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Unit of study_

OCCP2105: Practice Education 1

Semester 1, 2022 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This practice education unit provides students with the opportunity to build on prior practice learning opportunities in the first year of the course. This unit continues the focus on professional development, ensuring students have the foundational competencies required for Year 3 practice education units. The primary focus of this unit is to support students' capacity to actively engage in aspects of the occupational therapy process for an assigned caseload through participation in a simulated practice education placement. Students will apply professional reasoning, understanding how these metacognitive skills support their implementation of the occupational therapy process, and further develop their use of professional and therapeutic communication and ultimately teamwork. Throughout their simulated practice education placement students will develop their capacity to process and use feedback in their practical learning, which they will demonstrate through assessment.

Unit details and rules

Unit code OCCP2105
Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
OCCP2086
Prerequisites
? 
(OCCP1103 AND OCCP1104 AND OCCP1105 AND OCCP1106) OR (OCCP1099 AND OCCP1100)
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jennie Brentnall, jennie.brentnall@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Georgia Erchul, georgia.erchul@sydney.edu.au
Sarah Davis, sarah.davis@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Reflection on Development - Part 2
Final
0% Formal exam period
Due date: 14 Jun 2022 at 23:59
1200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Placement Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies (EFPC)
Midway, formative, placement performance assessment
0% Multiple weeks Form ratings and comments
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3
Placement hurdle task Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies (EFPC)
Final, summative, placement performance assessment
0% Multiple weeks Form ratings and comments
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment Reflection on Development - Part 1
Midway
0% Multiple weeks 750 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Reflection on Development Part 1

In this brief formative task, you will reflect on your self-assessed competencies as demonstrated in SIM to date, and discuss factors influencing your thoughts, decisions and actions. In doing so, you will illustrate your emerging awareness of your identities and roles within a broader occupational therapy context, drawing upon learning from prior units of study and self-directed research as well as unit content and experiences. The task is due following SIM Cycle 3 (see Canvas). To enable timely feedback, the maximum permissible extension for this task is typically 7 calendar days.

 

Reflection on Development Part 2

In this summative extension on Part 1, you will continue your reflection on your self-assessed competencies and your development across the semester, including the place of feedback in your development as a professional learner. You will continue discussion of factors influencing your thoughts, decisions, and actions, extending your self-awareness and considering your ongoing development within a broader occupational therapy context. You must meet the minimum requirements of this final summative assessment to pass the unit of study.

 

Evaluation of Foundational Placement Competencies (EFPC)

You will complete this placement performance assessment after SIM Cycle 2 (formative), and again after SIM Cycle 5 (summative). At each time point, you will submit a self-evaluation and staff will also complete the evaluation of your competencies. You must meet the minimum requirements of the final summative assessment to pass the unit of study. The educator will make a recommendation and the unit of study coordinator will determine the final result (pass/fail). You need to consider staff feedback in light of your own self-evaluation and address any concerns throughout the unit of study. You must raise any concerns arising at any time with your academic mentor or coordinator. To enable timely feedback from external SIM facilitators, extensions are typically not permitted for this task.

 

Required tasks

Students are required to complete and submit evidence of required pre-placement checks and maintain their currency, to maintain a timely and accurate placement timesheet record, and to actively participate in learning activities to pass this unit of study. See also attendance and class requirements.

 

Detailed information for each assessment and required task can be found on Canvas.

As this unit includes placement components, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions apply.  https://tinyurl.com/FMH-Placement-Provisions An automatic fail will be awarded for any assessment item where a student breaches client/ patient privacy or for other serious breaches of personal and professional behaviour standards.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

Result Name

Description

Satisfied requirements (SR)

Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the Faculty.

Failed Requirements (FR)

Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the Faculty.

This is the overall unit grade awarded to students who fail to meet the requried standard of performance on a placement performance assessment, or fail to satisfactorily complete any hurdle task, or who fail to attempt all assessment required tasks.

 

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The above policy is written for mark-graded assessments. Although a mark is not awarded on pass/fail assessments, penalties apply to late submission of pass/fail written assessments according to the assessment of the unit learning outcomes regarding professional and learner behaviour as per the Canvas site. Late submission or inadequate completion of self-evaluations on placement performance assessments or maintenance of required records (e.g., timesheets) may result in lowered ratings on the relevant competencies. Depending on the student's overall performance, these may result in failure to meet the required minimum standard and thereby failure of the unit of study.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Unit introduction Presentation (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 01 Toolkit for first meeting your client Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Orientation to SIM (mandatory) - All Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Toolkit for responding to initial information gathering Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - A&B Groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 1 - A&B Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Feedback Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - C&D groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 1 - C&D Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Reflexivity and continuing development as a student OT Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - A&B groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 2 - A&B Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Feedback literacy Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - C&D groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 2 - C&D Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Adapting communication in information gathering Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - A&B groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 3 - A&B Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Adapting communication throughout the OT process Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - C&D groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 3 - C&D Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - A&B groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 4 - A&B Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Collaboration with clients Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - C&D groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 4 - C&D Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Collaboration with facilitators and supervisors Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - A&B groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 5 - A&B Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Internal strategies and personal responses as an OT student in practice education Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Mentoring: preparation for SIM day - C&D groups Tutorial (0.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Simulation Day 5 - C&D Groups Simulation laboratory (7.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Critically reflecting on and continuing development as an OT student in practice education Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: 

  • This is a placement unit of study (Practice Education 1 placement) and contributes to the required minimum practice education.
  • As such, this unit of study has minimum attendance requirements that include mandatory classes, academic mentoring, simulation laboratory placement attendance, group and individual self-directed learning. These hours together contribute a minimum of 80 hours towards the required 1000 hours of practice education placements.
  • Guidelines for the minimum hours per activity type, total minimum hours and mandatory sessions are outlined in the unit Canvas site. Instructions on when to apply for special arrangements or special considerations in relation to placement attendance are also available in this section. Due to the design of this placement unit, the special considerations option of ‘new or varied placement’ may not be able to be accommodated.
  • Students should also refer to the timesheet gudelines on the occupational therapy page of the WIL canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121/pages/occupational-therapy 

Class and simulation preparation requirements:

  • This unit of study is designed to use an interactive ‘flipped classroom’ mode of learning. Students will be expected to complete preparation for all class sessions and simulation laboratory placement days, including self-directed learning. Seminars will be designed to enable students to apply learning in practice, and to consolidate understanding, and as such will require active engagement in preparation by students.
  • At least a minimum amount of time spent in preparation, both individually and in assigned small group learning teams, is required to be documented in placement timesheets. 
  • Preparation for simulation is reflected in the placement performance assessment. Preparation and participation in classes is likely to influence students’ performance in the written assessment task.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate professional behaviours appropriate to the expectations of the placement setting
  • LO2. Critically reflect on internal strategies to examine and monitor personal responses to cultural and social differences, with particular reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • LO3. Engage in culturally safe communication with a range of audiences to enable teamwork and implementation of the occupational therapy process, with particular reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • LO4. Gather and interpret information through the occupational therapy process for an assigned caseload
  • LO5. Articulate own professional reasoning underpinning the delivery of culturally safe health practices with reference to occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.10 A Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.12 A Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision
1.13 A Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14 A Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.16 A Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
1.17 A Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
1.2 A Adheres to legislation relevant to practice
1.3 A Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships
1.4 A Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships
1.5 A Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups
1.6 A Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
1.7 A Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice
1.8 A Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice
1.9 A Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice
2.1 A Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.2 A Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3 A Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.5 A Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting
2.7 A Implements a specific learning and development plan when moving to a new area of practice or returning to practice
2.8 A Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
3.1 A Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.2 A Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals
3.3 A Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.6 A Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections
3.7 A Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
3.8 A Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
4.1 A Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.10 A Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
4.11 A Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2 A Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.4 A Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
4.5 A Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
4.6 A Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice
4.7 A Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
4.8 A Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
4.9 A Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit of study has been offered. Student feedback is encouraged during and at the completion of the unit of study to promote development.

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/ including specific course rules for students undertaking clinical placements.

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. The handbook provides a direct link to the University of Sydney’s Coursework policy and Faculty provisions.

When considering applications and appeals relating to these matters, it will be assumed that students understand their academic responsibilities and are familiar with these key policies and procedures.

The Work Integrated Learning Canvas site also provides information specific to Sydney School of Health Sciences placements such as essential preparation, forms and policies.

Additional costs

Costs associated with student-directed simulation activities, and with placement, are the responsbility of the student. Information on financial supports is available from the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Canvas site and Univesity current students sites.

Work, health and safety

As you are completing a health-related degree, there are clinical checks and clearances you will need to complete before you can undertake placement. You can find more information at:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html

You must meet all pre-placement requirements as outlined on the above site to participate in and complete this unit of study. You must also comply with all directives and relevant COVID-19 Public Health Orders and covid-safe plans, which are subject to change. This includes that there is a requirement for health care workers including students, and others so directed by the Chief Health Officer, to comply with vaccination directives. Acceptable vaccines are those stipulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and protocols specified by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). If you have not completed and had verified all relevant checks, you may not be able to attend and/or complete your placement, irrespective of your enrolment status.

Further, you must have an up-to-date declaration (in Sonia) that they have read and understood key documents related to privacy and confidentiality, codes of conduct, NSW Health policies and general communication/ email etiquette. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing the placement, irrespective of your enrolment status.

You are also required to comply with all directions of staff and apply your own risk assessments to activities you plan and in which you participate, and act in a manner consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation. This is an essential legal requirement to ensure that all risks are minimised for you, and others for whom you are responsible. The University has a duty of care to you to ensure you have been inducted appropriately. Similarly, you are responsible for demonstrating that you are aware of and know how to manage risk appropriately. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.