ALS Clinical Research Physical Therapist

Under general supervision of the Clinical Services Manager/PT, the ALS Clinical Research Physical Therapist is responsible for participation in clinical research studies and clinical care of patients with ALS and other neuromuscular diseases within the scope of his/her license in Massachusetts. The ALS Clinical Research Physical Therapist is familiar with ALS and clinical research and is part of the multidisciplinary clinical care team and the clinical research team at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center ALS Clinic, the Neurological Clinical Research Institute, and other MGH neurology/neuromuscular clinics.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Clinical Research Physical Therapist will participate as a clinical PT primarily in the ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic, and also in other Neurology/Neuromuscular Clinics as needed (Clinical Responsibilities):

• Provide competent, compassionate physical therapy care based on scientific principles, physical therapy knowledge/education, and clinical judgement
• Provide Physical Therapy assessment, consultation, recommendations, care coordination and education to patients with ALS and other neuromuscular/neurological diseases, and their families/caregivers
• Identify, facilitate, and evaluate outcomes of physical therapy care for an individual patient or group of patients.
• Coordinate involvement of the patient, family/caregivers and health team members in patient care, including patient/family education
• Provide and recommend resources (verbal, demonstrative, written, community) for patients and their families
• Order, in collaboration with MDs/NPs, appropriate equipment and services for patients.
• Provide patient follow up (including phone calls, email, and paperwork) between in-person clinical visits
• Communicate with and answer questions from patients, caregivers, and internal/external healthcare providers (PT, OT as well as MD/NP/RN) including community outreach to outside organizations
• Participate in Virtual Visits with providers (MD/NP) as needed
• Document relevant patient information
• May require occasional visits to patient homes for clinical care or travel to clinical meetings
• Appropriately utilize physical therapy and other clinical resources

The Clinical Research Physical Therapist collaborates closely with Clinical Research Coordinators, Clinical Research Nurses, NP Co-Investigators and Physician Investigators, and will be responsible for the following (Research Responsibilities):

• Coordinate and implements research studies according to the study protocols
• Provide consultation to primary physicians, nurses and research coordinators regarding protocol implementation and may contribute to research publications
• Collect, compile and potentially tabulate and analyze data
• Perform outcome measures as outlined in the protocol. This may include any appropriate outcome measure, including but not limited to strength and other physical testing, Vital Capacity Testing, ALS Functional Rating Scale Questionnaire, Interview Questionnaires, gait and balance measures, and other tests and measures appropriate to the role
• Train staff on outcomes measures for clinical trials and for ALS clinic, and monitor overall outcome process
• Act as a resource for study staff regarding outcomes and other appropriate study visit and study-related questions per GCP training, PT clinical knowledge and outcomes measures expertise
• Obtain all necessary approvals and informed consent forms; screens and enrolls patients into the studies as appropriate. With assistance from research coordinators, may be responsible for IRB submissions for protocols
• Work with physicians, nurses, research coordinators and patients in the selection of and participation by appropriate patients/participants
• Collaborate with PIs and studies teams on new studies to ensure timely start up, and be available to assist study team with coordination of services needed to implement the study, as well as be available to assess study progress and problem solve as needed
• Assess patient participation on a continuous basis in light of ethical considerations. Act as a liaison between patient/participant and other members of the team regarding patient care activities related to the protocol.
• Develop, implement, and support systems to promote efficiency, productivity, and operating systems to economize resources
• Facilitate integration of regulatory guidelines to ensure safe practice
• Collaborate with study team in the development of new research studies, including the use of outcome measures and data form development, as well as participate in PT or rehab-based studies
• Present study findings to interested groups both inside and outside of the hospital, including but not limited to presentations, posters, and collaboration on papers
• May require travel to research study meetings and/or research study participants' homes for study visits.

MA Licensure as a Physical Therapist, Master's/Doctorate degree preferred

Neurology and/or research experience preferred

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills

• Professional knowledge: clinical, healthcare/PT knowledge to enable effective interactions and communications with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators.
• Time Management: Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and complete tasks; Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures.
• Highly motivated, independent, innovative, and capable of performing in a complex environment
• Strong sense of initiative and perseverance to carry through to completion of tasks
• Ability to identify issues/projects and initiate plans to address asking for direction when appropriate
• Ability to develop a common vision for diverse communities, communicates effectively, and take ownership and responsibility for activities.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team, demonstrating forthrightness and integrity
• Sound judgment and decision making abilities
• Demonstrated knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements, including hospital policy and procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Clinical, Research, and Office work, may include lifting, walking, includes hands-on patient care
• Locations: MGH Main Campus, Charles River Plaza 165 Cambridge Street, Charlestown Naval Yard, MGH West in Waltham, other locations as needed
• Includes occasional travel, and may be asked to work remotely as needed

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.