Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner Plymouth, England
Job description
. Clinical To be accountable for own clinical practice and caseload management. To work independently under the supervision of the qualified staff, implementing OT specific treatments and rehabilitation programmes and progress patients as appropriate. Duties may include: Development and Implementation of OT treatment programmes Develop person specific goals for individuals and their carers Recognise acute and chronic deterioration and modify treatment accordingly.
Assessing performance of activities of daily living Assessing cognitive impairment and the impact on function Teaching use of specialist rehabilitation equipment (relating to mobility and function) Carry out level 1 & 2 psychological interventions e.g. active listening, problem solving Application of appropriate slings / braces for patients with acute injuries within agreed guidelines. Providing education and demonstration to patients and their carers on the appropriate management of the injury and the sling / brace. Plan and manage own patient caseload within the Acute Medical setting.
Where appropriate be the first point of therapy contact and gain social history from patients, families, carers or other health care providers. To understand, provide, receive and exchange complex condition related information with patients and relatives, who may have communication difficulties. Patients may have complex acute or long term communication problems: e.g. aphasia, patients with dementia.
To be aware at all times of the needs of patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function. To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered cognition & perception, pain and dementia.
To be actively involved in the communication of information regarding patients conditions and any other useful information to the occupational therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team. To attend white board / MDT meetings and be involved with patient discharge planning processes. To complete functional assessments on and off the wards and in patients home environment as appropriate e.g. PADL assessments and kitchen safety.
To work independently, but under the supervision of an HCPC registered occupational therapist to perform procedures and treatment plans for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes. To write treatment notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards. These notes do not require qualified staff countersignature. To be involved in the induction, training, development and supervision of students, therapy support staff and occupational therapists.
To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels, ordering equipment, and filing, dealing with telephone calls, and cleaning. To be involved in the ordering and delivery of therapy equipment required for discharge. To complete environmental visits to patients homes to assess suitability for larger equipment e.g.
hoists, wheelchairs. To assess and review patients in their home environment to identify equipment needs and on-going support / care needs with guidance from an Occupational Therapist. To assist with the fabrication of thermoplastic splints as requested by the occupational therapist For further details please see attached JD
