Final Entry: Final Placement

Reflecting on my intial entry I found I was fairly accurate in my predictions! The general medical ward was a fairly consistent ward with daily mobilisation and deep breathing exercises, and I managed a 6-8 patient caseload. I was glad to have my own patients in which I could manage independently without having to share patients with Aaron, however he was always available if I needed an extra pair of hands! I was also able to experience ICU this week which I really enjoyed as I had yet to be exposed to the acute medical management and the numerous attachments of the patient. I found it difficult to develop sound clinical skills specific to cardiorespiratory due to the lack of respiratory patients on the ward, often the patients primary problem was reduced mobility but I tried to auscultate as many patients as possible anyway. The aspect of the placement that both drove me nuts sometimes but which I feel very confident in now was discharge planning and the role of a multidisciplinary team. I was a little disappointed that I wasn't being exposed to the exciting side of cardioresp physio as my peers however I developed a sound knowledge of discharge options and the importance of liasing with the MDT. As it was a large tertiary hospital there was an underlying push to free up beds when able and I found that so often once the patient was deemed medically stable the medical team were very eager to D/C the patient whether they were deemed safe from the other disciplines or not. I had a close relationship with the social worker and the OT to organise appropriate follow up care as many patients were originally from home and upon D/C were not fit to cope at home. I feel completely confident to liase with the MDT and the medical team and to express my opinion, I am also aware of all the avenues for follow up care. I think these skills are essential for a physiotherapist working in a hospital setting and are transferrable across all disciplines not just cardio-respiratory physiotherapy. Overall I really enjoyed the placement and I'm itching to start working as a physiotherapist, hopefully in the hospital setting!