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Unit outline_

PHTY3085: Clinical Practicum C

Intensive September, 2023 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study involves a 5-week clinical placement. On placement, students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate competency (to the level of a new graduate physiotherapist) in the generic skills and attributes of physiotherapy professionals e.g. communication and professionalism, and specific clinical skills across the core areas of physiotherapy. Clinical placements across all 4 placement Units of Study will occur in a variety of settings and locations and will involve the management of clients across the lifespan. Clinical placement learning opportunities may include direct client care, telehealth, participation in quality improvement projects and research, interprofessional learning, group sessions and client related administration. Clinical Practicum C requires full­time attendance (40 hours per week). Students should expect to participate in at least one rural or out of Sydney placement, and clinical placement hours will be site dependent and may not fall within the standard working week. 

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
PHTY2063 and PHTY3081 and PHTY3082 and PHTY3087
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Justine Dougherty, justine.dougherty@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Placement Interprofessional Learning Placement (IPL) Tasks
Interprofessional Learning Placement worksheets
0% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Placement Summary of activity
Completion of the summary of activity form on Sonia
0% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO7
Placement Mid assessment by student (self-assessment) and educator
Competency-based evaluation (mid placement)
0% Week 03 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Placement hurdle task Final assessment by Educator. Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP)
Competency-based evaluation (final)
100% Week 05 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Mid placement Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP):  Mid-placement Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP):  Student’s clinical performance is assessed using the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP). At mid-placement, students will assign themselves a score based on what they think their current level of performance is and write their own feedback highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Students are required to meet with their clinical educator to discuss their self-assessment and receive further feedback/ comments on their performance from their clinical educator. After the mid-placement assessment meeting, all students are required to complete and then discuss with their educator a learning contract which assists students and educators to collaboratively develop goals and strategies for improvement across the remainder of the placement. If the student has been identified as 'at risk of failing' at the mid-placement assessment, the Unit of Study Coordinator must be notified and sent the completed mid-placement assessment (student and Clinical Educator versions) and learning contract.

Summary of activity: Every student is required to record their activity with regards to patients seen throughout the placement. At the end of the placement students must submit a summary of activity on Sonia which captures the clinical setting, patient types and age ranges seen. This summary can be discussed with the clinical educator during the placement to ensure a range of experiences are covered. Failure to complete this task may delay subsequent placement allocations as unit of study coordinators rely on this information to determine gaps in practice and therefore clinical placement needs.

Final assessment by Educator. Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP): Using the APP, students and educators will each evaluate students’ performance at end of placement (summative). The educator will make their final recommendation for the Unit of Study Coordinator to review. The UOS coordinator will determine the final result in relation to the placement expectations and unit learning outcomes.  Students should sign the educator’s assessment form even if they do not agree with the assessment (a signature denotes discussion has been held, not necessarily that the student agrees with the outcome).

Interprofessional Learning Placement (IPL) tasks: Interprofessional Learning Placement (IPL) tasks: Students are required to complete at least 2 IPL tasks over the 4 placements. The first task is to be completed and submitted during PHTY3083 or PHTY3085, the second is to be completed and submitted during PHTY4222 or PHTY4227. Students are to refer to https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/34140  for details. These tasks allow students to demonstrate their developing knowledge, skills and attitudes for working in an interprofessional team.

Students should discuss with their clinical educator at the beginning of each placement what IPL opportunities might be available. While completed IPL activities are not graded, they may help to inform educator ratings on the APP. Please, therefore, ensure you discuss your learning with clinical educators. 

Detailed information for each assessment 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.

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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 Summary of Activitie (SoA) is required to be completed on the Monday following each clinical placement. Failure to do so, may lead to students not being allocated a placement for their next Placement 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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance Requirements:

Clinical Practicum C is a five-week placement which requires full-time attendance (approximately 40 hours per week, determined by the site) at the clinical facility. Your placement site may be in a rural or metropolitan setting and placement hours may not follow the traditional working day or week i.e. you may be required to work longer days or on Saturdays.

 

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. apply physiotherapy clinical skills at the level of a new graduate physiotherapy practitioner
  • LO2. engage in professional and ethical practice
  • LO3. communicate effectively with others
  • LO4. reflect on your own practice and demonstrate self-directed learning
  • LO5. demonstrate collaborative practice
  • LO6. demonstrate the ability to be an effective educator
  • LO7. manage time and workload effectively.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
LO2
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
LO3
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
LO4
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
LO5
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
LO6
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
LO7
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2 A involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.3 A review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
1.4 A advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2.1 A comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2 A make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
2.3 A recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3.1 A use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2 A record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
3.3 A deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
4.1 A assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.2 A evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review
4.3 A efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.4 A proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
4.5 A recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1 A engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2 A engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1 A use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
6.2 A seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1 A organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
7.2 A lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
8.A A knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice with clients across the lifespan, from birth to end of life care, who present with one or more problems such as pain and/or impairment or dysfunction contributing to impairment, activity limitations and participation restriction
8.D A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice across acute, rehabilitation and community practice in a range of environments and settings
8.E A competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
8.F A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice in health promotion and facilitation of client self-management strategies to enhance their health and well-being

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

WIL Quality Survey and USS will be monitored after each block to ensure quality student experiences.

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook. The handbook also includes specific Clinical Education information on your course: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/coursework/physiotherapy.shtml 

 

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

 

The Work Integrated Learning Canvas site also provides information specific to Sydney School of Health Sciences placements such as essential preparation, forms and policies.
https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121

 

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

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

Site visit guidelines

Dependent on placement requirements

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 will need to be verified by NSW Health by the date specified in the critical dates Calendar in preparation for your first placement in a Local Health District. Students who are not verified will NOT be able to attend placement.


Further, 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 enrolment status.


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.

The Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2021 directs that a healthcare worker – including students, volunteers and those undertaking administrative duties - must not do work as a healthcare worker unless they have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

This is a requirement for health care workers within NSW Health and private health facilities, or others so directed by the Chief Health Officer, and the vaccine must be one that is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

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.