Responsibilities underpinning the role The following are the core responsibilities of the first contact physiotherapist. On occasion there may be a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent on factors such as workload and staffing levels: · Manages patients presenting with a range of acute and chronic MSK conditions, providing subject matter and expert advice to patients · Implements and evaluates individual specialised physiotherapy treatment plans for patients in accordance with evidence base and national guidelines for best practice · Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients · Manages a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs) · Contributes to service delivery · Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice · Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care · Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention · 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 · Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management · Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. · Provides learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care.
* Works with MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services · Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information · Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings