Job Description

The Orthotist – Prosthetist I is a junior clinical role requiring a minimum of 2 years of post-graduate experience in the field. The post holder is responsible for providing safe and effective clinical orthotic/prosthetic care to pediatric patients with low to moderate complexity at Sidra Medicine.                                                   

Key elements of this role include substantial clinical and technical judgment in the application of:

• Biomechanics and pathomechanics
• Gait analysis and kinesiology
• Anatomy and physiology

The Orthotist – Prosthetist I is tasked with assessing pediatric patients with low to moderate complexity and single-pathological needs. Using clinical reasoning, they plan, implement, monitor, and repair a standard range of orthotic interventions with both custom and off-the-shelf orthotic devices. S/he has a reduced level of clinical autonomy compared to the Orthotist II (Specialist), working independently within their scope of low to moderately complex patients, and seeking guidance and supervision for more complex cases. The incumbent involves frequent collaboration with other multidisciplinary healthcare team members, essential to provide evidence-based treatment and care planning, typically in a supporting role.

The Orthotist – Prosthetist I supports continuous improvement initiatives within the service by generating innovative ideas within orthotic/prosthetic practice and maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning. They create, utilize, and disseminate new knowledge to patients, families, the public, and other professionals, both internally and externally. Additionally, the Orthotist – Prosthetist I provides teaching to colleagues on a wide range of clinical and professional subjects and supports quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement activities. They are not responsible for the supervision of colleagues.

Responsibilities

Clinical

Provides in-patient and/or out-patient orthotics or prosthetics care for patients with low to moderate complexity, single – pathological needs, requiring core clinical reasoning.

• Makes limited scope of clinical decisions independently, using the best available evidence in relation to a limited range of orthotic/prosthetic devices and formulates a program of patient care related to these devices. 
• Seeks guidance and supervision for clinical reasoning in relation to more complex patients.
• Patient profile:
  • Individuals with routine or lower risk needs, such as plantar fasciitis, mild foot drop, or basic knee instability.
  • Patients requiring standard orthotic devices, like off-the-shelf insoles, simple AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses), or 3D printed insoles.
  • Those with stable conditions or mild deformities requiring limited reassessment and adaptation.
• Undertakes biomechanical assessment of patients, including those with low to moderately complex presentations (e.g., foot pain, toes walking, mild cerebral palsy etc.) and moderate level of needs across the age span from birth to 18.
• Provides accurate measurements for orthosis at initial appointment or pre-operative assessment.
• Formulates an individualized orthotic or prosthetic treatment plan using a standard range of treatment options to formulate a program of care with support from the Specialist Orthotist (Orthotist-Prosthetist II), where required, for more complex cases.
• Designs and specify appropriate custom and prefabricated prosthetic & orthotic devices and arrange for manufacture. 
• Takes casts or 3D scans for manufacture of appropriate orthoses/prostheses according to agreed management plan.
• Performs necessary adjustments to custom or prefabricated braces as required for patient comfort and function.
• Monitors patient progress and modifies treatment plans according to changing clinical outlook. 
• Ensures use of appropriate clinical outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness of care.
• Maintains clear and accurate paperwork for all orders to enable correct manufacturing within the specified time frame.
• Completes positive cast rectification where appropriate if a manufacturing workshop is available. 
• Ensures orthosis fulfills technical specification and quality aspects, before supplying it to the patient. 
• Determines the need to return the orthosis to the manufacturer if it does not meet the required specification.
• Demonstrates and teaches the safe use of devices to clients and/or caretakers.
• Communicates with patients and caretakers to ensure understanding of prosthetic & orthotic use, wear, and care.
• Documents all relevant information correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner as per orthotics documentation standards. 
• Works within multidisciplinary teams when required in key areas such as rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics and plastics/craniofacial.
• Responsible for care and adjustment as necessary and maintenance of equipment as appropriate. 
• Maintains patient information confidentiality whether formally or informally recorded.
• Maintains compliance with all infection control and safety regulations and policies when dealing with equipment and patients. 
• Works towards the achievement of agreed key performance indicators for self and unit by ensuring self-accountability in competing required information to inform these KPI’s. 
• Supports the achievement of cost efficiency savings in the service and maintains an awareness of resource utilization, demonstrating care in the ordering and use of equipment and materials.
• Reports on equipment failures, safety and security issues, and/or reduction of supply inventory.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and committees related to the service as assigned to create care that is optimal for patients and families.
• Demonstrates an understanding of evidence-based healthcare methodology and its ability to positively impact patient outcomes.
• Participates in the integration and evaluation of research into practice.
• Participates in patient education programs.
• Promotes a safe environment and safe patient care by embracing a safety culture and identifying areas of risk to Occupational Therapy Supervisor. Compliant with policies for personal and patient safety and for the prevention of healthcare associated infections.

Professional Practice

• Provides documented evidence of own performance and maintenance of skills with appropriate continuing professional development activities consistent with the specialty post. 
• Responsible for maintaining a Department of Health Care Practitioners Continuing Professional Development Profile for licensure. 
• Responsible for maintaining up to date mandatory Life Support Training requirements as directed by MoPH and Sidra (e.g., BLS, AED etc).
• Participates in service activities that contribute to excellence in outcomes, a positive patient experience and a healthy professional environment. 
• Contributes to the achievement of clinical quality outcome indicators and patient satisfaction. 
• Leads service-based Performance Improvement activities and organizational committees as assigned.
• Participates in quality improvement activities linked to orthotics strategic priorities and professional practice model. 
• Reports back to the Specialist Orthotist (Orthotist-Prosthetist II) and the OT supervisor regularly about day-to-day operational needs (e.g., clinical services provision, equipment requirements etc.) in the specialty service and assist with ad hoc operational service planning activities as needed. 
• Participates in the continued development, implementation, and evaluation of Sidra Policy and Procedures to align with international best practices.
• Supports orientation for new staff aimed at developing competence and performance.
• Maintains a suitable learning environment, supporting and teaching staff to develop. This includes mentoring, coaching, and providing formal clinical supervision to junior or less experienced orthotics staff such as technicians/PCP’s along with providing ongoing formal and informal education (e.g., conferences, in-services, journal club etc.)
• Coordinates with the Specialist Orthotist (Orthotist-Prosthetist II) and OT supervisor regarding staff absences (e.g., sickness, annual, study, maternity). 
• Participates in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication and teamwork. Treats colleagues, patients, and visitors with dignity and respect always.
• Responsible for completing their supervision agreements, readiness for supervision sessions and maintaining accurate supervision records. 
• Follows all organizational policies and procedures.
• Adheres to Sidra’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies.
• Adheres to and promotes Sidra’s Values

In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within Sidra, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary.

Qualifications