Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

Supporting decisions of referrals received by the service in conjunction with the clinical team, working to agreed clinical algorithms. This includes the triage of referrals made by GPs to Orthopaedics.

Take a lead role in the medical assessment/examination of patients, interpreting and

analysing clinical and non-clinical facts, accurate diagnosis of conditions, and provision of treatment (such as injections), monitoring and review of progress.

Provide safe and effective clinical care alongside other healthcare professionals within the Musculoskeletal Service.

Provide Risk Assessments of patients who are referred for treatment, ensuring their safety by being fully conversant with local policies and procedures.

Refer patients on to appropriate professionals in both secondary and primary care if/as required e.g. Consultants, Physiotherapists, in line with agreed clinical pathways across the local health community.

Request investigations as necessary, subject to local and national clinical guidelines and communicate the results to patients.

Discuss treatment options with patients and gain valid informed consent to any treatment provided, in line with Trust Policy and work within legal framework with patients who lack the capacity to gain consent.

Take responsibility for comprehensive discharge planning of patients.

Ensure that patients requiring referral to secondary care are worked up as much as

possible; utilising any agreed scoring systems where appropriate.

Undertake prescribing and administration of drugs in line with medicines management policy and procedures and NICE guidelines.

Complete the relevant documentation ie clinical records, GP and Consultant letters etc in accordance with relevant professional and Trust standards.

Support the learning and development of all clinicians within the team by participating/attending clinical team meetings and contributing to the continuous education programme of the musculoskeletal physiotherapy team.

Organisational

Prioritise and independently manage own workload, balancing clinical and non-clinical components.

Maintain patient information systems in line with Trust Policy.

Assist in the development of evidence-based protocols and patient pathways for common conditions/procedures, which clearly demonstrate good outcomes for patients, in conjunction with other relevant professionals.

Develop evidence-based practice forwarding change as needed.

Actively participate in the analysis, assessment and integration of NICE Guidance into clinical practice as appropriate.

Actively participate in the research and development of the Musculoskeletal Service.

Work with clinical and non-clinical colleagues in the smooth running of the service such as attend meetings, contribute to Clinical Governance.

Professional Responsibilities

Maintain membership of General Medical Council and provide evidence of such on an annual basis.

Work within Professional Guidelines for Practice as per membership of professional organisation.

Education

Provide feed-back to GP's in relation to the quality and appropriateness of their referrals to orthopaedic, MSK and physiotherapy services in conjunction with the MSK Clinical Lead.

Actively participate in training programmes as a member of the MSK Primary Care Interface Service Team.

Be responsible for own personal development in line with personal aspirations and service development needs participating in appropriate arrangements for mentoring, continuing professional development and GP appraisal and re-accreditation.

Attend all mandatory training applicable to this post within the required timescales.