Advance Practice Physiotherapist - Specialized Medicine

• Performs a medical history, physical and psychosocial assessment of the health status of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• Performs comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment for select patient populations.
• Triages patients for appropriate placement in MSK program
• Establishes, communicates and documents clinical impression within defined scope of practice.
• Initiates communication with physicians and other members of the health care team, based on assessment findings and referral guidelines.
• Initiates select diagnostic and lab tests through medical directives and delegated acts within defined scope of practice.
• Develops plan of care in collaboration with the patient, their family, and other health care team members
• Provides specialized care, education and counseling for select patient population(s).
• Communicates internally and externally to facilitate plan of care.
• Develops relationships and collaborates with members of the health care team, internally and externally, to ensure comprehensive, individualized care.
• Evaluates and revises the plan of care in collaboration with health care team members.
• Acts as the primary contact for select patient population(s).
• Utilizes a patient-centered care approach consistent with patient goals, needs and values.
• Interpret and critically analyze assessment findings to develop a physiotherapy diagnosis to inform person centered goals and evidence-based intervention
• Communicate a diagnosis to client based on comprehensive assessment
• Provides evidence-based interventions (treatment, exercise prescription, and education) incorporating comprehensive assessment considering comorbidities and multisystem risk factors
• Provide consultation and education for individual home-based exercise protocols
• Provide motivational support to patients regarding long-term behavioral modification
• Advocates for new approaches to improve client care

• Design and prepare patient clinical and educational materials, e.g. exercise log books, patient education packet and ongoing editions
• Maintain clear and concise records regarding patient care, progress, and patient care management decisions according to standards set by the College of Physiotherapists and Women’s College Hospital.
• Select equipment and oversee proper operation and maintenance
• Maintain effective communication with other members of the care team
• Actively participates in research as required.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives to improve direct service provision
• Participates in continuing professional development activities
• Expert resources for staff, students and other health care providers related to physiotherapy
• Participates on committees and discipline specific activities
• Engages in activities to support advancement of the physiotherapy profession
• Provide education to public, health professionals and media (magazine, TV)
• Provide leadership in alignment with organizational priorities
• Participation in program evaluation initiatives

• Adheres to the code of ethics and practice standards for the profession
• Engages in self-reflection, continuing education and professional development for ongoing competence and skills
• Participates in the evaluation of program outcomes and effectiveness of the program
• Collaborate with other program members regarding selection and development of program design and improvement
• Engage in activities that support the advancement of the physiotherapy profession.
• Contribute to leadership activities at Women’s College Hospital
• Serve as a public and professional liaison for community outreach and education. This may include liaison with media, other health care providers or community agencies
• Demonstrates effective leadership in physiotherapy practice, education and research in area of expertise, and within Health Disciplines.
• Participates in decision-making regarding decisions that impact physiotherapy roles.
• Acts as a clinical mentor and role model for physiotherapy staff and members of the health care team.
• Participates in appropriate committees and other venues, internally and externally.

• Participates in research activities, following ethical and professional research methodology
• Assume duties of University of Toronto clinical faculty
• Resource Faculty of Medicine and Department of Physical Therapy to obtain status appointment
• Supervise clinical placements, teach small group student education sessions and lecture as requested
• On-site education sessions for medical, nursing and allied health disciplines
• Expert resource for staff, student and other health care providers related to physiotherapy.
• Participate in clinical research within Women’s College Hospital.
• In collaboration with colleagues, implements and conducts evaluation of clinical services through quality improvement initiatives.
• Dissemination of clinical research and quality improvement initiatives through knowledge translation
• Participate in practice-based research to inform professional practice
• Ensures patient care is based on best available evidence.

• Master’s degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent and ACPAC training
• Registered to practice and to be in good standing by College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
• Must have successfully completed the Advanced Care Practitioner in Arthritis Care Credentialing Program
• 5 years of related work experience
• 2 years in musculoskeletal health specifically
• Rheumatology experience is preferred.
• Comfortable working under medical directives for imaging, blood work and joint injections initiated by the APP.
• Experience with creating communication letters for referring physicians, either through dictation or EMR.
• Experience in performing triage is preferred.
• Ability to work in an interprofessional team including physicians with varying practice styles
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated record of good performance and acceptable attendance will be considered as part of the selection criteria
• Professional behaviour and communication that meets the standards of the professional regulatory college or association, as applicable, and the standards of Women’s College Hospital
• This position plays a critical role in acting as an advocate for safety and will demonstrate principles, practices and processes that will optimize a safe environment for all

Women's College Hospital