Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Principal responsibilities Clinical Uses specialist knowledge and specific training to act autonomously in assessing, planning, and implementing a comprehensive management plan within their defined scope of practice. Elicit a patient history appropriate to the clinical situation, which will include, presenting complaint, history of the present illness, past medical history, social history, family history, medications, allergies, review of systems, risk factors and appropriate targeted history. Perform a physical examination tailored to the needs of the patients and the demands of the clinical situation. Assess and prioritise patients undergoing treatment.

Demonstrate continual evaluation of the patients and use expertise to recommend adjustments/amendments to treatment plans, in consultation with the patient and members of the multi-professional team. Make direct referrals to other members of the health care team. Requests bloods and radiological test as appropriate and within agreed scope Request and perform diagnostic tests as agreed locally and within agreed scope. Chase, view and Interpret results and report findings.

Discuss and agree assessment outcomes with patients, carers, and other health care professionals to enable patients to make an informed decision regarding their treatment. Communicate highly complex information to patients, carers and families during the consent process prior to commencement of treatment plans and invasive procedures including explaining treatment options. Authorise the decision to admit patients and/or proactively initiate discharge. Actively supports patients and their families through communicating difficult and highly complex sensitive information using a variety of methods to ensure effective understanding in a timely manner.

Proactively supports patients, carers, and families in coming to terms with their illness/condition. Provides empathy and reassurance through understanding the quality-of-life issues associated with their illness/conditions and treatment related side effects. Ensure that accurate, essential, and appropriate written and verbal information is conveyed to the wider MDT to ensure effective management of patients. Ensure dignity, privacy and cultural and religious beliefs are respected at all times.

Adheres to professional code of conduct, works within the boundaries of their scope of practice and always manage associated clinical risks effectively. Professional leadership and Management Act as a role model by demonstrating high standards of holistic care. Act in such a way as to be a credible, effective leader, demonstrating effective clinical leadership on a daily basis. Take key responsibility for supporting the wider MDT.

Effectively manage own dairy and workload. Ensure that documentation is of a very high standard reflective of Advanced Clinical Practice, adhering to local and national guidelines. Identify the skills set and terms of reference required of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner role, ensuring they reflect the individual, holistic needs of patients undergoing care. Works in collaboration with the MDT to investigate clinical incidents associated with patients in their care.

Assess and monitor risk in own and others practice, acting on results, thereby ensuring safe delivery of care. Diffuse potential complaints and hostile situations with staff, patients and carers using highly developed negotiation and interprofessional skills Provide representation, as appropriate at various local and national meetings, providing feedback to the organisation on clinical and professional issues which have an impact on care and standards of practice within their sphere of responsibility. Develop formal and informal links outside the organisation, sharing good practice, innovative ideas, and promote staff and service development. Establish and maintain a regional and national network of contacts relevant to the service.

Promote the service through formal and informal presentations within and outside the organisation through study days, conferences, and written papers. Education and Training Has obtained the theoretical knowledge; MSc in advanced practice or equivalent, in conjunction with practical experience; evidenced in a supporting portfolio, to a level that allows the job responsibilities to be delivered at a high standard. Has obtained Non-Medical Prescribing if appropriate to registered profession. Identify own personal developmental and educational needs to work at an advanced level and beyond.

Ensure appropriate action is taken to maintain and further develop skills. Maintain a professional portfolio and participate in continuing professional development. Maintain competencies and attend mandatory lectures and training as required by the Trust. Receive clinical supervision to clinically improve knowledge and the quality of care delivered to patients.

Utilises professional knowledge and skills, underpinned by theoretical and relevant practical experience to teach, motivate, and support junior staff on a range of clinical practices. Participates in the delivery of specialist training and development of other healthcare workers within the Trust. Develop and organise study days and training sessions for self and others within the clinical team. Participates in the supervision and mentorship of multi-professional students and junior staff.

Undertake clinical supervision for trainee APs. Carry out training needs analysis, using the results to design, develop and deliver a teaching programme promoting practice development for those staff caring for patients within the speciality. This will include the development of links with other organisations and innovative approaches to staff development. Research, service development and audit Maintain up to date knowledge in the specialist field, using information to affect change in practice and ensuring effective dissemination of new knowledge.

Participate in service development. Writes protocols, guidelines, and procedures for own remit which, impacts on other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Participate in the development and evaluation of protocols and guidelines and procedures using current literature and research. Participates in the development of patient information to improve patient care.

Liaise with MDT, including consultants, senior nursing colleagues and management in the development of services, contribute ideas and make recommendations for service improvements. Implement policies informing members of the multidisciplinary team of any changes. In collaboration with the MDT ensure that clinical practice is patient centred and researched based, in accordance with professional practice, guidelines, and national and local benchmarks. Support relevant audit activity in the specialities to evaluate the effectiveness of care interventions and disseminates outcomes with any potential changes to clinical practice which improves health outcomes.

Regularly audits own practice. Where appropriate participate in research projects and/or support the wider MDT with research initiatives. Promote and disseminate research and audit findings relevant to the service Continue to develop and promote the Advanced Clinical Practitioner role through professional publications and conference papers Multi-disciplinary liaison Ensure effective communication is maintained between members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate individuals are informed of changes in patient conditions or treatment plan. Be a core member of the multidisciplinary team providing specialist knowledge and advice.

Establish and maintain excellent communication with individuals and groups exploring complex issues relating to care options and decisions. Promote collaborative working relationships and effective communication between all members of the team.