Outline

Overview

This unit of study involves a clinical placement which will give students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate competency in the skills and attributes of physiotherapy professionals. Over the course of the students’ clinical units of study, they will undertake placement experiences which provides learning opportunities with clients presenting with conditions from the core areas of physiotherapy, across the lifespan and in a range of environments and settings. Experience with clients may be individual or group-based sessions. During clinical placements, there will be opportunities for participation in additional learning activities such as quality improvement projects and interprofessional learning tasks. Clinical Practicum F is a five-week placement which require full-time attendance (approximately 40 hours per week). Students can expect to undertake at least one clinical placement in a rural or regional setting, delivered at clinical facilities or remotely/online (e.g. telehealth services).

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	Tracey Pearce, tracey.pearce@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 March 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Placement	Summary of activity Completion of the summary of activity form on Sonia	0%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Mid placement Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP) Competency-based evaluation (mid placement)	0%	Ongoing	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Placement	Final assessment by Educator. Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice(APP) Competency-based evaluation (final)	100%	Ongoing	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

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. pass the entire unit. 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 for 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).

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 Activities (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.

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	Learning outcomes
Weekly	Clinical placements (5 weeks) offer an opportunity to develop generic skills and attributes of physiotherapy professionals. Placements will also develop specific clinical skills across the core areas of physiotherapy, throughout the lifespan of clients and in a range of environments and settings.	Placement (40 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Clinical Practicum F 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

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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 8.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. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice 8.C. 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. 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. competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations 8.F. 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others. 6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 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		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
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
4.2		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
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.
6.2		seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1		organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
8.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		knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C		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		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		competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
8.F		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

Responding to student feedback

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

USS Scores and comments are reviewed after each block to ensure quality student experiences

Additional information

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

Canvas

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred for accommodation, transport and leave from usual employment. Students should prepare in advance to cover these costs and can refer to the WIL Canvas site and University website for financial assistance opportunities

Site visit guidelines

Refer to site descriptor

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 in accordance with the dates outlined in the critical dates calendar. 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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHTY4227: Clinical Practicum F

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect