Outline

Overview

This unit introduces you to assessment and intervention planning as embedded in the occupational therapy practice process. You will learn to understand and plan relevant occupational therapy approaches to collecting information and assessment to address the needs of your clients. You will learn occupational therapy competencies essential for high quality, effective, culturally responsive, and evidence-based assessment and planning practice for people experiencing occupational performance difficulties. You will observe, and apply your understanding of how adults learn and process information, the use of effective and culturally responsive communication skills in a practice education setting. You will also find and use best available evidence including standardised assessments and outcome measures, and develop clinical reasoning skills that will enable you to think critically and make practice decisions in assessment and planning as an occupational therapist.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	OCCP5257
Prohibitions ?	OCCP5217
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jacqueline Wesson, jacqueline.wesson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Kylie Angelou, kylie.angelou@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jacqueline Wesson, jacqueline.wesson@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Joanne Hinitt, joanne.hinitt@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Sally Day, sally.day@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	Practice education skills portfolio You will demonstrate defined year 1 level clinical skills. Domains include professional behaviour; self-management; communication skills; working in a team & role of OT	0%	- Due date: 11 Jul 2025 at 23:59	Checklist
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Activity Form Accurate record of placement hours and details is submitted.	0%	- Due date: 11 Jul 2025 at 11:59	60 hours placement
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	IPL Workshop Attendance and full participation in InterProfessional Learning (IPL) workshop	0%	Multiple weeks Due date: 07 Mar 2025 at 12:00	120 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	IPL hand hygiene module Complete the National Hand Hygiene Initiative Learning Management System and upload your PDF certificate to the Hand Hygiene Certificate Assignment on Canvas	0%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Mar 2025 at 23:59	60 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Peer evaluation (IPL) Peer evaluation task based on your experience in the workshop. This is an opportunity to reflect on your performance and that of your team.	0%	Week 04 Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	ACE online module Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) online module	0%	Week 05 Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59	60 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case Study Part 1 - Foundations First three criteria of case study assignment (foundations). One student in the team submits PDF of up to 6 slides with speaking notes	15%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Six slides with speaking notes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	ACE interview Accelerate Communication Excellence (ACE) intterview - various times - see Canvas	0%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 00:00	15 minutes (approx)
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Multiple choice quiz Randomly selected questions from the question bank about content of lectures Weeks 1-7	20%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2025 at 00:00	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case study Part 2 - Peer Review You will be randomly allocated 2 submissions of Part 1 – Foundations. You will use the ‘Part 1’ rubric to provide feedback for each submission, including constructive comments that might improve the submission.	10%	Week 09 Due date: 09 May 2025 at 23:59	500 words approximately
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Placement breifing & debriefing sessions Attendance at briefing sessions, placement sites and clinical education sessions to meet 60 hours of fieldwork	0%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2025 at 10:00	Various
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Case Study Part 3 - OT Formulation Team presentation for 20 minutes of whole case study to class mates. PDF of slides and speaking notes to be submitted. Marked live in tutorial class times in Week 13.	45%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2025 at 00:00	20 min per team; PDF of slides submitted
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Case study Part 4 - Communication Skills Verbal communication skills during the presentation - professional communication to peers.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2025 at 00:00	5-6 min depending on team context
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Placement letter of introduction Submission of letter of introduction to placement site clinical educator. Needs to be checked by placement coordinator	0%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2024 at 11:59	200 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

There are 4 components to this unit. 1) IPL 2) ACE 3) Academic work 4) Placement work. IPL, ACE and placement have hurdle tasks that you must pass to pass the unit. See ACE and IPL Canvas sites for additional details. Placement tasks are on the OCCP5258 Canvas site.

Academic assessment summary:

Multiple choice quiz in-class – supervised with no use of AI during the test. Focus on first 7 weeks of semester content (20%).
Case presentation Parts 1, 2 (teamwork – weighted 60% in total). You will be required to work in small teams and complete a case study. Submit slides only (+ speaking notes) for the foundations of your case presentation (part 1 – 15%) to help provide feedback that you are on the right track. This feedback will be provided by your peers, as each of you will mark 2 cases (Part 2 task) using the assessment rubric to guide marking. Participation in the peer feedback process will earn 10% for each student. Part 3 (45%) is a live oral presentation from all group members of one section of the case study (maximum 20 minutes). You will be given time during tutorial to work through the OT process and develop your case study.
Case presentation Part 4 (individual – weighted 10%). Your communication skills during your section of the presentation will be assessed

You must complete all the assessment tasks to pass the entire unit. Failure to submit any assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade – regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study. Detailed information for each assessment will be available on Canvas and during tutorials..

Assessment criteria

As per University of Sydney guidelines

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:

As per University of Sydney policies

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 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Orientation; introduction to assessment in OT & occupational performance issues	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Communication & language skills in assessment practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Interviewing & assessment practice: the lived experience	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	PEO and interviewing skills; Teamwork skills	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Goal setting - COPM & supported decision making in practice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Prioritising OPIs & goal setting (using COPM & SDM)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Types of assessments & data gathering	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Using client data from different sources; Case study allocation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Selecting and evaluating assessments	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Factors influencing assessment selection	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Psychometric properties of assessment tools	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Psychometrics and critiquing assessments with help - Cogniti AI tool	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Assessing functional cognition & cognition	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Assessing functional cognitive processes in adults; Critiquing assessments	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Home visits, environmental assessments, falls & risk assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Home visits, environmental assessment, falls & risk assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Everyday activities assessment (ADL & instrumental ADL)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Assessing everyday activities - standardised & non-standardised methods	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Driving assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Driver screening - DSDA & physical screening	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Mental health assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Mental health assessment & psychosocial goal setting	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Briefing for professional practice education	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Pressure injury assessment	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Team presentations of case studies - live in class	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is recommended in order to meet requirements of the assignments.

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

See Canvas site for details

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate occupational therapy competencies needed for person-focussed, ethical, safe, lawful, inclusive, culturally responsive and accountable occupational therapy practice in assessment and planning in practice education contexts.
LO2. Perform occupational therapy assessment and planning in a manner that is informed by relevant and contemporary theory, up-to-date practice knowledge and best available evidence from research, policy, and practice expertise.
LO3. Use an occupational therapy approach to data gathering and assessment, including how to select, administer, record, communicate and critique assessments that reveal information about health, wellbeing, human occupation and the barriers and enablers to personally and culturally meaningful participation of individuals, groups, communities and populations.
LO4. Perform occupational therapy assessment of adult and older adult occupations and occupational performance, life situations, and the barriers and enablers to participation experienced by individuals in a manner that is client-centred, appropriate to the problem or issue, culturally safe, based on best-available evidence, within scope of practice, efficient and accountable.
LO5. Demonstrate understanding of the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for collaborative decision-making and goal setting related to occupational therapy assessment, re-assessment and outcome evaluation, and planning according to principles of adult learning and information-processing approaches.
LO6. Demonstrate competent communication skills and professional behaviours relevant to occupational therapy that are client-centred and stakeholder-appropriate using written, verbal and non-verbal approaches.

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

Responding to student feedback

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

Students have responded well to content and learning activities of this unit, however the intensive mode of teaching was less than ideal - so the unit has be re-instated as a 13-week semester.

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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

OCCP5258: Introduction to the OT Practice Process

Semester 1, 2025 [Professional practice] - 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

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect