Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

1.1   Assesses the needs of patients/families and carers; plans, delivers and evaluates high standards of evidenced based practice. Demonstrates concise, accurate, timely record keeping, including both written and electronic records.  Displays excellent analytical ability and sound decision making in changing clinical situations.

1.2   Maintain own CPD and work towards obtaining BHRS accreditation.

1.3   Practices in accordance with the Society of Cardiological Science and Technology Code of Conduct.  Is accountable for own practice and for appropriate delegation of responsibilities he/she delegates to colleagues.

1.4   Recognises clinically significant deterioration of patients, or significant abnormalities in diagnostic investigations, in patients undergoing procedures under their supervision. Takes timely action, appropriately escalating to Cardiology team or working with other agencies as required.

1.5   Recognises, responds to and appropriately manages emergency situations, such as cardiac/cardio-pulmonary arrest or other life threatening scenarios.

1.6   Develops competencies and practices relevant clinical skills required to deliver care to the patient/client group e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, as required

1.7   Actively participate in a range of clinical service areas to include 12 lead ECG, ambulatory monitoring, physiology-led exercise tolerance testing, cardiac angiography and cardiac rhythm management

1.8   To perform and supervise the recording of electrocardiograms for both adult and paediatric patients. This may include the notification to medical staff of any medically urgent results

1.9   To fit & remove Ambulatory Holter monitoring, BP and PADs. This will include the explanation of the use and care of the equipment to the patients, and dealing with any queries that this may raise, this includes the accurate reporting of urgent results to medical teams as appropriate.

1.10         The analysis of Holter recordings using Spacelabs sentinel information systems and the accurate reporting of any results that may require urgent medical review.

1.11         Analysis of R-Test for stroke team

1.12         Work with Respiratory department a dual partnership helping with CPET testing.

1.13         Perform exercise stress tests ETT as the lead cardiac physiologists, responsible for running exercise stress tests with support from the senior physiologist if required. This would include the preparation, and the explanation of the procedure to the patients. Expected to obtain relevant clinical information from the patient to ensure that the procedure is safe and relevant. Expected to be able to offer reassurance and be able to respond to the patients concerns and queries as appropriate. Expected to deal with any outcome during or after the test, this could include resuscitation or seeking expert medical help in the presence of any other life-threatening event.

1.14         To provide technical support during routine cardiac catheterization. This would include performing left heart catheters, performing right heart catheters; perform blood gas analysis as required for RHC, elective PCI & complex cases such as IVUS / OCT, Rotablations and assist senior physiologist with BAV procedures. Participate in Cath Lab user group meetings held every 3 months.

1.15         Responsible for the technical set up of the cases to include the check of the resuscitation trolley, to assist with set up & maintenance of IABP as required, assist with resuscitation & temporary pacing as required.

1.16         Participate in 24/7 out of hours PPCI on call service.

1.17         Assist with Electrophysiology studies such as Atrial flutter, SVT ablations & AV node ablations.

1.18         Assist with TOE, Dobutamine stress echo, E-Bikes and valve clinics. Developing practical skills in acquiring basic echo views, developing a basic understanding of pathologies seen on echo, and clinical context.

1.19         Responsibility for the patient during and whilst in the department, this may include pushing and wheeling around of wheelchairs, oxygen cylinders and beds.

1.20         Organise allocated work to meet requirements of patient appointments and clinical priority of procedures.

1.21         To keep all patient information systems updated, this would include Spacelabs sentinel, Cerner EPR, Change health and any other cardiology database as required. Ensure that all cardiology database information is recorded and entered appropriately.

1.22         Assist in the introduction and evaluation of new equipment and technology.

1.23         Assist in the maintenance of stock levels by liaison with other staff.

1.24         Recognise technical and equipment faults and take necessary action.