ROLE DESCRIPTION

At MBHS, our physiotherapist works on a referral basis and supports patients with neurological, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions using exercise, massage and other techniques to alleviate pain and improve their range of movement. He/she is an expert in the field of physiotherapy and is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the outpatient physiotherapy service.

Our physiotherapists carry out their duties consistently, ethically and in line with international standards and evidence based physiotherapy techniques.

KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Manage and run the day-to-day physiotherapy service, supervise admin staff (where appropriate) and perform administrative duties to a standard of professional excellence. Comply with all MBHS Standards for delivering high quality physiotherapy care and where relevant, identify and/or design any physiotherapy standards and procedures that are required in collaboration with the MBHS Quality Department. Maintain patient documentation, records and accurate statistical information to reflect care provided and to meet professional standards and national guidelines. Protect and maintain patient confidentiality at all times in keeping with the MBHS Patient Confidentiality Policy and MBHS Code of Conduct. Attend regular clinic meetings to report on and discuss issues relating to improvements to the physiotherapy service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure that MBHS policies and procedures, and local regulations relating to physiotherapy are adhered to at all times.

2. Be responsible for organisation, prioritisation and planning of own daily patient caseload. Be prompt with patient appointment times.

3. Perform daily start-up and shut-down of automated physiotherapy equipment. Inspect all equipment for safety, regular maintenance and cleanliness.  Report any equipment breakdowns to the CMO/ Clinic Manager for repair.

4. Ensure that the treatment rooms are clean and tidy before each patient appointment and any used equipment has been properly sanitised.

5. Assess, diagnose and treat patients with physical problems caused by illness, injury/accident, operation, disability or ageing.

6. Carry out assessments to evaluate the patients’ range of movement and ability to carry out everyday tasks.

7. Plan and develop a physiotherapy plan of care, which will help patients to regain their independence and mobility by using purposeful activity.

8. Use a variety of latest techniques to treat patients and promote health.  This includes: physical manipulation, massage, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy, ultrasound, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

9. Report and interpret results of treatment.

10. Keep accurate records of patients’ treatment and progress and report on progress to the referring medical doctor.

11. Ensure all patient documentation is complete, legible and filed in the patient’s medical folder per MBHS procedure.

12. Collaborate with other health care professionals to plan, monitor, review, and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment.  Report to the referring medical doctor if no improvement is noted within two weeks of starting physiotherapy.

13. Provide patient education on the proper use of techniques or exercises.

14. Identify gaps in service to the Chief Medical Officer.

15. Order and purchase physiotherapy supplies, consumables, and equipment with approval from the Clinic Manager/ Chief Medical Officer / Medical Director.

16. Ensure the proper ordering, maintenance, and storage of all physiotherapy equipment and supplies in the clinic.

17. Ensure that all expiry dates for physiotherapy supplies and consumables are checked monthly and that all items are used on a first in first out (FIFO) principle.

18. Responsible for regular risk assessment of both environment and working practice to maintain safety of self and others, adhering to the MBHS Standards.

19. Attend clinical rounds, clinic meetings and mandatory in-house training, as required.

20. Continually demonstrate adherence to the Infection Control Policy, especially maintaining proper hand washing technique.

21. Use and maintain correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection, masks, gowns and gloves where appropriate.

22. Comply with all national legal regulations.

23.Any other duties and responsibilities as may be required from the Chief Medical Officer and/or hospital/clinic manager from time to time.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a Bachelor Degree in physiotherapy or country equivalent.
• A Masters Degree in physiotherapy or country equivalent is desirable but not essential.
• Must be registered with the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) and have a valid license to practice.
• Must have high degree of computer literacy