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Unit outline_

OCCP3065: Professional Practice IIIB

Intensive April - May, 2024 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

To become a competent occupational therapy practitioner, students need to be able to integrate theory and practice in context and become skilled in applying the occupational therapy process for an agreed caseload. Continuing to build on OCCP1100 Professional Practice I, OCCP2086 Professional Practice II and caseload. Continuing to build on OCCP1100 Professional Practice I, OCCP2086 Professional Practice II and OCCP3061 Professional Practice IIIA, all of which focus on professional development in contexts, students will participate in a eight-week, supervised full time experience within a professional service

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Participation Sciences
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
OCCP1096 and OCCP1097 and OCCP1098 and OCCP1099 and OCCP1100 and OCCP2084 and OCCP2085 and OCCP2086 and OCCP2087 and OCCP2088 and BIOS1168
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jo Lewis, jo.lewis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Narelle Oste, narelle.oste@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 26 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Placement hurdle task Activity Summary Form
Accurate recording of placement and related hours.
0% -
Due date: 05 Jul 2024 at 23:59
Completed forms on Sonia
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Inter-professional learning activities
Worksheets, reflection and short answer
0% -
Due date: 07 Jul 2023 at 23:59
Form
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Attendance hurdle task Placement Attendance
Attendance
0% Multiple weeks 3 days on campus; 8 weeks on site.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Placement hurdle task Student Practice Evaluation Form - Revised (Second Edition) (SPEF-R2)
Evaluation of performance on placement.
0% Multiple weeks
Due date: 05 Jul 2024 at 23:59
Completion of midway and final form
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Learning Plan and Reflection
1) Pre-placement plan 6/5/24 2) Post placement plan and reflection 5/7/24
0% Multiple weeks
Due date: 05 Jul 2024 at 23:59
Completed plan/reflection template
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Placement hurdle task Letter of Introduction
Submission of a letter of introduction to placement site supervisor.
0% Week 09
Due date: 22 May 2024 at 23:59
1 page
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Placement Attendance: Students are required to attend all days of placement during the allocated block, as well as pre-placement briefing and post placement briefing classes.  Attendance is mandatory as the hours contribute to the 1000 hours of clinical placement.  It is the expectation that students will attend in person / face to face for the placement during the allocated block, as well as pre-placement briefing and post placement briefing classes, unless otherwise indicated.  Students should follow special consideration procedures if they are unable to attend mandatory / compulsory classes for placement.

Letter of Introduction: Students are required to contact their placement site with a letter of introduction using the template provided, and a covering email. Students are required to have a peer from their learning team audit the letter using the checklist provided prior to sending.  The letter is to be submitted on Canvas.

Activity Summary Form: Students must maintain a summary of their placement activities in Sonia.  This includes contact details of clinical educator / supervisor, types of experiences and timesheets.  This should accurately reflect all fieldwork attendance activities as per attendance requirements and guidelines and submitted by the due date. Attendance records may be taken, and audits and verifications of hours entered in timesheets will be conducted. Falsely declaring information on attendance records or timesheets is unprofessional behaviour and may represent serious misconduct. Students are to declare on Canvas that they have met the required hours for the unit.

Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised (2nd edition): Using the SPEF-R2, students and educators will each evaluate students’ demonstration of professional skills, knowledge, and attributes during their clinical placement. This is completed midway through placement and at the end.  Students are required to submit the midway and final SPEF-R2 (completed by their educator) to Canvas in the appropriate assignment boxes for academics to review.   

Learning Plan: Students must develop their learning plan using the template, prior to placement.  There should be 4 goals and at least 2 learning activties for each.  Submit this plan to Canvas.   Students should then discuss their learning plan, goals and activties with their supervisor at the start of placement and make necessary adjustments.  Students should implement the learning plan and be signed off by the placement supervisor at the end of the placement.  Students also complete a short learning plan reflection. The completed Learning Plan and reflection should be submitted to Canvas. Note: Further adjustments to the learning plan may be needed after the midway SPEF-R2 evaluation.

Interprofessional Learning (IPL) Activties: Students will complete an interprofessional learning module (via their online learning platform – Canvas). Students will complete the learning activities associate with either:

  • Interprofessional Observational Experience or
  • Patient / Client Experience of Interprofessional Care

Students will need to plan these IPL activties with their supervisor on placement. Students will submit their completed IPL module worksheets, some short answer questions and a short reflection  to Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021. In this unit, no marks are issued, but rather a Satisfied Requirements (SR) or Failed Requirements (FR) grade.  These results are defined as:

  • Satisfied Requirements (SR): To be awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured as a pass or fail only without a mark 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): To be awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured either as Satisfied Requirements or Failed Requirements only, without a mark 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.

To receive a ‘Satisfied Requirements’ (SR) grade in this unit of study, students must complete all hurdle tasks to the appropriate standard and achieve a pass grade on the SPEF-R2. As this unit includes placement, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions and FMH Professionalism Provisions 2019 will apply.

Irrespective of other performance in the unit, ‘Failed Requirements’ (FR) grade for the unit of study will be issued where a student breaches client/patient privacy or for other serious breaches of professional standards.

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:

Information about late penalties can be found in the University Coursework Policy 2021 and the University Assessment Procedures 2011.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
- Debrief session Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Multiple weeks Online tutorials during clinical placement to support student well being and learning. Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
8 Week practice education placement 6/5/24 - 28/6/24 Placement (320 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Preparation for Placement: Lifelong Learner; Reflective Practice; Integrating Theory and Practice; Client Centred Practice ; Professional Practice Lecture and tutorial (12 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

This unit has minimum attendance requirements that include on-campus mandatory classes, placement attendance and self-directed learning. It is anticipated students will complete a minimum of 211 hours towards their compulsory 1000 hours of practice education during OCCP3101.  Failure to meet attendance requirements may prevent students from satisfactorily completing this unit of study.

  • Pre-placement and post-placement classes: These are interactive seminar and tutorial classes and attendance is mandatory (14 hours)
  • Placement attendance of 36-40 hours/week for 5 weeks: Students must attend placement every working day, five days per week, from the start date to the finish date of the placement notified in Sonia (200 hours)
  • Self-directed learning: It is expected that students will complete at least 4 hours self-directed learning in specific preparation for the placement they have been allocated, which may or may not be directed by the site. Additionally, students should complete self-directed learning to add to placement attendance to a minimum of 40 hours per week, for which completion of unit of study related tasks online and for assessments can be counted (4 hours).

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no specific required textbooks for this unit. Please refer to the WIL Canvas site Occupational Therapy page for useful resources including codes of conduct and ethics with which you are expected to be familiar and comply. Additional resources will be highlighted in classes.

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 university and fieldwork settings
  • LO2. generalise self-management skills to optimise opportunities for learning
  • LO3. apply professional reasoning to guide decisions and recommendations
  • LO4. demonstrate developing knowledge, skills and attitudes for working in a multidisciplinary or interprofessional team
  • LO5. implement all aspects of the occupational therapy process, with appropriate supervision.

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
1.11 A Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts
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
2.10 A Maintains digital literacy for 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
2.6 A Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development
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
2.9 A Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and
3.1 A Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.10 A Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes
3.11 A Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice
3.13 A Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and
3.14 A Contributes to quality improvement and service development.
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
3.4 A Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5 A Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
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
3.9 A Implements an effective and accountable process for delegation, referral and handover
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.

Student feedback from the UoS Survey has been reviewed and considered.

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred for accommodation, transport and leave from usual employment. Students should prepare to cover these costs and can refer to the University website for financial assistance opportunities. https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/financial-support.html

Work, health and safety

Verification: Students must meet all pre-placement requirements as outlined on the University of Sydney Clinical placements checks and clearances: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks/vaccinations.html (This includes all information relating to COVID-19 vaccinations as advised by NSW Health).  It is recommended that students regularly check their verification status.  Failure to meet these requirements in accordance with communicated due dates may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrollment status.

Declarations: Students 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 a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrollment status.

WHS Induction: Consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation, you are required to complete a WHS induction within the first few days of placement, and if relevant, at any time your placement requires you to work in another setting.  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. You should complete the WHS Checklist from Sonia.

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.