First Contact Practitioner (Podiatrist)

Clinical Practice Assess, diagnose, triage, and manage patients, taking responsibility for the management of a complex caseload. You will progress and request investigations when trained to do so (such as x-rays and blood tests) and referrals to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment. Develop and make use of your full scope of clinical practice, including skills relating to independent prescribing, injection therapy and investigation when trained to do so. Manage complex interactions, including working with patients with psychosocial and mental health needs, referring to social prescribing when appropriate. Deliver programmes of supported patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfilment of personal goals and independence, and that minimise the need for pharmacological interventions. Provide care that is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence). Support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management. Evidence, Research, and Development Develop relationships and a collaborative working approach across the PCN supporting the integration of pathways in primary care. Work as part of an MDT in a patient-facing role, using your expert knowledge of lower limb issues, to create stronger links for wider foot and ankle services through clinical leadership, teaching and evaluation skills. Support research and audit programmes to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of our FCP service. Streamline the pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care. Leadership Lead, manage and contribute to service delivery. Implement all aspects of effective clinical governance for own practice, including undertaking regular audit and evaluation, supervision and training. Communicate effectively and appropriately, with patients and carers, complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, prognosis and treatment choices supporting personalised care. Facilitating learning Provide feedback and support to other PCN clinical team members on appropriate referral criteria. Critically reflect on your own practice, and continue to develop your skills.