Advanced Practitioner

Job Summary The post holder will demonstrate courageous and critical thinking and is a caring, compassionate and committed experienced clinician who, acting within their professional boundaries, will provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking, clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. They will demonstrate safe, competent clinical decision-making and expert care, including assessment and diagnostic skills, for patients within general practice and Urgent Treatment Centre. They will work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary general practice team to meet the needs of patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures, and providing leadership as required. 1) Scope and Purpose of the Role To deliver a high standard of patient care as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a Primary Care and/or Urgent Treatment Centre, using advanced autonomous clinical skills, and a broad and in-depth theoretical knowledge base. To have the confidence to work alone without direct supervision. To manage a clinical caseload, dealing with presenting patients needs in a primary care/Urgent Treatment Centre setting. 2) Job Dimensions To manage own clinical workload in general practice responding effectively to patient need and ensuring patient choice and ease of access to services. The development and use of referral pathways for ACPs to the local acute NHS Trust services to Diagnostic and Treatment Centres. To mentor and support other clinician in developing and maintaining clinical skills. 3) Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required See Person Specification. 4) Primary Duties and Areas of Responsibility Clinical Role Provide a first point of contact within the practice for patients presenting with undifferentiated, undiagnosed problems, making use of skills in history taking, physical examination, problem-solving and clinical decision-making, to establish a diagnosis and management plan. Assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate treatment/interventions and care for patients. Clinically examine and assess patient needs from a physiological and psychological perspective and plan clinical care accordingly. Proactively identify, diagnose and manage treatment plans for patients at risk of developing a long term condition. Instigate necessary invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests or investigations and interpret findings/reports, e.g. x-ray. Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct seeking advice when required and referring onto relevant health professionals. Prescribe and review safe, effective and appropriate medication as defined by current legislative framework. Assess, identify and refer patients presenting with mental health needs. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Provide safe, evidence-based, cost-effective, individualised patient care. Offer a holistic service to patients and their families, developing where appropriate an on-going plan of care/support, with an emphasis on prevention and self-care. Promote health and well-being through the use of health promotion, health education, screening and therapeutic communication skills. Deliver care according to NICE guidelines, local guidelines and evidence based care. Refer patients directly to other services/agencies as appropriate. Contribute to the practice achieving its quality targets to sustain the high standards of patient care and service delivery. Teaching and Mentoring Role Promote a learning environment for patients, nurses and other health professionals. Contribute to the planning and implementation of the teaching for existing staff, such as medical students, NP students, GP Registrars and Health Care Assistants within the practice. Delegate clearly and appropriately adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence. Create clear referral mechanisms to meet patient needs. Support staff development in order to maximise potential. Professional Role Promote evidence-based practice through the use of the latest research-based guidelines and the development of practice-based research. Monitor the effectiveness of your own clinical practice through the quality assurance strategies such as the use of audit and peer review. Maintain professional registration. Participate in continuing professional development opportunities to ensure that up to date evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspect of the role is maintained. Work within the latest Code of Professional Conduct for your professional body. Record accurate consultation data in patients records in accordance with the latest NMC guidance and other pertinent standards. Keep up-to-date with relevant health related policy and work with the practice team to consider the impact and strategies for implementation. Work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the practice.

Safeguarding

Whitstable Medical Practice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults; and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment by understanding their role in effective safeguarding.