First Contact Physiotherapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Responsibility of the post holder

First contact physiotherapists operate at an advanced level of clinical practice, with skills to assess, diagnose, treat and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) problems and undifferentiated conditions. This will involve seeing patients, without prior referral from their GP, to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan, thus streamlining pathways of care. They work independently in clinical practice and do not require day to day supervision. Patients can either self-refer or be referred by the networks members.

Job Purpose

1. Provide clinical expertise, acting as first-contact physiotherapist and making decisions about the best course of action for patients' care (including in relation to undifferentiated conditions). This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, in order to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan.
2. Progress and request investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of particular tests diagnostic services such as x-rays and blood test, and interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.
3. Deliver programmes of supported patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfilment of personal goals and independence, and that minimise the need for pharmacological interventions

Core Responsibilities:

1) Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage of patients

2) Manages a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs),

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

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

5) Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention

6) 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

7) Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management

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

9) Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a patient facing role, using their expert knowledge of Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, to create stronger links for wider MSK services through clinical leadership, teaching and evaluation skills.

10) Assess, diagnose, triage and manage patients, taking responsibility for the management of a complex caseload etc.

11) Progress and request investigations (such as x-rays and blood tests) and referrals to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the limitations of investigations, interpret and act on results and feedback to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.

12) Develop integrated and tailored care programmes in partnership with patients and provide a range of first line treatment options, including self-management and referral to rehabilitation focussed services and social prescribing provision.

13) Develop relationships and a collaborative working approach across the PCN supporting the integration of pathways in primary care.

14) Provide learning opportunities for the whole multi-professional team within primary care, as determined by the PCN. They will also work across the multi-disciplinary team to develop and evaluate more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.

15) Liaise with secondary care MSK services, community care MSK services and local social and community interventions as required, to support the management of patients in primary care.

16) Manage complex interactions, including working with patients with psychosocial and mental health needs, referring to social prescribing when appropriate.

17) Communicate effectively and appropriately, with patients and carers, complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, prognosis and treatment choices supporting personalised care.

18) Implement all aspects of effective clinical governance for own practice, including undertaking regular audit and evaluation, supervision and training.

19) Support regional and national research and audit programmes to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the FCP programme.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Msc or Msc Module

Desirable

• Msc or Msc module Advance Practice

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as Band 8a in NHS setting
• Injection therapy

Desirable

• Independent prescriber - Not essential but should be prepared to undertake Independent prescription course

Skills

Essential

• Able to take Virtual and face to face consultations.

Desirable

• Working Knowledge of EMIS software system

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Nexus Health Limited

Address

Lincoln House Surgery

163 London Road

Hemel Hempstead

Hertfordshire

HP3 9SQ

Employer's website

https://nexus-health.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)