Job summary
The One Small Step Gait Laboratory was established in 1998 to analyse the movement patterns of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other conditions using state-of-the-art motion capture technology. The unit helps orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, neurologists and patients and their families to direct patient care.
The laboratory is situated on the Guy's Hospital site next to London Bridge Station and the Shard.
The purpose of this post is to actively contribute towards the provision of an effective gait and movement analysis service.
To collect and process movement and other data from children and adults with neurological or other data. The postholder will help to perform the complex tests involved. S/he will prepare data for inclusion in movement reports. She/he will be involved in the clinical decision making process as part of the multidisciplinary team including a consultant clinical scientist, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and paediatric neuro-disability consultant.
Main duties of the job
We have an opportunity for a clinical technologist looking to develop skills and gain experience in movement disorders and clinical gait analysis using state of the art motion capture equipment.The One Small Step Gait Laboratory conducts 3D movement analyses of children with physical disabilities from all over the South-East of England. The unit has an excellent clinical reputation and an international research profile.
The successful candidate would work with Movement Analysts, assessing patients entering the gait laboratory. S/he would be expected to develop an active role in service development, and help supervise student work.
For informal enquiries phone Adam Shortland, Consultant Clinical Scientist (020 7188 2476); or email adam.shortland@gstt.nhs.uk.
About us
Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation NHS Trust is one of the leading Trusts in the UK. The Evelina London Children's Hospital provides an innovative and caring environment for children with different conditions. The One Small Step Laboratory is based on the Guy's site but has close relationships with paediatric and orthopaedic services at the Evelina.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Professional / Clinical responsibilities
Preparation of the Gait Laboratorys assessment area including:
Preparation of kinematic markers, electromyographic sensors and other equipment for use in the patient session.
Preparation of patient assessment forms prior to assessment.
Assembling of consumable materials to be used during the assessment.
Ensuring the floor is clear of obstacles and that surfaces are tidy.
Preparation of equipment
Calibration checks on equipment to be performed every patient day prior to patient arrival and recorded.
Fuller calibrations of equipment to be carried out at 6 monthly and yearly intervals.
- Operation of sophisticated movement analysis equipment according to local protocols and national standards during patient collections during patient assessments.
- Recording of patient assessment activity on patient assessment forms
- To assist the session lead (physiotherapist or clinical scientist) in the assessment of the patient, including placing of EMG sensors and kinematic markers on the patient, measurement of passive range of motion.
- To process movement and other data to a high standard using proprietary and commercial software.
- To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of the practitioners professional activities.
- To have a sound knowledge and understanding of relevant sections of the current legislation with regard to the Childrens Act, Education Act and Disability Discrimination Act, and to take responsibility to act in the childs best interest where necessary.
- To be responsible for maintenance of accurate records through clinic reports, written records and use of the computerised patient data system.
- To undertake any other duties as may be deemed necessary, and be prepared to work at any location within the Trust.
- To take an active role in ensuring that quality standards and effectiveness of patient care are continually improved.
- To contribute to the development of clinical and technical protocols within the gait laboratory. To help monitor the compliance of other members of gait laboratory staff in the execution of these protocols.
- To improve the delivery of the gait analysis service by actively contributing to clinical and technical developments within the unit.
- To carry out assessments of children, adolescents and young adults who may be totally dependant with neurological conditions in a clinic based or treatment setting, with moderate physical effort involved, over several periods in the day.
- To comply with the Trusts Manual Handling Policy
- To support other colleagues when indicated in the management of challenging patients.
- To support the gait laboratory manager when indicated in the management of staff disciplinary matters.
- To deal with patients suffering from illnesses that may lead to anxiety and aggressive behaviour.
Management and Leadership
Physical Resources
- To use and handle delicate instrumentation correctly and with care.
- To ensure that all equipment defects, accidents and complaints are reported to the gait laboratory manager immediately and that appropriate action is taken by those concerned.
- To report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.
Human Resources
- To participate in the Trust Appraisal Scheme.
- To attend and be an active participant in departmental staff and peer group meetings.
Information Resources
- To help maintain the gait laboratory database of clinical data.
Planning and Organisation
- To attend and contribute to weekly gait laboratory meetings.
- To ensure that the agreed quality standards of service are met.
- To contribute to training and research activities with external agencies.
Communication
- To attend meetings and seminars/case conferences as appropriate, and to liaise with and advise other disciplines, as appropriate.
- To liaise with and advise relevant medical staff and physiotherapy staff with regard to patient care.
- To encourage co-operation for assessment where there may be significant barriers to understanding such as age, learning difficulties, autism, cognitive impairment, behavioural problems, hearing or vision impairment.
- To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in a sympathetic manner.
- To resolve verbal complaints and to be well versed with the Trusts formal complaints procedure.
Education & Professional Development
- To be responsible for and actively record own personal professional development.
- To contribute to the education of multidisciplinary groups, patients, families and carers as appropriate.
- To maintain a CPD portfolio reflecting personal professional development.
- To participate in the in-service and post-registration education programme within the specialist clinical area.
- To provide specialist teaching regarding gait analysis.
Research / audit / quality
- To participate in appropriate work related research/evaluation projects and to be aware of current research relevant to the speciality.
- In line with the Trusts commitment to Clinical Governance, to participate in and initiate clinical audit and the evaluation of clinical effectiveness.
Effort
- To carry out assessments of children, adolescents and young adults with neurological conditions in a clinic based setting, with moderate physical effort involved, over several periods in the day.
- To comply with the Trusts Manual Handling Policy
Job description
Job responsibilities
Professional / Clinical responsibilities
Preparation of the Gait Laboratorys assessment area including:
Preparation of kinematic markers, electromyographic sensors and other equipment for use in the patient session.
Preparation of patient assessment forms prior to assessment.
Assembling of consumable materials to be used during the assessment.
Ensuring the floor is clear of obstacles and that surfaces are tidy.
Preparation of equipment
Calibration checks on equipment to be performed every patient day prior to patient arrival and recorded.
Fuller calibrations of equipment to be carried out at 6 monthly and yearly intervals.
- Operation of sophisticated movement analysis equipment according to local protocols and national standards during patient collections during patient assessments.
- Recording of patient assessment activity on patient assessment forms
- To assist the session lead (physiotherapist or clinical scientist) in the assessment of the patient, including placing of EMG sensors and kinematic markers on the patient, measurement of passive range of motion.
- To process movement and other data to a high standard using proprietary and commercial software.
- To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of the practitioners professional activities.
- To have a sound knowledge and understanding of relevant sections of the current legislation with regard to the Childrens Act, Education Act and Disability Discrimination Act, and to take responsibility to act in the childs best interest where necessary.
- To be responsible for maintenance of accurate records through clinic reports, written records and use of the computerised patient data system.
- To undertake any other duties as may be deemed necessary, and be prepared to work at any location within the Trust.
- To take an active role in ensuring that quality standards and effectiveness of patient care are continually improved.
- To contribute to the development of clinical and technical protocols within the gait laboratory. To help monitor the compliance of other members of gait laboratory staff in the execution of these protocols.
- To improve the delivery of the gait analysis service by actively contributing to clinical and technical developments within the unit.
- To carry out assessments of children, adolescents and young adults who may be totally dependant with neurological conditions in a clinic based or treatment setting, with moderate physical effort involved, over several periods in the day.
- To comply with the Trusts Manual Handling Policy
- To support other colleagues when indicated in the management of challenging patients.
- To support the gait laboratory manager when indicated in the management of staff disciplinary matters.
- To deal with patients suffering from illnesses that may lead to anxiety and aggressive behaviour.
Management and Leadership
Physical Resources
- To use and handle delicate instrumentation correctly and with care.
- To ensure that all equipment defects, accidents and complaints are reported to the gait laboratory manager immediately and that appropriate action is taken by those concerned.
- To report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.
Human Resources
- To participate in the Trust Appraisal Scheme.
- To attend and be an active participant in departmental staff and peer group meetings.
Information Resources
- To help maintain the gait laboratory database of clinical data.
Planning and Organisation
- To attend and contribute to weekly gait laboratory meetings.
- To ensure that the agreed quality standards of service are met.
- To contribute to training and research activities with external agencies.
Communication
- To attend meetings and seminars/case conferences as appropriate, and to liaise with and advise other disciplines, as appropriate.
- To liaise with and advise relevant medical staff and physiotherapy staff with regard to patient care.
- To encourage co-operation for assessment where there may be significant barriers to understanding such as age, learning difficulties, autism, cognitive impairment, behavioural problems, hearing or vision impairment.
- To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in a sympathetic manner.
- To resolve verbal complaints and to be well versed with the Trusts formal complaints procedure.
Education & Professional Development
- To be responsible for and actively record own personal professional development.
- To contribute to the education of multidisciplinary groups, patients, families and carers as appropriate.
- To maintain a CPD portfolio reflecting personal professional development.
- To participate in the in-service and post-registration education programme within the specialist clinical area.
- To provide specialist teaching regarding gait analysis.
Research / audit / quality
- To participate in appropriate work related research/evaluation projects and to be aware of current research relevant to the speciality.
- In line with the Trusts commitment to Clinical Governance, to participate in and initiate clinical audit and the evaluation of clinical effectiveness.
Effort
- To carry out assessments of children, adolescents and young adults with neurological conditions in a clinic based setting, with moderate physical effort involved, over several periods in the day.
- To comply with the Trusts Manual Handling Policy
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of Data Collection in a Clinical Environment
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Spreadsheet/Database/Wordprocessing
- Time Management
- Report Writing
Desirable
- Experience of Clinical Data Acquisition
- Understanding of Biomechanics
Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate Degree in Biomechanical or Physiological Sciences or similar (HND/HNC)
Desirable
- Appropriate Postgraduate training
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of Data Collection in a Clinical Environment
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Spreadsheet/Database/Wordprocessing
- Time Management
- Report Writing
Desirable
- Experience of Clinical Data Acquisition
- Understanding of Biomechanics
Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate Degree in Biomechanical or Physiological Sciences or similar (HND/HNC)
Desirable
- Appropriate Postgraduate training
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
