Orthopaedic Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Job Summary: This position reports to the Head of Therapy and involves providing therapy in hospital settings or patients' homes. The role contributes to discharge planning and supports initiatives to reduce hospital stays and improve clinical outcomes. The Therapy Assistant Practitioner works under the supervision of qualified therapy staff, managing assessment and treatment programs for patients in both hospital and community environments. They are capable of managing a full episode of care from assessment to discharge within a designated clinical caseload. The post also involves administrative and clerical duties for the team and department.
Key Responsibilities & Performance:
1. Perform all clinical duties and manage a full patient caseload under supervision.
2. Assess and address equipment needs.
3. Review patient progress and assess functional status.
4. Advance patients' function and independence as directed by a qualified therapist.
5. Provide education and instruction to patients, relatives, carers, and other disciplines.
6. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences for coordinated care and discharge planning.
7. Employ skills like persuasion and motivation to ensure adherence to treatment plans.
8. Maintain accurate clinical records and produce reports on assessment findings and treatment outcomes.
9. Refer complex cases to qualified practitioners and work independently with designated patient groups.
10. Deliver and install aids and equipment in patients' homes, instructing patients and carers in their use.
11. Conduct home and access visits as needed.
12. Manage workload effectively, prioritizing tasks and ensuring service quality.
13. Participate in weekend work if required.
14. Guide and teach therapy assistants within the NHS Trust.
15. Provide feedback on patient progress and escalate clinical concerns promptly.
16. Participate in supervision, appraisal, and staff meetings, contributing to staff induction.
17. Progress patients' exercise and mobility programs independently, including issuing walking aids.
18. Ensure availability of equipment and collaborate with community services.
19. Communicate effectively with ward staff and other disciplines for seamless patient care and discharge facilitation.
20. Educate patients, relatives, and carers about conditions and therapy aims.
21. Maintain accurate records meeting professional standards.
22. Perform administrative tasks such as filing, appointments, referrals, and phone duties.
23. Drive a lease vehicle for home visits as needed.
24. Work flexibly across community and hospital settings, prioritizing workload to facilitate discharges.
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