Job responsibilities
Job Summary:
The gait and movement analysis service is a highly specialised department which provides assessment of walking and movement patterns for those with complex disabilities. As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the post-holder will be trained by the Gait Lab team to support clinical scientists, technologists and physiotherapists to assist in the process of preparing for and collecting data from patients, as well as administrative support. They will have regular access to supervision from qualified physiotherapists and clinical scientists.
This post includes:
Carrying out aspects of gait and upper limb analysis under supervision of a healthcare scientist or physiotherapist
Following departmental guidelines/standards to independently support the work of the gait and movement analysis service, e.g. quality assurance checks on equipment, document control processes, video processing.
Providing clinical administrative support to therapists
Principle Purpose:
- To be responsible for and manage processes associated with clinical gait and movement analysis, such as data collection from patients and equipment life cycle.
- To function as part of the team, department and Trust.
- To achieve and maintain competencies through skills and knowledge development.
- To collect and record patient information in the electronic patient record, in line with departmental guidelines.
- To provide administrative support to the gait and movement analysis service; for example, patient timetable planning, data entry, stock/equipment ordering.
- To contribute to setting up and be responsible for maintaining operational systems within the department.
- To work flexibly across the team, covering a variety of clinical areas as required.
Communication
To communicate, with patients and carers, using a range of verbal and non-verbal skills, in order to obtain specific information and assist with gait and movement analysis.
To deal sensitively and constructively with patients and carers who have high levels of anxiety frustration or aggression caused by a variety of issues, such as pain, poor prognosis or limited mobility
To utilise resources available and to seek support in order to communicate with patients and relatives who have communication difficulties. These may include non-English speakers, dysphasic or confused patients
To maintain communication with staff within the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
To maintain links between the gait and movement analysis service and other services within the Trust e.g. PALS, Manual Handling Advisor, Mandatory Training officers, as required.
To communicate condition related information to colleagues, patients and relatives where there may be barriers to understanding.
Clinical Responsibilities
To prepare equipment prior to gait or upper limb analysis for each patient according to requirements determined by healthcare scientists and/or physiotherapists in the team. In particular, retro-reflective markers and electromyography electrodes. Identify when these need replacing.
Assist with patient measurements such as joint range of motion.
Assist with data collection in the gait laboratory by helping the patient to walk where necessary and as directed by the physiotherapist
Assist with video collection for upper limb movement assessments.
To work with often distressed carers and children to help improve the quality of a patients visit to the hospital.
To be able to safely use a range of equipment e.g. mobility aids, equipment for performing quality assurance checks on the motion capture cameras and other equipment.
To liaise with patients and carers on the phone, who are often distressed, to obtain specific information.
To attend and participate in weekly case review meetings.
To report any untoward changes in the patients health status immediately to the relevant qualified health professional and to the emergency services as required.
To gain valid informed consent prior to any intervention. To work within a legal framework, under the supervision of a therapist, for those patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with legal requirements and Trust guidelines.
To assist with manually transferring patients safely between bed and wheelchair as needed.
To be able to recognize signs of psychological/ emotional difficulties, escalating concerns where needed; to ensure that the patient receives appropriate support.
To compile video segments into standardised footage using standard software and following standardised procedures
Input patient data and clinical measures to patient database during clinical examination.
Assist with equipment checks, calibration and set up as required
Administrative Responsibilities
To organise and upload patient records to EPR and carry out clerical duties as required.
Produce routine monthly activity reports of patients seen in the gait and movement analysis service.
To answer the telephone in a professional manner, to take messages and follow them up with the appropriate person.
To maintain clinical and administrative records as appropriate.
To assist with audit and research as required.
To collect, record and report statistical information in line with Departmental and Trust policies.
To upload data on to computer systems as directed by the Therapist.
Assist with document management and checking schedule of local protocols following standard procedures.
Help with maintaining the intranet and internet sites for the gait and movement analysis service.
Service Development and Delivery
- To work within relevant professional standards of practice adhering to trust procedures and being prepared to comment on proposals for change.
- To give appropriate input into the development of protocols, advise on literature and guidelines regarding service delivery.
- To participate in departmental policy making and be aware of/ adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures.
- To provide clinical and administrative support to team members performing research projects or service reviews as appropriate.
- To provide services which are sensitive to the needs of the cultural and diversity of patients.
Planning & Organisational
- To contribute to the planning and organisation of in-service training programme as appropriate.
- To be actively involved in the induction and training of healthcare science trainees.
- To contribute to the induction and training of new team members, trainees and students.
- To plan and prioritise own workload and delegated tasks on a daily basis.
- To comply with modifications to daily workload, in response to predictable and unpredictable service needs.
- To be actively involved in departmental activities e.g. team meetings, project meetings, audit and service development activity.
- To undertake housekeeping duties including preparing patient and staff areas, cleaning equipment and changing linen.
- To participate in regular supervision sessions and the performance review system.
- Responsible for organising own time and daily work and prioritising workload
- Routine stock-check of consumables and linen. Where the number of items in stock is below stated minimums, ensure these items are procured within the required timeframe. Ensure all items required for infection control purposes are available and clean.
- To follow infection control procedures following each patient appointment and on a weekly basis, including cleaning examination couch, floor, and markers.
- To participate in bi-annual audit process conducted by the Clinical Movement Analysis Society of UK and Ireland.
