MSK Physiotherapist (Specialising in Self Referral)

Job overview

The Trust has a fantastic opportunity for an individual who aspires to work as a MSK Physiotherapy Practitioner in an exemplar MSK Interface Service. We are seeking a committed, enthusiastic, and compassionate individual to join our Joint Health Service to deliver the highest quality care to our patients.

This post is an exciting opportunity to learn new skills and become part of a growing team. You will be based in the Therapy Outpatient Service at the Trust.

We will be looking for a willingness to learn, a can-do attitude. You will provide direct clinical care which encompasses assessment, treatment and management of undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions with no prior triage.

The self-referral element of the MSK Interface Service is integral to the service delivery and optimising patient care and outcomes. The Therapy Outpatient Services constantly strive for the best outcomes possible for the population that it serves placing the person at the heart of all we do. With an excellent reputation for our quality of service, supervision, commitment to professional development, postgraduate training, and strong multidisciplinary multiagency culture this is a great place to progress your skills and career.

The JD & PS are currently under AfC review and are subject to change.

Main duties of the job

• To undertake the clinical triage of the Integrated MSK Service self-referrals, directing the patient to the most appropriate clinician / service in line with agreed clinical guidelines.
• To be responsible for providing a highly specialised Musculoskeletal examination & diagnosis including the requesting of radiological and haematological investigations in line with knowledge skills and competence and agreed pathways/ protocols
• Following diagnosis arrange the most appropriate treatment / management including referral for specialist secondary Care opinion E.g., orthopaedic surgery, rheumatology, and neurosurgery in line with agreed clinical pathways and commissioning policies.
• Provide clear communication with all stakeholders and efficiently organise the patient’s onward referral to other agencies including patient choice for secondary care referrals.
• Develop and implement Specialist MSK Physiotherapy treatment and advice for patients with complex MSK conditions.
• Act as a MSK Physiotherapy specialist within the team and provide mentorship, support, and training to less qualified clinical staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain professional registration requirements.
• To triage all musculoskeletal referrals, selecting appropriate patients for the JH service and arranging re-direction of care in accordance with agreed criteria & clinical pathways.
• To undertake a highly specialised assessment and be an autonomous first contact practitioner to self-referred patients to diagnosis and treat patients with complex Orthopaedic / MSK conditions respecting people’s privacy, dignity, and individuality.
• Request and interpret haematological and radiological investigations / results to formulate a diagnosis and treatment programme Inc. X-ray; Ultrasound; MRI & Nerve conduction studies in adherence with agreed clinical protocols, pathways, and scope of practice.
• Using advanced clinical reasoning skills, diagnose and arrange appropriate onward management of patients according to clinical need and in adherence with agreed patient pathways E.g. retaining patients within the Physiotherapy /JH service or referring into Secondary Care Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Neurosurgery
• To provide specialist evidence-based Physiotherapy advice and treatment for patients with complex MSK conditions this may include specialist manual therapy treatments, prescription of progressive exercise programmes or undertaking joint injection therapy.
• To act as a source of Specialist MSK knowledge and skills to all Physiotherapy Staff providing mentorship, supervision, and training
• To monitor the appropriateness of JH referrals, obtaining information relevant to patient care and ensuring appropriate discharge plans / ongoing care.
• To work on any of the Trust sites as directed by the line Manager.
• To take part in evening and weekend clinics as required
• To ensure a high standard of patient care is provided, developing, implementing and reviewing clinical standards / clinical audit relevant as directed by service leads.
• To be a proactive member of the multi-disciplinary team and actively participate in JH meetings / in service training and clinical supervision.
• To ensure effective communication with patients, carers, GPs and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care.
• To process and deliver complex information with empathy and reassurance, frequently communicating with patients who may have barriers to understanding.
• To ensure where necessary the provision of cover for the JH service, e.g. in times of annual leave / sickness etc.
• To ensure that any equipment, furniture or building in need of repair is reported to the correct authority as necessary. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
• To ensure accurate and up to date clinical records in line with registration requirements.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

• To attend all relevant training and clinical development sessions related to the role of Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner E.g. Complex case discussion meetings; IRMER Training etc, in service MSK physiotherapy training.
• To organise and lead in-service training sessions for specialist MSK physiotherapists when required.
• To attend relevant training courses and disseminate information.
• To complete annual appraisal and Professional Development Plan.
• To provide formal and informal peer review for staff working in Outpatient Therapies / JH Service.
• To take part in the Trusts clinical supervision as a supervisor and supervisee
• To contribute when relevant to the training programme of GP`s and Primary Care colleagues.
• To teach and advise carers and other Health Professionals to ensure provision of good patient care.
• To contribute to the provision of good practice across professional and organisational boundaries.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assist the JH Lead in the ongoing service/ pathway development of the JH service.
• To act as a clinical supervisor and provide clinical leadership to allocated clinicians.
• Undertake appraisals.
• Coaching & mentoring.
• Support in performance management as required and indicated.

RESEARCH & AUDIT

• To be responsible for the timely and accurate collection of statistics / records that are required nationally and departmentally and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.