002/003 Allied health and other healthcare professionals

list allied health professionals

• physiotherapist

• occupational therapist

• social worker

• speech pathologist

• dietician

• pharmacist

• counsellor

list specialist nurses

• diabetes educator

• wound care nurse

• stomal therapist

role of physiotherapist & their tasks

assess, treat & prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury and disease

• strengthen & stretch muscles and joints to improve mobility (massage, hydrotherapy, breathing, relaxation techniques)

• ease pain & reduce swelling to improve ROM (heat/ice packs, exercise equipment, ultrasound, electrotherapy)

• retrain patients to walk or use walking frames, splits, crutches or wheelchairs

• manage respiratory conditions w/ exercise & equipment (clear mucus from airways, improve respiratory capacity)

role of occupational therapist & their tasks

assess & treat people who are limited in their ability to ADLs

• regain lost functions, develop abilities + social skills, maintain & promoted independence

• monitor progress & coordinate healthcare team

• design & modify environment of Pt to allow better access and independence

• advise use of specialised equipment (home modifications, adapted kitchen utensils, wheelchairs, etc.)

role of social worker & tasks

minimise negative impacts of illness & hospitalisation through interventions, direct services, support & referrals

• help ppl deal w personal, social & financial issues

• provide info about services

• provide letter of referrals & reports that will help Pt obtain other services

• assist vulnerable ppl in crisis to navigate their needs w/in the hospital system

role of speech pathologist & their tasks

diagnose, treat & provide management services to ppl w communication disorders or have problems chewing/swallowing

• prescribe non/electronic alt, communication aid/devices

• treat adults whose language, speech or voice has been affected by surgery, disease or disorders of nervous system, brain injury, dementia or hearing loss

• assess & treat children/adults who have difficulty chewing/swallowing

role of dietician & their tasks

assess nutritional needs or Pt, plan appropriate diets & educate Pt/family

• prevent + treat by developing dietary solutions to meet individual eating habits & lifestyle

• maintain optimal nutrition throughout a Pt’s hospital admission

• dietetic services are provided in sub/acute wards, outPt & via community services

role of hospital pharmacist & their tasks

provide medication advice for Pt & work closely w medical + nursing staff

• inform Pt about their med

• advise on most appropriate route (oral, injection, ointment, inhaler)

• recommend safe combo of meds or solutions to Pt’s med issues

• provide info about side effects

role of counsellor & their tasks

offer face-to-face counselling across a range of issues, advocacy, referral, casework & support

• anxiety

• depression

• trauma

• grief & loss

• family/relationship issues

• family violence

• stress

• health issues

role of diabetes educator & their tasks

assist ppl w diabetes to self-manage effectively & prevent complications

• provide info, support & motivation in the management

• recognise when referrals should be made (optometrist, podiatrist)

• meet w Pt & work w Dr. to develop appropriate drug treatment

role of wound care nurse & their tasks

assess, treat & monitor Pt’ wounds + promote health management practices that prevent recurrence

• minimise suffering & loss of function - incl. serious and life-threatening complications

role of stomal therapist & their tasks

treat & counsel ppl before and after surgery that results in temp/perm stoma

• help Pt adapt to living w stoma (pre-operative counselling, immediate post-operative care, educate, follow-up assessment, counselling after Pt discharge)

• educate on stoma care, diet + fluid management, meds, peristomal skin care, travel advice, Pt advocacy)

role of RN

• support + assist EN

• first person EN refers to with any concerns

• more responsibility & accountability than EN

• more function in development of Pt management & care plans

role of dental services

• diagnose, treat & manage Pt w diseases/conditions of oral cavity

• prescribe meds (antibiotics, pain killers, anaesthetics)