Pain & Neuromodulation Specialist Physiotherapist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a specialist physiotherapist with a keen interest in chronic pain mangement . The post holder will work as part of a highly motivated multi-disciplinary Pain and Neuromodulation Team, to provide a specialist physiotherapy service for patients undergoing implantable devices for pain mangement. Responsibilities will include comprehensive physiotherapy assessments in the context of neuromodulation, cliniallly diagnosing, and implementing treatment plans appropriate to their needs.

The Team has a strong focus on audit, research and education and the post holder will also be regularly involved in these activities.

Main duties of the job

The assessment and longer-term management of patients undergoing surgery for neuromodualtion procedures including spinal cord stimulators. It will include the initial multidisciplinary assessment of these patients, assessing functional improvements during their trial period and post implant. The post holder will also be involved in the longer-term post-operative outpatient management of this patient group in relation to their physical role involves liaising with medical staff, specialist nurses and other therapists within the hospital settings to provide evidence based care.

About us

The Walton CentreNHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for theInvestors in People we invest in people and we invest in wellbeingstandards and has been awarded Gold status for both. TheWalton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology andneurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everythingwe do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providingcomprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services weare proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission(CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originallyformed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.

Witharound 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incrediblydedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal andneurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site inFazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treatinginjuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves andmuscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-termneurological conditions.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Role summary

To provide a high quality, comprehensive and specialist physiotherapy service for people with Chronic Pain at the Walton Centre ensuring appropriate pathways of care and communications via liaison and referral to other agencies as required.

To work as an integral member of the Pain Medicine and Surgical Neuromodulation Multidisciplinary Team, working closely with colleagues to further develop the physiotherapy service within the Chronic Pain team and the pain service at The Walton Centre. (KSF Dimensions Core 1 level 3, HWB1 Level 1, HWB6 level 3 and HWB7 level 3)HWB7 level 4 and G6 level 2)

Key responsibilities

CLINICAL

To be responsible for providing a specialist physiotherapy service within the pain medicine and surgical neuromodulation service at the Walton Centre, working in line with local policies and procedures (KSF Dimensions HWB1 level 1, HWB6 level 3 and HWB7 level 3)

To undertake comprehensive physiotherapy assessments in the context of neuromodulation, clinically diagnose and implement agreed treatment plans if appropriate including the treatment of complex patients in a manner that respects peoples privacy, dignity and individuality. (KSF Dimensions HWB1 level 1, HWB6 level 4 and HWB7 level 4)

To provide specialist physiotherapy advice to and confer with medical staff and other physiotherapists on the assessment, treatment and care of patients referred to the neuromodulation service and pain medicine services, including those with complex needs. (KSF Dimensions HWB1 Level 1, HWB6 level 3 and HWB7 level 3)

To monitor the appropriateness of referrals for neuromodulation, obtaining information relevant to patient care and ensuring appropriate discharge / ongoing care. (KSF Dimensions Core 5 level 3, HWB6 level 4 and HWB7 level

To undertake physiotherapy treatments, for patients with chronic pain with a broad range of impairment, including those of complex patients, in a manner that respects peoples privacy, dignity and individuality in an environment that is appropriate to their physical and emotional needs at the time (KSF Dimensions HWB1 level 1, HWB6 level 3 and HWB7 level 3)

To undertake therapy specific / multidisciplinary and interventions open to all chronic pain patients under the care of the Walton Centre (KSF Dimensions HWB1 level 1, HWB6 level 3 and HWB7 level 3)

Develop a working knowledge of neuromodulation systems to ensure appropriate assessment education and treatment planning is implemented at specific time points along the patient pathway.

To assess and monitor functional outcomes of neuromodulation and pain medicine treatments.

To conduct risk assessments as appropriate during clinical assessments and treatments (KSF Dimensions Core 3 Level 3)

To be an active member of the MDT, and facilitate effective communication within the pain and neuromodulation team by attending regular team meetings (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3)

To develop an understanding and appreciation of the role of the other disciplines within the Pain team and knowledge of the impact of their role on physiotherapy practice (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

To play a significant role in the effective internal and external two way communication with patients, carers and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care. (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3)

To work in collaboration with / refer to colleagues in hospital and community settings in response to identified patient needs, ensuring effective and efficient use of these services (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3)

To provide and receive high levels of complex information that requires empathy, tact and reassurance, and utilise the required skills when communicating in situations where there may be barriers to understanding (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 6 Level 2)

RESEARCH

To actively participate in research studies of relevance to the physiotherapy and / or pain & neuromodulation service (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3 and Core 5 Level 3)

To critically analyse relevant research in regard to clinical practice. (KSF Dimensions Core 5 Level 3)

To contribute to the quality of the Pain team service through standard setting and audit. (KSF Dimensions Core 5 Level 3)

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

To actively seek out clinical supervision and take responsibility for ensuring continuation of the process (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3)

To maintain professional links with the clinical specialist and the therapy managers regarding wider professional issues (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3)

Maintain professional links with relevant professional and charitable bodies at local and national level through attendance at relevant meetings / conferences (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3)

To actively participate in and where appropriate organise / lead the physiotherapy in-service training programme (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3)

To attend relevant courses and meetings both for personal development and the development of the Pain service through evidence based practice and to disseminate the information obtained at such course/meetings as required within the Pain & Neuromodulation service and physiotherapy service (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

To be actively involved in the organisation of seminars, study days and meetings led by the Pain & Neuromodulation team or physiotherapy service (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

To complete yearly appraisals and a personal development plan (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3)

To facilitate regular training and mentoring sessions of band 5 and band 6 physiotherapists, monitoring, appraising and developing clinical skills and professional standards (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

To contribute to the training programme of Doctors and other Health Professionals (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

To teach and provide specialist advice to carers and other Health Professionals to ensure excellent provision of patient care. (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

To provide teaching to external agencies (including undergraduate and post graduate teaching) / meetings as agreed with the manager (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 2 Level 3)

MANAGERIAL AND LEADERSHIP

To provide senior staff with specialist advice on the planning and development of the physiotherapy service for the Trust (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 4 Level 2)

To play an active role in assisting senior staff in achieving the departmental objectives and promoting an open style of management (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3 and Core 5 Level 3)

To provide clinical supervision to band 5, band 6, student and assistant physiotherapists (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3)

To actively participate in the professional development programme of the physiotherapy department (KSF Dimensions Core 2 Level 3 and Core 5 Level 3)

To represent physiotherapy / therapy services / Pain & Neuromodulation team on the management and service development committees at the Walton Centre (KSF Dimensions Core 1 Level 3 and Core 4 Level 2)

To be responsible for collection of statistics / records as required nationally and departmentally and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained (KSF Dimensions Core 5 Level 3 and Core 6 Level 2)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy Health & Care Professions Council registration Mentorship experience or Professional practice educators qualification Extensive Post Reg. experience and training encompassing a broad range of long term musculoskeletal and Pain conditions and their assessment treatment and intervention Experience working in a Pain Management team delivering individual and group interventions.

Desirable

Masters degree or equivalent in relevant specialism Post Graduate qualification in specialism Clinical Assessment and Diagnostics MACP 1/ McKenzie.

Experience

Essential

Evidence of extensive post registration senior clinical experience in Specialism Able to plan and carry out a complex and demanding workload Experience of Anxiety and Depression management Experience of monitoring ones self and others Experience of leading group exercises and educational sessions Student mentorship and appraisal experience To have highly developed interpersonal skills Effective and responsive communicator on all levels Able to use basic IT systems: Word, Excel, Outlook Good presentational and educational skills High level of organizational skills Knowledge of current DH guidance Well-developed leadership skills and a good role model Ability to work within a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach A positive attitude to change and flexible working practices to meet changing service demands Ability to manage own stress and stress in others Ability to think quickly and utilise high level clinical decision making Evidence of CPD A clear understanding and motivation to further the scope of Neurological Rehabilitation techniques into the management of chronic pain Demonstrate role of Physiotherapist Band 7 within Pain environment Ability to demonstrate autonomous clinical intervention and decision making A keenness to develop and improve both knowledge and skills relating to pain interventions, CBT and other treatments available for patients with chronic pain. Evidence of research / audits and evaluation of Clinical Outcomes Delegation and supervisory skills.

Desirable

Hydrotherapy experience Pilates training and or taking group sessions Knowledge of a range of current Neurosurgical and Neuromodulation procedures and guidelines to practice Special aptitudes.

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