. Receptionists/GPs/Nurse Practitioners, and ensuring appropriate discharge / on-going care. To liaise with referrers regarding physiotherapy services.

3. To undertake comprehensive and highly specialised physiotherapy assessment of physical problems, frequently of a highly complex nature involving psychological and social problems, using highly advanced clinical reasoning and assessment skills to provide an accurate diagnosis and indication of likely outcome.

4. To formulate an individual and agreed treatment plan based on indepth knowledge of evidence-based practice and carry out appropriate treatment in a manner that respects peoples privacy, dignity and individuality. Reassessing patients progress and altering treatment plans if required.

5. To conduct face to face Clinics in different surgeries following a clinic standard operating procedure.

6. Integrates a broad range of interventions into practice, including injection therapy and independent prescribing, while also promoting non-pharmacological solutions to patient care.

7. Manage risk in unpredictable, uncertain situations to uphold patient safety, including by referring on to other primary care team members and to specialist services, as needed

8. To conduct patient Telephone triage if required, recording patient initial assessment details on electronic record. Clinically reason and signpost patients. Referral on to other services and multidisciplinary healthcare disciplines; including the advanced Orthopaedic practitioners, GP or liaise with secondary care specialists

9. To demonstrate highly developed physical skills inclusive of dexterity, co-ordination and sensory skills to carry out assessment and interventions including manual physiotherapy techniques and therapeutic handling.

Financial Responsibilities

To contribute to the achievement of financial balance within the department and PCN, by using resources in a responsible manner within day-to-day practice.

Responsibilities for People or Training

1. To work with PCN MSK Lead, Senior GP Partners, Local Physiotherapy Department, Local MDT MSK team, Local T&O team, Local Rheumatology team, Local Pain Clinic team to co-ordinate training/ learning opportunities.

2. Contribute to the development of primary care teams, including through delivery to others' learning needs.

3. Ensure compliance with all HCPC/CSP/HEE and mandatory training relevant to role.

4. To be involved in training and development of junior staff and students and reception staff in GP practices to support development of new service provision.

Other Factors

1. To comply with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, quality assurance standards & Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, national guidelines and Health and Beyond procedures.

2. Physical Effort: Moderate physical effort required, in short periods. Fine motor skills and high level of dexterity required for some interventions.

3. Mental Effort: Concentration required for all aspects of the job with frequent interruptions and an unpredictable workload.

4. Emotional Effort: Frequent empathy is required and occasional communication of unpleasant and sensitive news. The ability to deal with distressed patients and provide professional support and guidance.

5. Working Conditions: Occasional exposure to unpleasant smells. Occasionally may involve exposure to bodily fluids.

6. Mobility/Flexibility: Working location may vary according to service need and therefore access to suitably insured transport required.

7. Ability to drive and travel throughout Wolverhampton/Bilston/Black Country Area.

Experience

Essential

• Current HCPC and CSP registered Physiotherapist
• Minimum 5 years post-graduate musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice experience; preferably in public settings
• Proof of continued professional development which evidences the skills / competencies required for this role
• Previous experience as an FCP/APP/ESP is essential

Desirable

• Non-medical prescriber experience is desirable but not essential
• Injection therapy competency and experience is desirable but not essential

Knowledge/Skills

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal symptomatology and evidence-based practice
• Evidence demonstrating advanced clinical examination skills, for example, recognising MSK masquerades and bone tumours in MSK presentations
• Excellent communication skills ensuring consistently high levels of communication with the whole team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise effectively and manage your time efficiently.

Desirable

• /

Experience

Essential

• Current HCPC and CSP registered Physiotherapist
• Minimum 5 years post-graduate musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice experience; preferably in public settings
• Proof of continued professional development which evidences the skills / competencies required for this role
• Previous experience as an FCP/APP/ESP is essential

Desirable

• Non-medical prescriber experience is desirable but not essential
• Injection therapy competency and experience is desirable but not essential

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Physiotherapy, or a recognised equivalent vocational qualification
• Masters level modules/equivalent training/documented experience relating to FCP competencies
• Demonstrable competence in ordering medical imaging

Desirable

• FCP sign off stage 1 and 2 is desirable but not essential
• Injection therapy qualifications desirable but not essential
• Independent prescribing qualification desirable but not essential

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).