Mikhaila WEST

- Assess and treat adult musculoskeletal presentations in the outpatient setting, predominantly managing fractures, post-orthopaedic surgery

- Provide manual therapy, exercise and education-based interventions

- Independent assessment and treatment of common paediatric musculoskeletal conditions including patellofemoral joint dysfunction/dislocation, ACL rehabilitation, scoliosis, SUFE, Perthes

- Independent assessment and treatment of common paediatric conditions including plagiocephaly, torticollis, positional talipes, metatarsus adductus

- Independent assessment and treatment of common childhood biomechanical variances including toe-walking, knock knees and intoeing

- Independent assessment and treatment of children with gross motor delay

- Perform hip assessments screening for development dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

- Knowledge and appropriate use of paediatric outcome measures including the AIMS, HiMAT, HINE, TIMP, NSMDA + Ages and Stages questionnaire

- Operate group exercise classes for adolescent rehabilitation

- Theoretical knowledge of the development of play skills, and be able to utilise play to facilitate assessment and treatment outcomes with children of all ages.

- Provide education to parents and carers regarding paediatric conditions and the impact they may have on their child

- Assess and treat patient presentations in the Emergency Department, Short Stay Unit and Emergency Observation Unit

- Triage referrals in a busy and dynamic environment

- Manage musculoskeletal complaints including back pain, spinal fractures and simple soft tissue/bony injuries

- Escalate concerns identified during Physiotherapy assessment to relevant members of treating team

- Conduct vestibular assessments/treatments for patients presenting with dizziness

- Assess mobility and patient safety in patients presenting with falls

- Undertake complex discharge planning and liaise with multi-disciplinary team members to achieve effective care coordination

- Interpret imaging

- Fit basic orthotic devices (including Zimmer Knee Splint, CAMboot, Darco Shoes, Broad Arm Sling, Collar and Cuff)

- Supervise junior staff members and undergraduate Physiotherapy students

- Contribute to regular in-services in the Physiotherapy team

- Credentialling completed during this time period for vaginal examinations

- Assess, treat and manage patients across general medical, respiratory, neurological and surgical wards

- Independently conduct thorough assessments of postnatal patients on the maternity ward (including 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears, instrumental births, macrosomic babies birthed vaginally, grand-multiparous patients, twin pregnancies), provide postnatal education including instruction of pelvic floor muscle exercise and return to physical activity

- Manage complex bladder patients on the ward following failed trial of void (in line with Northern Health’s trial of void policy)

- Provide post-operative advice and education to female specific surgery patients (hysterectomies, prolapse repair surgery, mastectomy +/- breast reconstruction)

- Independently manage own caseload of ante- and postnatal patients presenting with musculoskeletal complaints in the outpatient setting (pelvic girdle pain, neck / back pain, DRAM, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis); screen postnatal women for pelvic floor concerns following discharge from hospital via Telehealth

- Contribute to service and quality improvement through individual and group projects

o Designed and implemented antenatal hydrotherapy classes in response to increasing demand for Physiotherapy management of pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints

o Innovated antenatal education delivery for women with PGP/LBP

- Assess and treat patients on the acute Orthopaedics/Plastics ward with presentations including traumatic fractures, elective joint replacements, wounds requiring debridement +/- skin grafts and specialised dressings in adult and paediatric populations

- Engage in discharge planning, liaising with multi-disciplinary team to facilitate timely and safe discharge and ensure adequate follow up for the patient

- Assess, treat and manage musculoskeletal complaints in the outpatient setting, including but not limited to fractures of upper and lower limbs (both conservatively and surgically managed), joint replacements, tendon +/- ligament repairs (shoulder, bicep, hip, knee ligaments/tendons, Achilles ruptures)

- Key responsibilities as listed for Grade 2 description less student/junior staff member supervision

- Assess, treat and diagnose musculoskeletal, neurological, chronic pain, compensable injuries and pregnancy-related concerns

- Provide manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and educated-based interventions in rooms and in a group exercise environment

- Run clinical Pilates exercise classes

- Experience with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Work Cover and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) frameworks

- Escalate and share relevant information with GPs, surgeons and other relevant health professionals involved in the care of the client

- Demonstrate excellent time management skills through management of a full caseload

- Ensure equitable access to healthcare for patients of non-English speaking background, patients of Indigenous background, patients with disability or patients with low health literacy