Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides students with the opportunity to gain skills in evaluating occupational therapy interventions and occupational therapy outcome measures relevant to practice. Both types of evaluation are core competencies identified by the national professional body. Students will apply their developing research and inquiry knowledge and skills from OCCP 5207 to an evaluation of an intervention and an outcome measure of relevance to their fieldwork experience. Students will develop skills in identifying appropriate goals that relate to the assessment of client outcomes and to the evaluation of an intervention program, and how to measure change to evaluate the degree of achievement of these goals. Students will need to locate and critique relevant literature, and determine practice issues associated with the evaluation of occupational therapy practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(OCCP5217 or OCCP5258) and (OCCP5237 or OCCP5257) and (OCCP5238 or OCCP5256)
Corequisites ?	OCCP5240
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anne Cusick, anne.cusick@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Anne Cusick, anne.cusick@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 4 July 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Critical appraisal report Summary, appraisal and report on research evidence relating to program evaluation in OT	50%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Jul 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Jul 2025	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	EBP portfolio Portfolio of learning activities and outputs from Weeks 1-6	50%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Aug 2025	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

EBP portfolio: 50% Compilation of outputs from class learning actvities

Critical appraisal report: 50% template-based report applying EBP competencies to the selection, access and appraisal of research relevant to an evaluation of OT program or service.

Assessment criteria

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

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	You have met learning outcomes and demonstrated an outstanding standards of performance
Distinction	75 - 84	You have met learning outcomes and demonstrated a superior standard of performance
Credit	65 - 74	You have met learning outcomes and demonstrated an above average standard of performance
Pass	50 - 64	You have met learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

Usual University of Sydney late penalties apply to all assessment in this unit

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.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introducing an evidence based approach to program evaluation in OT	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Clinical information needs in OT EBP and evaluation	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 02	Types of EBP questions and how they relate to OT program evaluation	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	What sort of data answers effectiveness questions for program evaluation	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 03	How to access pre-appraised information on standardised assessments relevant to OT program evaluation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	How to appraise standardised assessments suitable for use in OT program evaluations	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Process and outcome evaluations in occupational therapy	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	How to design an evaluation of OT program effectiveness	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Use research evidence to prepare the background, program need statement, description of the OT program and program logic for a simulated evaluation tender application	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Use research evidence to prepare the program evaluation statement, evaluation plan including selection of baseline and outcome measures, selection of process measures, and rationale for measurement quality and relevance.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Preparing a program evaluation plan submission - communication approaches and evidence base	Individual study (4 hr)

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.

Required readings

Readings for each class are listed in the relevant module

Learning outcomes

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. Identify clinical information needs and develop appropriate practice questions that address challenges/ problems encountered in occupational therapy practice
LO2. Appraise evidence for quality, credibility and relevance by selecting and using appraisal tools relevant to the type of study designs being appraised
LO3. Describe the role and components of outcome measurement as a key components of evidence-based occupational therapy practice
LO4. Select and appraise a standardised assessment suitable for measuring outcomes with a client or client population
LO5. Describe and apply principles and procedures of program evaluation in measuring both processes (how programs are implemented by occupational therapists) and outcomes (expected change in clients as a result of engaging in the program)
LO6. Create a program evaluation plan which applies principles, procedures, and selection of appropriate baseline and outcome measures to determine the effectiveness of an occupational therapy intervention, program, or service.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.14. Contributes to quality improvement and service development. 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.5. Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 2.8. Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 3.14. Contributes to quality improvement and service development. 3.7. Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.5. Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 3.14. Contributes to quality improvement and service development. 3.2. Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.11. Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 1.2. Adheres to legislation relevant to practice 1.6. Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 2.10. Maintains digital literacy for practice. 2.2. Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making 2.3. Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making 2.4. Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices 2.5. Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting 2.9. Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and 3.8. Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment 4.11. Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others. 4.2. Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context 4.4. Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 4.7. Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian

Responding to student feedback

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

Students enjoyed the on-campus workshops and found them very useful The use of a template based program evaluation report was considered helpful. There was a lot of optional content in the modules - even though this aimed to help students, it was recommended this was reduced so students could focus on the essentials. Students liked the live simulated journal club and the valuation tender 'pitch' - these are integrated as learning activities into the classes.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Not applicable

Work, health and safety

Usual University of Sydney policies and Faculty of Medicine and Health local provisions apply.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP5241: Evaluation of OT Practice

Intensive June - July, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links