Job description

Job responsibilities

. Provides a complex, specialist Clinical Neurophysiology service to patients of all ages from a range of specialties suffering from a wide variety of medical disorders including those which may be neurological and/or psychiatric in nature.

2. Work collaboratively on a day-to-day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service.

3. Participate in training, education and assessment in line with National and Professional requirements. This includes the use of analytical and judgmental skills in the analysis and provision of patient reports.

4. Participate in quality assurance and /or research development Programmes

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain high professional standards of Neurophysiological services to

patients.

Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure service meets changing healthcare needs.

Follows guidelines for the implementation of policies.

Plan, perform and interpret a range of basic neurophysiological investigations to a high level of competence to patients.

Perform Electroencephalographic (EEG) investigations

employing current standard techniques with supervision in the EEG laboratory taking appropriate actions where necessary using complex and sophisticated equipment

Training towards:

Patients of all age groups

Performing emergency EEGs on ITUs (adults and paediatrics), or general wards independently.

Performing EEG investigations using special activation techniques. These include recordings following sleep

deprivation, recordings during administration of medication (e.g. melatonin) and recording during general anaesthesia.

Performing Nerve Conduction Studies for Carpal Tunnel syndrome with support from senior members of the team.

assisting with EMG (Electromyographic) examinations, NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies)

performing all modality evoked potentials taking appropriate actions where necessary, with support from senior members of the team.

i. clinical changes which should be assessed, the appropriate response take and annotated on the recording as they occur

ii. all untoward clinical events which will be managed with the safety of the patient being paramount

ii. changes to parameters which will be rectified on identification and annotated as the events occur

Train in the use of digital video neurophysiological equipment and to be able to perform the test according to local and national standards on these machines

Train to calibrate the neurophysiology machines according to national guidelines

To develop decision making skills based on knowledge of all aspects of the technical neurophysiology service to adapt the test to the specific requirements of the patient to obtain the optimum test

Communication;

Effective use of communication appropriate to a wide range of situations and individuals i.e. in formal settings, delicate situations and complicated clinical matters.

Effectively communicate with all patients in a reassuring and helpful manner.

Use communication skills to obtain relevant clinical information from patients.

Effectively liaise with Clinicians and other health professionals regarding individual patient care. This is often complex, specialist scientific information that needs to be imparted to the practitioner in a manner that it can be understood.

Communicate complex instructions and clinical information effectively with the ability to adapt communication styles to the situation e.g. Patients of all ages, patients with language barriers, sensory, physical or learning disabilities, confusion, aggression and complainants.

Build and sustain effective communications with a multidisciplinary team.

Create and maintain relationship with external bodies/industry.

Convey results and information which may be of a highly sensitive nature to the patient e.g. informing of need for surgery.

Inform patients of further appointment timescales.

Act as a communication channel to all different staff groups as well as other disciplines and agencies.

Communicate with patients with issues regarding their care management using persuasive and negotiating skills. The information given is often complex and highly sensitive in nature. The post holder must ensure the patient understands the information given, overcoming any barriers to understanding.

Provides and receives complex clinical information. The information may be of a sensitive nature and require the use of developed interpersonal skills, including relaying test procedures, results and related information to patients and relatives from a wide range of age and abilities and where there are barriers to understanding.

Be able to deal with any queries or complaints in a suitable manner.

Be empathetic to patients after finding significant abnormalities or new diagnoses.

Communicate with a wide range of patients to include vulnerable adults (those with learning difficulties, psychiatric illness, chronic and terminal illness), limited or no hearing, limited English (interpreter may be required), limited or no sight.

Have excellent communication skills conveying complex information in an accurate, concise manner. This can be immediately as a verbal report to Consultants/SPR in emergency situations or in a comprehensive written report. Be able to use a range of communication skills with an ability to communicate orally (both in person and via the telephone/video link), through written reports, e-mails and in delivery of presentations.

Provide emotional support for staff that are stressed or upset due to personal circumstances or service changes, which may affect their working practices.

Provide emotional support for staff after traumatic events such as a cardiac arrest or death.

Communicate effectively with department colleagues in all aspects of patient care and service delivery.

Planning and Design

1. Design and develop neurophysiological testing protocols tailored to specific patient needs and clinical requirements.
2. Prepare and set up specialised equipment and consumables required for neurophysiological tests, ensuring their proper functioning and calibration.
3. Generate detailed and comprehensive reports summarising test results, including interpretation and analysis of findings.
4. Implement and maintain quality control measures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of neurophysiological testing procedures.
5. Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including neurologists, nurses.
6. Provide clear and concise explanations of testing procedures to patients and caregivers, addressing any concerns and ensuring their understanding and comfort throughout the process.

Improvement and Monitoring

1. Conduct routine neurophysiological assessments on a daily basis, adhering to established protocols and standards of practice.
2. Review and analyse test results regularly, identifying trends, abnormalities, and areas for further investigation or intervention.
3. Participate in departmental quality assurance activities on a monthly basis, such as equipment maintenance checks, proficiency testing, and peer review sessions.
4. Attend professional development conferences, workshops, and seminars annually to stay updated on the latest advancements in neurophysiology and enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
5. Contribute to research projects over longer periods, including study design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings through presentations and publications

Clinical (as applicable)

1. Schedule patient appointments efficiently, taking into account their availability and any other departmental commitments.
2. Gain detailed information from patients undergoing neurophysiological testing, considering their medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic needs.
3. Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient records in compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including the Data Protection Act and Health board policies.
4. Participate in clinical audits to evaluate and improve service delivery, identifying areas for enhancement in processes, protocols, and patient care pathways.

Finance and Budget

Responsible for the safe use of expensive, highly complex equipment. This includes quality control, general maintenance and fault finding and ensuring service contracts are in place.

Maintain stock levels for the neurophysiology service (including the ordering of high cost items essential for the service delivery)

Management, Leadership and Training

1. Facilitates the management of junior neurophysiological staff.

2. Undertakes responsibility for the efficient and effective use of resources.

3. Contribute to the provision of statistical information as required for statistical

and other management purposes.

4. Follows health and safety and quality assurance policies.

5. To attend Trust, Regional and National meetings relating to issues of

Neurophysiological Service(s) provision.

6. Contributes to the recruitment and retention of staff in line with Trust policies

and guidelines.

7. To take part in and contribute to, meetings with colleagues.

8. Participate in Trust/region wide projects.

Digital and Information

Responsible for directly inputting procedural data into patient management system.

Responsible for reporting and follow up of faulty devices/equipment to manufacturers and appropriate authorities.

Recognise the sensitivity of the information received and ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Has knowledge and ability to use clinical software including WPAS and WCP.

Store and retrieve clinical data as required.

Use specialised software for performing complex studies.

Ensure high level of compliance in submitting data to relevant database.

Have the ability to troubleshoot complex medical equipment.

Person Specification

National guidelines to band 6 post

Essential

• BSC clinical Neurophysiology /advanced practice/NCS experience

Desirable

• STP or working towards or equivalent experience

scientific knowledge

Essential

• Scientific knowledge

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website .

Employer details

Employer name

Swansea Bay University Health Board

Address

morriston

heol maes eglwys

swansea

SA6 6NL