Course Outline

OCC202 Therapeutic Skills

Course Coordinator:Kristy Gerlach (kgerlach@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Occupational Therapy

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This competency-based course is designed for you to develop and demonstrate core generic skills for occupational therapy practice. This includes professional communication skills and safe manual handling procedures. You will also develop and demonstrate your skills in profession-specific activities (e.g., environmental modifications, splinting, and wheelchair prescription).

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Skills-based videos and materials for preparation and revision. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 1 hour of scheduled online instruction, case examples, clinical reasoning, and risk management (recorded). 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – In-class practical skills practise with feedback 2hrs Week 1 12 times
Placement – You will participate in a total of 24 hours of simulated practice education across the semester where your learning and performance will be directed by the UniSC clinical educators. Attendance is mandatory and contributes towards your total 1000 hours of practice education required by the WFOT. 24hrs Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Once Only

Course Topics

The course integrates the following topics:

  • Health Profession Communication (verbal and written)
  • Goal Setting
  • Treatment Planning
  • Manual Handling
  • Environmental Design and Drawing
  • Assistive Technology, ADL and Adaptive Devices
  • Mobility Aids and Equipment
  • Splinting

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd
1 Demonstrate professional written and verbal communication skills with clients, peers and supervisors. Knowledgeable
Empowered
1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11
2 Demonstrate safe therapeutic skills in client-centred practice. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2.2, 2.9, 3.1, 3.8
3 Demonstrate professional skills for occupational therapy practice. Knowledgeable
Ethical
Engaged
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 1.10, 1.14, 1.17, 3.8

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd
1 Professionalism
1.1 Complies with the OTBA standards, guidelines and code of conduct
1.2 Adheres to legislation relevant to practice.
1.3 Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships
1.4 Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships
1.5 Practices in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups.
1.8 Adhere to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice.
1.10 Practices within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise.
1.14 Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice.
1.17 Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
2.2 Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making.
2.9 Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies.
3.1 Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement.
3.8 Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment.
4.1 Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively.
4.2 Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context.
4.4 Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies.
4.5 Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice.
4.7 Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian.
4.9 Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others.
4.10 Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly.
4.11 Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

LFS122 and OCC102 and enrolled in Program SC440

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

You will enter the course with a theoretical basis and introductory skills in your profession.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Students will have the opportunity to practice skills and receive feedback weekly from the educator on their skills during practical workshops from Week 1 onwards. Students will also receive feedback regarding communication and professional skills from their peers from week 2 onwards.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual
10 mins
Week 4 In Class
All 2 Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Individual
5 - 10 mins oral presentation (depending on the task) for competency skills.  One SOAP note of up to 500 words.
Refer to Format In Class
All - Assessment Task 1:Oral presentation
Goal:
This communication competency assessment is about developing and demonstrating key skills and qualities of a health professional needed in conducting an interview with a client. Communication is a critically important skill and is covered in the first three week's learning materials and tutorials.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format:
The oral presentation is up to 10 minutes in length. A second marker may be present, or a video recording taken, to assist moderation. Assessment Task 1 must be passed to pass the course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Competence in key communication skills (reflection, paraphrasing, questioning, etc.)
1
2
Demonstration of active listening and rapport building behaviours
1
3
Management of environmental factors (seating, lighting, etc.)
2
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation
All - Assessment Task 2:Professional Competencies
Goal:
You will complete oral presentations to demonstrate your knowledge and practice of safe procedures in a range of professional competency skills relating to Occupational Therapy.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format:
Skills and professional competencies will be assessed in the practice education sessions from week 5 through to week 13. A second marker may be present, or video recording taken, to assist moderation. A written Subjective Objective Assessment Plan (SOAP) note of up to 500 words is expected for one of the assigned tasks relating to a case study. Assessment Task 2 must be passed to pass the course.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Appropriate professional communication and manner
1
2
Safe and ethical conduct
2
3
Demonstration of appropriate manual handling techniques
2
4
Demonstration of appropriate infection control techniques
2
5
Application of therapeutic techniques used in Occupational Therapy
2 3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Applying technologies

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Curtin, Egan & Adams 2017 Occupational Therapy for People Experiencing Illness, Injury Or Impairment (7th ed.) Occupational Therapy Essential

Specific requirements

You are required to wear appropriate clothing for learning involving movement (manual handling). Uniform is mandatory for all practice education sessions. Students should access Canvas for all course requirements. Queries regarding assessment will be addressed on Canvas discussion boards instead of email. Other questions can be discussed with your Course Coordinators via appointment during designated contact hours as specified on Canvas.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Limited Graded Course:
This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the USC.
In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au