First Contact Physiotherapist

This post will involve travel between the PCN practices and other venues to help fulfil the role.

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.

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.

Nexus Health Limited is a fast growing organisation providing musculoskeletal services in NHS and private physiotherapy clinics in London, Berkshire and Hertfordshire.

We are a supportive team and are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join us in providing excellent care for our patients. Team member should be flexible to work at various GP practices and have good understanding of change management.

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

Qualifications

Essential: - Msc or Msc Module; - Stage 1 enrolled or equivalent

Desirable: - Msc or Msc module Advance Practice