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Unit outline_

EXSS4019: Clinical Practice B

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

This unit is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities of the clinical Exercise Physiologist. Students will work under supervision in professional settings and will assist in managing clients with chronic disease, while demonstrating and being assessed on specific clinical practice skills and professional behaviour which are consistent with their stage of learning.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
EXSS3073 and EXSS3074 and EXSS3075
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gillian Nisbet, gillian.nisbet@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Hulya Sinmaz, hulya.sinmaz@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 28 June 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Learning Plan Goals
Learning plan developed in collaboration with the placement supervisor
0% -
Due date: 23 Jun 2024 at 23:59
Up to 200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Placement Attendance
Attendance while on placement
0% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Reflection on Learning Plan
Two self-reflections on learning progress across the placement
0% Multiple weeks
Due date: 07 Jul 2024 at 23:59
200 words per reflection
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Placement hurdle task Student Placement Assessment
Competency-based assessment of student performance across the placement
0% Week 02
Due date: 09 Aug 2024 at 23:59
N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Placement Logbook
Logbook detailing clinical placement experiences and hours
0% Week 02
Due date: 09 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO6 LO5
Assignment Case Study report
Case study report linking client goals, assessment and intervention
0% Week 02
Due date: 09 Aug 2024 at 23:59
Up to 1.5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Student Placement Assessment: Placement supervisors will use the Student Placement Assessment form to assess student performance across the placement. The unit of study coordinator will review the evaluation in determining satisfactory completion of this assessment task.

 

Placement Attendance: Students must attend >90% of the allocated placement hours.

 

Learning Plan Goals: Students will need to include two to three goals and at least one associated activity designed to help meet each learning goal, developed in collaboration with the placement supervisor.

 

Reflection on Learning Plan: Students will write two self-reflections, up to 200 words each, on learning progress and learner behaviour. Reflections are due by the end of placement weeks 3 and 6.

 

Placement Logbook: Students will record their placement experiences and hours in a placement logbook.

 

Case Study report: A 1.5-page report listing client goals, assessment and intervention. The link between goals, 
assessments and interventions must be clearly identified and coherently described.

 

More detailed assessment task information can be found on Canvas.

 

As this unit includes a placement component, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions apply (https://tinyurl.com/fmhplacement-provisions).

 

An automatic Fail will be awarded for any assessment item where a student breaches client/patient privacy.

 

All assessment tasks must be completed to a satisfactory standard to satisfy the requirements of this unit of study.

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark range Description
Satisfied requirements No mark This is the overall unit grading awarded when you meet the minimum standards on a placement performance assessment, meet minimum attendance requirements and complete all other assessment tasks to a satisfactory standard.
Failed requirements No mark This is the overall unit grading awarded when you fail to meet the minimum standards on a placement performance assessment, fail to meet minimum attendance requirements and/or do not complete all other assessment tasks 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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

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

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

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

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

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Formal exam period A pre-placement workshop for students who did NOT complete the workshop as part of EXSS4018. Workshop (18 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Multiple weeks A single placement of up to 225 hours permitting students to apply their clinical exercise physiology knowledge and skills in a professional environment relevant to exercise physiology practice. Placement (225 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 A seminar including a debriefing after the placement component has finished for consolidation of learning opportunities and a briefing for the next clinical Unit of study. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at preparation for placement sessions: Students are expected to attend all preparation for placement briefings and workshops. 

NSW Health and other sites may require students to undertake mandatory orientation and induction modules as relevant to the specific placement site. 

 

Attendance at the placement site: Students must attend >90% of the allocated placement hours. Failure to meet attendance requirements will prevent students from satisfactorily completing this unit of study. Many placements require non-standard work hours such as very early morning, evenings or weekends, as is standard within the industry.

Students are required to submit a Medical Certificate to the unit coordinator and professional staff if more than one day is taken off placement as sick leave. If any makeup-days are required, the nature of these days is to be organised by the unit coordinator who will negotiate arrangements with the placement site.

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. Demonstrate appropriate professional and socially responsible behaviour in a professional practice setting
  • LO2. Demonstrate effective communication with clients, colleagues and others
  • LO3. Demonstrate working effectively as part of a team
  • LO4. Conduct an effective client assessment in a clinical context
  • LO5. Design safe and effective, client-centred exercise or physical activity interventions in a clinical context
  • LO6. Deliver safe and effective, client-centred exercise or physical activity interventions in a clinical context

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
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
1.2.1. Practise with integrity within the scope of practice for an AEP, the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice, and jurisdictional Codes of Conduct.
1.2.2. Practise in accordance with ethically relevant legislation, regulations, and standards that apply to AEPs including privacy, confidentiality, data security, informed consent, and record-keeping.
1.2.5. Practise in a culturally safe, inclusive, sensitive, respectful, and responsive way and according to person-centred care principles.
1.2.7. Develop reflective practices through self-reflection, seeking and engaging with feedback from colleagues and clients, critically evaluating service delivery and outcomes, and engaging in ongoing learning.
1.2.8. Demonstrate leadership and the ability to advocate for client access to AEP services and appropriate health care.
3.2.7. Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
LO2
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
1.2.3. Differentiate and select verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that are contextually appropriate, timely, accessible, and respectful to clients, population groups, and relevant others.
1.2.4. Develop effective, concise, respectful, and informative clinical documentation, including case notes and reports, and apply appropriate record keeping practices.
1.2.6. Practise collaboratively and effectively with other professionals, including seeking feedback and input to inform decision-making, delegating tasks, and referring to other professionals and services where appropriate.
2.2.6. Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes.
3.2.5. Evaluate and record assessment outcomes in a timely and accurate manner to inform practice and communicate outcomes and relevance to goals effectively to clients and relevant others.
3.2.6. Communicate appropriate client support strategies to facilitate in-person and telepractice/telehealth service delivery which considers client needs, preferences, health and digital literacy, and accessibility factors.
3.2.7. Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
3.2.8. Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
4.2.4. Create and apply inclusive, respectful, and effective communication strategies to educate and engage clients in informed decision-making about purpose, benefits, risks, options, and costs for proposed interventions, expected outcomes, and strategies for future prevention.
4.2.7. Communicate effectively and respectfully with clients and relevant others about progress and outcomes of interventions, including appropriate reporting.
LO3
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
1.2.6. Practise collaboratively and effectively with other professionals, including seeking feedback and input to inform decision-making, delegating tasks, and referring to other professionals and services where appropriate.
3.2.7. Distinguish when client needs are outside of scope or competence and take appropriate, timely actions including engaging effectively with other professionals.
LO4
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
2.2.3. Evaluate physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise for clients across the full health spectrum.
3.2.1. Formulate appropriate screening processes to evaluate and stratify risk for participation in assessments and interventions, including consideration of appropriate service modalities for clients.
3.2.2. Formulate safe, effective, and culturally sensitive assessments to collect relevant information, social and cultural determinants of health, client history, and client needs, preferences, barriers, facilitators, and goals.
3.2.3. Formulate appropriate assessments and outcome measures relevant to treatment and client goals, and evaluate health status, function, capacity, and progress, to inform clinical reasoning and to monitor the delivery and outcomes of interventions.
3.2.4. Distinguish, record, report, and appropriately action changing risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms that may arise before, during, and after assessments and interventions.
3.2.5. Evaluate and record assessment outcomes in a timely and accurate manner to inform practice and communicate outcomes and relevance to goals effectively to clients and relevant others.
3.2.6. Communicate appropriate client support strategies to facilitate in-person and telepractice/telehealth service delivery which considers client needs, preferences, health and digital literacy, and accessibility factors.
3.2.8. Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
4.2.5. Apply and evaluate exercise prescription, health behaviour, and lifestyle change strategies and education, in partnership with clients to increase engagement, motivation and adherence, and improve health and well-being.
4.2.8. Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and their outcomes including the selection, interpretation, and reporting of outcome measures to inform future practice.
LO5
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
2.2.2. Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups.
2.2.5. Evaluate research findings and apply exercise prescription principles to develop recommendations and interventions, including targeted exercise prescription for the purposes of optimising health status, function, recovery, independence, and participation.
2.2.6. Apply clinical, ethical, and evidence-based decision-making to formulate appropriate interventions and recommendations and communicate the expected outcomes.
2.2.8. Evaluate and apply contextual learning principles and behaviour change strategies to improve health outcomes, increase engagement, motivation, and adherence, and empower self-management of health conditions.
4.2.1. Formulate evidence-based exercise prescription, interventions, and recommendations that address health and treatment related client needs, preferences, goals, and abilities, assessment findings, and social and cultural determinants of health.
4.2.2. Design, prescribe, deliver, and monitor safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for clients with complex presentations, including those with acute and chronic health conditions and multiple comorbidities.
4.2.3. Formulate and apply strategies to manage risks, evaluate progress, and adapt recommendations and interventions in partnership with clients based on needs and measured outcomes.
4.2.5. Apply and evaluate exercise prescription, health behaviour, and lifestyle change strategies and education, in partnership with clients to increase engagement, motivation and adherence, and improve health and well-being.
4.2.6. Formulate strategies during treatment to empower clients to undertake safe and effective self-management during and following discharge from interventions.
LO6
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards (2023) - ESSA
2.2.1. Integrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and other determinants of health and function and apply these to inform safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for individuals and population groups throughout all stages of their life.
2.2.2. Examine principles of biopsychosocial care, value-based care, person-centred care and social and cultural determinants of health and apply this to promote health and well-being for individual clients and population groups.
2.2.8. Evaluate and apply contextual learning principles and behaviour change strategies to improve health outcomes, increase engagement, motivation, and adherence, and empower self-management of health conditions.
3.2.4. Distinguish, record, report, and appropriately action changing risk factors and adverse signs and symptoms that may arise before, during, and after assessments and interventions.
3.2.6. Communicate appropriate client support strategies to facilitate in-person and telepractice/telehealth service delivery which considers client needs, preferences, health and digital literacy, and accessibility factors.
3.2.8. Choose and use relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively, and safely.
4.2.2. Design, prescribe, deliver, and monitor safe and effective movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions for clients with complex presentations, including those with acute and chronic health conditions and multiple comorbidities.
4.2.3. Formulate and apply strategies to manage risks, evaluate progress, and adapt recommendations and interventions in partnership with clients based on needs and measured outcomes.
4.2.5. Apply and evaluate exercise prescription, health behaviour, and lifestyle change strategies and education, in partnership with clients to increase engagement, motivation and adherence, and improve health and well-being.
4.2.6. Formulate strategies during treatment to empower clients to undertake safe and effective self-management during and following discharge from interventions.

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

Reflection assessment tasks have been updated based on feedback from previous years.

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/ 

 

The handbook also includes specific Clinical Education information on your course: 

https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine_health/coursework/exercise_physiology_rules.shtml

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. The 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

 

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies and protocols governing their placements.

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, protocols 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

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

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, students who have a status of Not Compliant will NOT be able to attend placement.

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.

Under NSW Health’s updated policy, all students on placement must have evidence of three TGA approved COVID-19 vaccinations, or an exemption, entered into ClinConnect.

 

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.