Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

 CLINICAL

·  To assist in the care and management of patients at risk of cardiovascular disease, under the management of the clinical team

·       To design and deliver a bespoke element of the CVD Prevention service, independently.

·         To design and implement logistical processes that relate to this job role and maintain accurate and up to date records to show these processes. 

 ·         To triage patients against the eligibility criteria. The post holder will need to review and understand relevant medical history and act on the necessary information according to the services policies. There is frequent need for prolonged concentration, patients are back to back all day with little chance to leave the clinical area.

 ·         To make appropriate observations of the patient’s physical presentation, such as blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, point of care testing, psychological and emotional state during any reviews and report back to the clinical team.

 ·         There is frequent need for sitting whilst assessing patients, and some physical effort when carrying out clinical observations. There is occasional need to transporting equipment to and from clinic. 

·         To independently decide when to escalate relevant new clinical findings in order to keep the patient safe. The post holder will need to accurately take, record, transcribe clinical information and be responsible for reporting the results back to the team in a timely manner. To collect current lifestyle status, including smoking, healthy eating, exercise habits, diet and mental health. There is frequent concentration required to complete patient referral forms and ordering tests. It has to be fast and accurate, to ensure patient safety.

·         To provide up to date, evidence-based information about clinical conditions, and be able to explain the patients in an understandable format. Some of the information will be difficult to hear, so an empathetic and individualised delivery method will be necessary. 

·         There is occasional requirement for the post holder to use emotional effort when patients communicate their distressing circumstances. There is a need for the post holder to use empathy when assessing patients and use appropriate communication in these situations to support patients to feel comfortable in the clinic. 

·         To undertake telephone consultations with patients to help access, support their journey through the clinic, and follow up reviews before discharge. 

·         To support the discharge of patients at the appropriate time as decided by the Multidisciplinary Team To be an active and contributory member of the clinical MDT. To provide updates and rationale regarding recommended patient outcomes within the lifestyle element of the clinic. To support patients during any part of the service and assist the multi-disciplinary team as necessary. 

·         To contribute to the assessment of patient needs and assist in the planning, provision and review of care plans. There is occasional requirement for the post holder to complete spreadsheets and tables whilst managing patient lists. 

·         To inform patients of the outcome of the clinical decisions made by the team either by telephone or by written communication. 

·         To communicate with external partners regarding nonclinical matters, ie, primary care, blood clinics, estates matters at clinical venues etc, in order to ensure the smooth running of the service 

·         To contribute to the care and support of the distressed patients/carers 

·         To assist in providing a friendly, helpful environment for patients 

·         To be aware of and adhere to all Trust policies, and particularly those regarding Confidentiality, Health and Safety, Governance etc 

·         To undertake clerical duties to maintain the smooth running of the service. 

·         Working conditions – there is occasional exposure to blood when taking samples on health checks days – there is a need to be aware of the disposal of clinical waste, and to keep both patient and staff safe. There is a chance that patients could be aggressive or inappropriate, as they are discussing lifestyle - often there are difficult to hear messages. This should be infrequent, but there is a need for the post holder to be ready for the scenario. 

CLEANING

·         To assist in the monitoring and maintaining of cleaning standards/schedules within the clinic

·         To carry out spot cleaning and ensure spillages are dealt with swiftly and efficiently

·         To identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the appropriate person

·         To maintain adequate levels of stock and/or equipment in the office and Primary Care facilities for the day to day running of the service.