Physiotherapist

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE

1. To ensure that quality physiotherapy services are delivered in accordance with the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP)
    
2. To focus on core fundamental skills for assessment and therapy to meet the needs of patients in primary care, providing comprehensive , coordinated and continuing care that complements services of other health professionals in primary care (comprehensive, coordinated, continuous care)
    
3. Provision of appropriate end-to-end person-centred Physiotherapy care through assessment, care planning, intervention and care evaluation

1. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   Clinical (85%)

a.       Perform physiotherapy assessment, which include:

• Consolidate medical and surgical information, using a biopsychosocial approach to patient care to ensure holistic patient centric care.
• Choosing necessary pre-consult assessment: BMI, BP and HR measurements if required to enhance patient safety before Physiotherapy consult.
• Examination of patients with actual or potential impairments, movement and functional limitations to identify cause of patient’s pain and provide adequate education and advice.

• Evaluation of the results of examination through analysis and synthesis of clinical reasoning and clinical tests to ensure efficacy in patient care.
• Identify preventive and corrective care measures for risk management to ensure patient safety during consultation.
• Select appropriate and specific outcome measures to enable evaluation of therapy progress and outcomes
• Consult doctor or senior physiotherapist for advice on patients with complex conditions or red flags when needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records of all patient consultations via the appropriate platforms, including electronic medical records to allow appropriate follow up for each patient.
• Maintain good infection control practices as per NHGP guidelines to ensure patient safety during Physiotherapy consult.

b.         Provide physiotherapy intervention based on patient’s medical condition and physiotherapist’s knowledge of indications and contra-indications as well as the planned treatment goals, which may include :

• Therapy techniques including manual therapy, exercise prescription, patient education for Physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Physical, electro-therapeutic and mechanical agents such as ultrasound, traction, electrical stimulation, hydrocollators, cryotherapy and biofeedback to manage pain in the patient.
• Functional training such as prescription of specific therapeutic exercises through use of exercise equipment’s, muscle re-education, gait training, balance training and postural training to improve patient’s quality of life.
• Provision of walking aids and assistive devices as indicated to improve patient weight bearing ability.
• Patient and caregiver education to ensure patient’s understanding of their condition and prognosis.
• Professional communication with medical practitioners and other allied healthcare workers for transfer of care and follow up for each patient.
• Documentation of relevant patient assessment, progress and management plans in accordance with the guidelines determined by NHGP to ensure accurate records of patient.

3. Further referral to relevant allied health professionals : eg dietician, podiatry and social worker for rehabilitation care needs

4. Further referral to alternative rehabilitation centres for patients with stroke, deconditioning, hand therapy for appropriate and regular supervised rehabilitation service.
5. Participate in multidisciplinary team-based care through multi-disciplinary team discussions and collaboration with other patient care team members to enhance interprofessional assessment and management of patients.
6. Conduct and review documentation audits

2.   Education, Research/Improvement and Administration (15%)

• Supervise and appraise Therapy Assistants and Physiotherapists (JG 12 and below)
• Supervise, mentor and appraise Conditionally-Registered Physiotherapists and/or Restricted Physiotherapist according to AHPC guidelines.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and/or postgraduate physiotherapy students, local or foreign-trained physiotherapists who are undergoing clinical placements at NHGP.
• Develop and deliver education activities to meet learning needs of staff and students.

• Plan continuing education programs for Physiotherapists and support staff.
• Assist in the development of research or external education programs to enhance learning for both staff and students.
• Assist and review clinical training programs to enhance learning for both staff and students.

• Organize, develop and conduct workshops and seminars
• Participate in department’s research activities to apply knowledge and improve health literacy on updated evidence based medicine.
• Participate actively in team/department clinical practice improvement or quality improvement activities/projects

• Engage in quality assurance and improvement activities

• Uphold professional ethics.
• Ensure clinical standards adhere to organizational and departmental guidelines.
• Keep abreast with current practice knowledge through continuing professional education.
• Develop clinical protocols/guidelines.
• Lead clinical quality improvement project(s)
• Perform clinical audits and related-data analysis.

• Plan departmental coverage, where necessary
• Lead in the administration of clinical education programs to ensure smooth operations.
• Oversee inventory management and equipment maintenance required for therapy services to ensure optimal and safe usage of equipment.
• Manage client feedback to improve service experience for each patient.
• Assist in the base clinic annual budgeting exercise to meet existing patient rehabilitation requirements.
• Promote a working environment of collegiality and effective teamwork
• Conduct and facilitate the continuous professional development of skills and knowledge to intra or inter-department colleagues, which includes provision of in-services, and peer reviews/audits
• Speak (by invitation/nomination) at local conferences/seminars/scientific meetings
• Facilitate education (i.e. group sessions/ public forum/ workshops) to patients/ public
• Manage and analyse information and data (i.e. service data, performance indicators) to identify potential areas of change/ service review for setting department's direction/work plans with guidance
• Evaluate and present findings/ analysis/ recommendations at department level to influence change
• Plan and organize education activities (i.e. department CE, HPE training, patient education events) at intra-department
• Plan and organise public education events with guidance
• Design, develop, evaluate and update of training programs/curriculum and resources based on identified needs/gaps, for example client and care giver educational materials, staff training materials with guidance

2. SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform any other duties as assigned by the Principal Physiotherapist, Physiotherapist In-Charge, Allied Health/Clinical Services leaders