Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Clinical competence
35% weight
Check registration (HCPC, NBCOT or state licence) and depth with standardised tools: COPM, AMPS, MoCA, FIM. Ask which caseloads they carried: neuro, hand therapy, paediatrics, community.
Evidence to listen for
Command of the procedures, anatomy, and equipment the role requires
Holds current registration or certification
Knows normal from abnormal and what to do about each
Recognises when a case is outside their scope
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Unsafe knowledge gaps; registration missing or lapsed.
2
Needs Improvement
Knowledge gaps that would affect patient care.
3
Satisfactory
Competent for standard cases; needs support on complex ones.
4
Very Good
Strong clinical knowledge; safe and reliable across the usual range.
5
Excellent
Names specific assessments used weekly, explains scoring and how findings translated into graded activity plans and measurable functional goals.
02
Evaluation factor
Patient safety and protocol
30% weight
Probe moving and handling competence, falls risk screening, pressure care, and how they document contraindications. Ask about a home visit where they judged discharge unsafe.
Evidence to listen for
Follows identification, infection control, and documentation protocol without prompting
Can describe an error or near miss and what they did
Escalates deterioration early
Treats protocol as protection rather than bureaucracy
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Casual about protocol; would not report an error.
2
Needs Improvement
Inconsistent protocol adherence; slow to escalate.
3
Satisfactory
Follows protocol reliably; documentation sometimes thin.
4
Very Good
Protocol is instinctive; escalates early and reports honestly.
5
Excellent
Describes concrete risk assessments completed, escalation to MDT or safeguarding leads, and equipment prescribed to remove a named hazard.
03
Evaluation factor
Patient communication
20% weight
Assess how they explain fatigue management, joint protection or splint wear to patients with aphasia, dementia or low motivation, and how they set goals collaboratively.
Evidence to listen for
Explains a procedure to an anxious or confused patient
Handles distress, pain, or refusal without losing control of the interaction
Respects privacy and dignity in practice, not just in principle
Works with families and carers
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Dismissive of patients; no bedside awareness.
2
Needs Improvement
Task-focused; struggles with distressed patients.
3
Satisfactory
Adequate rapport; less confident in difficult interactions.
4
Very Good
Calm, clear, and respectful with anxious or difficult patients.
5
Excellent
Gives real examples of reframing goals around what the patient values, with evidence of improved engagement or adherence.
04
Evaluation factor
Working in a clinical team
15% weight
Look for work with physiotherapists, social workers, OT assistants and equipment suppliers; ask about MDT rounds, discharge planning meetings, and delegating to rehab support workers.
Evidence to listen for
Hands over cleanly and completely
Challenges a colleague when patient safety requires it
Takes direction from clinicians without deferring blindly
Handles shift work and pressure without becoming difficult to work with
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Poor handover; cannot work in a clinical team.
2
Needs Improvement
Handover gaps; avoids raising concerns about colleagues.
3
Satisfactory
Reliable team member; handover adequate.
4
Very Good
Clean handovers and willing to speak up on safety.
5
Excellent
Cites specific handovers and joint sessions, shows they chased funding or equipment delivery to keep a discharge date.
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