Senior Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapy

To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work within scope of Hand Therapy professional practice. To assist in management of the Hand Therapy outpatient waiting list, ensuring that patients are seen within an adequate time frame. To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentations / multi-pathologies, using investigative and analytical skills. To use clinical assessment and reasoning skills to formulate and deliver individualised, evidence based therapy management and/or treatment plan. To evaluate and modify treatment programmes as required. To provide an effective, quality splinting service to all Hand Therapy patients as required. To be highly skilled in the use of specialist Hand Therapy assessment tools. To involve carers in treatment programs when appropriate. This may require risk assessment and teaching of the carers. To formulate accurate prognoses and recommend the best course of intervention. To
develop comprehensive discharge plans, including appropriate referrals to other specialities. To further develop skills in assessing and interpreting a range of complex factors relating to the patients condition including diagnosis and prognosis. To communicate effectively with patients, families, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team to maximize therapy, ensure understanding of specific treatment modalities and correct usage/wear of any fabricated or prefabricated splints. Barriers to effective communication will regularly be evident, e.g. sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, pain, emotional state, behavioural and communication difficulties. To work within trust clinical guidelines and professional guidelines and to have a good working knowledge of national and local standards; monitoring own and others quality of practice as appropriate.