Respiratory Physiologist

Job overview

Band 5 Respiratory Physiologist

The provision of diagnostic assessment services in Respiratory Physiology and the therapeutic monitoring of patients with lung disease and sleep disordered breathing.

Applicants who are invited for interview should be prepared to discuss various relevant aspects of running a respiratory physiology service. Interpretation of full lung function, sleep studies and CPAP data may be required.

Applicants will also be required to provide a 10 minute (8 slides maximum) PowerPoint presentation covering the brief - 'Next steps in community diagnostics'.

A short practical assessment may also be performed covering one of the following measurements: FeNO, Spirometry, simulated bronchodilator response, TLCO, static lung volumes.

Main duties of the job

To perform respiratory physiological measurements in accordance with ARTP/BTS National Guidelines and Departmental Standards at various trust locations.

To train and supervise department staff to perform the basic respiratory physiological measurements in accordance with ARTP/BTS National Guidelines and Departmental Standards.

The maintenance of equipment, stocks of consumables, accurate record keeping.

The instruction of student nurses and doctors, trainee physiotherapists and pharmacists, junior doctors, staff nurses, GPs and practice nurses, etc., in lung function testing.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To perform diagnostic tests to nationally accepted standards for accuracy and quality.
• To carry out the following investigations:
• Spirometry (measurement of dynamic flows and volumes).
• Measurement of static lung volumes by multiple approved techniques.
• Gas transfer for Carbon Monoxide by single breath technique.
• Bronchodilator Response Testing.
• Field exercise tests (6 minute walk test; shuttle test; 6 minute step exercise test).
• Ambulatory oxygen assessment (when required).
• Measurement of respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP; SNIP tests; postural spirometry).
• To assist in the performance of hypoxic inhalation tests (fitness to fly).
• To assist in the performance of histamine challenge tests.
• To perform earlobe blood gas sampling and analysis.
• To perform fraction exhaled Nitric Oxide testing.
• To perform a range of diagnostic tests in patients who have suspected sleep related breathing disorders.
• To perform CPAP Trial set ups for patients with diagnosed sleep disordered breathing.
• To perform the review of CPAP therapy for patients with diagnosed sleep disordered breathing who are on CPAP treatment.
• To assist in the provision of home NIV.
• To assist in the performance of cardio pulmonary exercise tests.

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.