occupational therapist Taunton, England
Job description
The post holder will: Maintain a clinical caseload with the ability to treat a range of patients i.e. those patients whose activity of daily living skills/ home situation was stable prior to admission and who have lost their independence due to an acute injury or illness. Treat a designated caseload of patients as a fully autonomous practitioner with full responsibility for, and legal accountability for, individual clinical decisions and actions. Plan and prioritise their own clinical workload, ensuring a prompt and efficient service using clinical judgement and departmental guidelines.
Ensure all patients understand the occupational therapy process, and have given valid and informed consent for treatment. Where patients are not able to provide consent for treatment e.g. when unconscious, acutely ill, or suffering from severe dementia the post holder will work within existing legal frameworks, Trust guidelines, and professional codes of conduct. Use a holistic approach to treatment for a designated caseload of patients.
The interventions will integrate information from a range of sources such as the patient, carers, medical/nursing records, health and social care team, community mental health teams and a basic clinical assessment. Take into account the cognitive, psychological, social, sensory, perceptual and motor as well as medical aspects of the patients care, in order to provide a patient centred approach, referring/signposting to other specialists/services as necessary. To identify the requirements for adaptive equipment, care and support on discharge, taking in to account individual need, eligibility and financial resources. Formulate a basic problem list and appropriate patient centred goals.
Select appropriate protocol based treatment pathways OR refer to an occupational therapist as necessary. Complete occupational therapy treatment protocols in order to rehabilitate the client group. Assess and evaluate the effects of the chosen occupational therapy treatment over time, altering the treatment modality as necessary. Take a full part in the patient discharge planning process, documenting occupational therapy elements of the ward discharge process.Communication & Working Relationships.
