Outline

Overview

In this unit of study, students will learn how to search for, appraise and summarise research evidence relevant to occupational therapy practice. Students will apply their developing research and inquiry knowledge and skills to an evaluation of an intervention and an outcome measure of relevant to their fieldwork experience. Both types of evaluation are core competencies identified by the national professional body. 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.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anne Cusick, anne.cusick@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 May 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Critical appraisal report Report on research evidence relevant to evaluation of an OT program including critical appraisal	50%	Week 04 Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 May 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	EBP portfolio Portfolio of learning activities and outputs from Weeks 1-6	50%	Week 06 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 07 Jun 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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	Evidence based approach to OT Service development	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 01	What is the problem and what are your clinical information needs?	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Situational analysis/ needs analysis / SWOT analysis - how evidence can answer service development and practice questions	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Accessing relevant high quality evidence to inform OT service design	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Accessing relevant high quality evidence about OT assessments and OT treatments	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Critical appraisal of OT research evidence	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	Evaluation Framework in OT Service design	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	OT Service description	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Quality evaluation of OT services - principles, process and program outcomes	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	OT Program Evaluation Plan	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	OT Service Stakeholders	Seminar (3 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 liked the on-campus classes and they structured way they helped them engage in the learning material. Students liked the submission flexibility for the portfolio. They liked having assessments that were Lane 2 and no exam. Some students had limited experience of Generative AI and they appreciated the practical classes on how to use this responsibly

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

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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)

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 April - May, 2026 [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)

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