Orthotist

Perform patient assessments and instigate therapeutic and prophylactic procedures, obtaining all necessary information by use of measurement and data acquisition techniques. Prescribe, ensure optimum fit and supply the appropriate orthosis. Educate the patient in the use of the orthosis and review regularly when required. To contribute in the clinical and cost effectiveness of the Orthotic Services

Use measurement and data acquisition techniques in recording all pertinent information to ensure accuracy of patient prescriptions.

Perform positive model rectifications as appropriate.

Perform highly skilled positive modelling of positive casts, using technical judgment to obtain the necessary form.
Perform highly skilled casting techniques in complex clinical situations.
Provide a highly specialised technical service of gait analysis and testing.
Specify the design, componentry, materials, fabrication method and suppliers of orthoses and order individual items to meet the patients’ clinical needs.

16 Perform mechanical and technical adjustments to orthoses.

17 Evaluate the completed orthosis on the patient to ensure the desired quality of body-orthosis interface, functional alignment, comfort, cosmetic appearance and mechanical integrity and safety.

18 Re-evaluate the above following agreed time intervals to meet patient needs or requirements of a care plan (review appointments).

19 Provide verbal, visual and written information, explanation and highly specialised clinical advice to the patient and/or carers at every stage of orthosis provision. Obtaining informed consent when necessary.

20 Report patient adverse incidents related to the provision of orthoses to maintain patient safety and engage in national reporting and monitoring procedures for specialised medical devices.

21 Refer patients to other disciplines to ensure appropriate care. Orthotist

22 Advise and maintain effective liaison with the technician including assistance with training in order to ensure best current technical practice in meeting patients’ needs.

23 Ensure excellent written and verbal communications are maintained with patients, carers, relatives and members of the health and social care teams; convey complex and sensitive information at appropriate levels of understanding.

24 Use excellent negotiative and counselling skills and other tools to ensure the effective communication of complex, sensitive and emotional information and to overcome barriers to understanding. Such persons will include those “At risk”, the terminally ill, the vulnerable, those such as Stroke patients, the learning disabled, the deaf and hard of hearing and those possessing poor communication skills. Also non-English speakers and those who speak some English but who have a different first language.

25 Work with occasional exposure to highly distressing or emotional circumstances including terminally ill children and severely affected mentally ill patients.
26 Perform tests and assessment, which require occasional intense concentration.
27 Be physically able to cope with a frequent requirement for moderate physical activity with reasonable adaptations if required.
28 Be able to negotiate care plans with patients and carers using motivational and supportive skills to overcome any differences in opinions and understanding to ensure co-operation.
Professional [Orthotist ]

29 Maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

30 Abide by the Statement of Conduct for Orthotists of the HPC.

31 Maintain patient clinical records in accordance with HPC policy and local guidelines.

32 Practise in accordance with the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists Guidelines for Best Practice.

33 Demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development and the maintenance of a CPD Portfolio including the organisation and implementation of post-graduate training for self and peers.

34 Establish and maintain uOrthotist p-to-date knowledge of costings of materials to ensure value for money when providing orthoses.

35 Be aware of current pertinent clinical and technical research and development.

36 Manage cost effectiveness in the provision of equipment to patients.

37 Present information and R&D to large groups of health care professionals
38 Participate in research and audit.

39 Instigate and lead the training and education of other medical and healthcare professionals at all levels in Orthotics at a local or regional level.

Organisational [Orthotist

40 Regularly undertake equipment testing and adaptations.
41 Occasional need to create reports and graphs.
42 Responsible for data entry on paper and computer system
43 Participate in interviews to recruit new orthotic clinical staff, under the guidance of the manager. Participate in the recruitment process for new staff. Assist with induction for new staff.

44 Communicate effectively with orthotic staff, to motivate and encourage staff development.

45 Propose improvements to multidisciplinary working which crosses department boundaries.
46 Participate and introduce new innovations and service developments.

47 Provide support and advice pertinent to the maintenance of appropriate management information relevant to the orthotic services.

48 Contribute to the formulation of department budget.
49 Responsible for purchasing of Orthoses.
50 Organise and maintain a personal clinical caseload.

51 Record, investigate and report non-conformances against the ISO quality system and take subsequent recommended action.

52 Assist with orthotic clinical protocols, documentation and patient information.
53 Maintain all tools and equipment provided by the Organisation

54 Ensure the maintenance of safe and clean working environments for self, colleagues and patients.

55 Ensure that Health & Safety legislation is complied with at all times. being aware of
  and following Organisation and Service Policies including:
• Health and Safety
• Manual Handling
• COSHH
• Infection Control
• Incident and complaints reporting
• Risk Management
Orthotist

56 Report any accidents, complaints, defects in equipment, near misses and untoward incidents following Organisation procedure.

57 Ensure that all information relating to clients and staff gained through employment with the Organisation is kept confidential in accordance with Organisation policy and the Data Protection Act.

58 Provide guidance for and maintain effective working relationships with medical staff, healthcare professionals, administrative and technical staff to ensure service efficiency.

59 Assist with training and education for all orthotic staff, visiting students and technical staff.

60 Undertake all mandatory training as required by the Organisation and any identified training that will help develop the post.

61 Undertake relevant clinical and non-clinical training as and when required for service maintenance/ development.

62 Comply with all relevant Organisation Policies and Procedures.

63 Provide cover for the Orthotist colleagues as required.

64 Carry out any other duties as required by the orthotic manager, commensurate with the type/level/grade of the post.

Be a qualified Orthotist with enthusiasm to work as part of a team to provide a patient- focussed orthotic service.

Education/Qualifications: BSc (Hons) degree in Prosthetics/Orthotics or equivalent. Post degree professional exams to specialise in Orthotics including a six month assessed placement. Current registration with the Health Professions Council

Experience: experience of adult and paediatric foot/ankle pathology cases. The ability to demonstrate a highly specialised knowledge of Orthotics. Have a deep understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of orthotic intervention and be able to suggest alternative orthotic treatments. Clinical practice experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: There is a requirement to drive to satellite clinics or be able to arrive in a timely fashion with the equipment. Well developed and effective communication skills. Very good gait analysis skills. A knowledge of the most appropriate orthotic treatments. A patient focused approach with good personal organisation. The ability to convey the appropriate instructions in a well ordered manner to orthotic manufactures

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Orthotist