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Course Outline

PAR203 Paramedic Clinical Practicum 2

Course Coordinator:Nicole Beesley (nbeesley@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Paramedicine

2024Session 8

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 course will include on campus workshops, and pre-hospital or community based work integrated learning to a maximum of 4 weeks. This course is designed to be an experiential learning opportunity as a member of an operational paramedic crew. Students may also undertake supervised activities in the community setting. Students will be required to work through a range of learning activities outlined within a specifically designed student clinical and professional objectives learning tool. Students will complete and submit a portfolio which will form the basis of assessment for this course.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – A combination of intensive tutorials and laboratories completed on campus over 3 days prior to the session commencing, 6 hours each day 18hrs Pre-semester/trimester/session Once Only
Placement – QAS placement - over 3 weeks 120hrs Week 2 Once Only

Course Topics

Introduction to work integrated learning as a member of an operational paramedic crew.

Application of knowledge and skills acquired in prerequisite courses during your WIL placement.

Application of patient centred care to vulnerable populations within the community setting

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 * Paramedicine Board of Australia
1 Demonstrate PBA capabilities and core clinical competencies whilst under supervision. Engaged 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2 Participates under supervision in work integrated learning and paramedic activities while demonstrating professional behaviours and adherence to Code of Conduct. Empowered 
1.1.a, 1.1.b, 1.1.c, 1.1.d, 1.1.e, 1.1.f, 1.1.i, 1.2.b, 1.3.a, 1.3.b, 1.4.a, 1.4.b, 1.1, 1.3, 3.4.c, 3.4.d, 3.4.e, 3.3
3 Critically reflect on professional paramedic practice through the lens of National Safety and Quality in Health Service standards and the Paramedicine Board of Australia Professional Paramedic Capabilities Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical 
1.1.a, 1.1.b, 1.1.c, 1.1.d, 1.1.e, 1.1.j, 1.1.k, 1.2.d, 1.3.a, 1.3.b, 1.4.b, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1.a, 2.1.b, 2.1.c, 2.1.d, 2.1.e, 2.1.f, 2.1.g, 2.1.h, 2.2.a, 2.2.b, 2.2.c, 2.2.e, 2.2.f, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1.a, 3.1.b, 3.2.a, 3.2.b, 3.2.c, 3.2.d, 3.2.e, 3.2.f, 3.3.a, 3.3.b, 3.3.c, 3.3.d, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1.a, 4.2.a, 4.4.b, 4.4.c, 4.4.d, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5.1.d, 5.1.e, 5.2.a, 5.2.e, 5.3.a, 5.3.b, 5.3.d, 5.3.e, 5.3.f, 5.4.b, 5.4.d, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Paramedicine Board of Australia
1 Domain 1: The professional and ethical practitioner
1.1.a Demonstrate understanding of: reporting obligations, legal responsibilities, legal requirements, ethical and professional responsibilities, and the legal and ethical boundaries of paramedicine practice.
1.1.b Manage personal, mental and physical health to ensure fitness to practice.
1.1.c Follow mandatory and voluntary reporting obligations.
1.1.d Apply the Paramedicine Board of Australia’s Code of conduct to their practice.
1.1.e Provide relevant information to a patient and demonstrate appropriate methods to obtain informed consent.
1.1.f Demonstrate knowledge of Australia’s healthcare systems, their standards and requirements.
1.1.i Exercise appropriate levels of autonomy and professional judgement in a variety of practice settings.
1.2.b Display appropriate professional behaviour in patient interactions.
1.3.a Recognise and respond appropriately to unsafe or unprofessional practice.
1.3.b Integrate organisational directives, policies, procedures and guidelines with Professional standards.
1.4.a Demonstrate understanding of the principles of patient advocacy and their application to paramedicine practice.
1.4.b Recognise when it may be appropriate to intervene on the patient’s behalf.
1.1.j Operate within the current legislation applicable to paramedicine practice.
1.1.k Practise in accordance with the applicable legislation governing the safe use of scheduled medicines by paramedics in the jurisdiction of practice.
1.2.d Identify and respect appropriate boundaries between patients and health professionals.
1.1 Practise ethically and professionally, consistent with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
1.2 Provide each patient with an appropriate level of dignity and care
1.3 Assume responsibility, and accept accountability, for professional decisions
1.4 Advocate on behalf of the patient, when appropriate in the context of the practitioner’s practice as a paramedic
2 Domain 2: The communicator and the collaborator
2.1.a Establish a rapport with the patient to gain understanding of their issues and perspectives, and to encourage their active participation and partnership in care and/or treatment.
2.1.b Communicate with the patient and/or other relevant people to collect and convey information and reach an agreement about the purpose of any care and treatment.
2.1.c Convey knowledge and procedural information in ways that engender trust and confidence, and respects patient confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
2.1.d Respond appropriately to patient queries or issues.
2.1.e Use appropriate communication skills to effectively manage avoidance, confusion and confrontation particularly with those who cannot communicate verbally or physically.
2.1.f Identify and effectively manage communication barriers, including anxiety and stress, specific to individual patients and/or carers.
2.1.g Make appropriate adjustments to communication style to suit the needs of the patient including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
2.1.h Make provisions to engage third parties, including interpreters, to facilitate effective communication with patients whose first language is not English, whenever possible.
2.2.a Establish and maintain effective and respectful collaborative working relationships as a member of a healthcare team.
2.2.b Demonstrate an understanding of professional roles and responsibilities of healthcare team members and other service providers and how they interact with the role of a paramedic.
2.2.c Follow appropriate protocols, procedures and guidelines to give and receive relevant and timely verbal and written communication.
2.2.e Consult effectively with healthcare team members and other relevant people to facilitate continuity of care.
2.2.f Make appropriate referrals, delegations and handovers to other healthcare team members and other service providers.
2.1 Communicate clearly, sensitively and effectively with the patient and other relevant people
2.2 Collaborate with other health practitioners
3 Domain 3: The evidence-based practitioner
3.4.c Seek input from others to confirm professional learning and development needs.
3.4.d Plan and implement steps to address professional learning and development needs, inclusive of culturally safe practice.
3.4.e Maintain records of involvement in both formal and informal professional learning and development activities.
3.1.a Operate within a framework of making informed, evidence-based, reasonable and professional judgements about their practice, with acting in the best interests of their patients as their primary concern.
3.1.b Make sensible, practical, and culturally safe decisions about their practice, taking account of all relevant information and the best interests of the people who use, or are affected by, the service being provided.
3.2.a Apply evidence-based practice principles along with critical and reflective thinking to resolve clinical challenges.
3.2.b Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem-solving and situation analysis.
3.2.c Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected to make clinical judgments.
3.2.d Recognise that clinical judgements involve consideration of conflicting information and evidence.
3.2.e Formulate a diagnosis informed by the patient assessment and analysis of context and situation.
3.2.f Identify the time criticality of treatment, referral, handover and where appropriate, transport.
3.3.a Select or modify approaches to meet the needs of patients, their relatives and carers, reflecting culturally safe practice when practicing.
3.3.b Practise situational awareness to changes in risks or hazards and change their practice as needed to take account of new developments.
3.3.c Using appropriate resources to support professional decision-making.
3.3.d Demonstrate a level of skill in the use of information technology appropriate to their practice.
3.1 Make informed and reasonable decisions
3.2 Use clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to determine clinical judgements and appropriate actions
3.3 Draw on appropriate knowledge, resources and skills in order to make professional judgements
4 Domain 4: The safety and risk management practitioner
4.1.a Follow patient identification procedures to confirm the correct match of a patient with the intended procedure, care and/or treatment.
4.2.a Demonstrate knowledge of legal responsibilities for health and safety of self and others.
4.4.b Keep accurate, comprehensive, logical, legible and concise records.
4.4.c Use only accepted terminology in completing patient records.
4.4.d Review, communicate, record and manage patient information accurately, consistent with protocols, procedures and legislative requirements for maintaining patient records.
4.1 Protect and enhance patient safety
4.2 Maintain safety of self and others in the work environment
4.4 Maintain records appropriately
5 Domain 5: The paramedicine practitioner
5.1.d Understand the legal requirements that pertain to completing and maintaining health records.
5.1.e Ensure correct verification and management of information and patient privacy.
5.2.a Identify factors or conditions that may affect the patient behaviour and/or capacity to undergo the procedure.
5.2.e Identify and respond to a patient deteriorating condition, or inability to undergo a procedure or treatment, consistent with duty of care and statutory requirements.
5.3.a Understand the structure, function and pathophysiology of the human body, relevant to their practice, together with knowledge of health, human growth and development, disease, disorder and dysfunction.
5.3.b Understand the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
5.3.d Demonstrate an applied knowledge of human anatomy and physiology sufficient to understand the nature and effects of injury or illness and to conduct assessment and observation in order to establish patient management strategies.
5.3.e Understand psychological and social factors, including intergenerational trauma that impact and influence an individual in health and illness.
5.3.f Understand the clinical sciences underpinning paramedic practice, including physiological, pharmacological, behavioural and functional.
5.4.b Practice safely and effectively across the full range of patient presentations and circumstances.
5.4.d Position for safe and effective interventions.
5.1 Use patient information management systems appropriately
5.2 Assess and monitor the patient capacity to receive care
5.3 Understand the key concepts of the bodies of knowledge which are specifically relevant to paramedicine practice
5.4 Conduct appropriate diagnostic or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely

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

PAR103 and PAR202 and enrolled in Program SC395 or SC306

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

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

Formative feedback and summative assessment will be provided during the intensive components prior to placement. Feedback will be provided to the student by the clinical supervisor throughout clinical practicum. This feedback will be uploaded by the student to Canvas.

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 1a Quiz/zes Individual 
15 mins
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Test (Quiz)
All 1b Practical / Laboratory Skills Individual 
Clinical skill demonstration
 Refer to Format In Class
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 
15 mins
 Refer to Format In Class
All 3a Journal Individual 
N/A
 Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3b Journal Individual 
N/A
 Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3c Code of Conduct Individual 
N/A
 Week 6 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1a:Capability Testing - Online quiz
Goal: 
Efficiently demonstrate the clinical examination of a patient and application of technical skills in accordance to the Paramedicine Board of Australia capabilities and the core clinical competencies.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format: 
The student is required to demonstrate knowledge of clinical skills during intensive week.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
1 Implementation of core clinical competencies 2 Demonstration of the integration of knowledge to a clinical setting 3 Patient assessment and gathering evidence
 1
All - Assessment Task 1b:Capability testing - practical skill demonstration
Goal: 
In a simulated environment, you will demonstrate the clinical examination of a patient and application of technical skills in accordance to the Paramedicine Board of Australia capabilities and the core clinical competencies.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills
Format: 
The student is required to demonstrate knowledge of clinical skills during intensive week.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
1 Implementation of core clinical competencies
2 Demonstration of the integration of knowledge to a clinical setting 
3 Patient assessment and gathering evidence
 1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Clinical Case Reflection
Goal: 
Demonstrate principles of reflection on patient centred care
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format: 
To provide evidence of the principles of reflection, and ethical and clinical decision making using the Gibbs reflective model at a developing emergency care level

Presentation dates will be provided during intensive week
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
•	Identification and reporting on barriers to effective communication 
•	Proposal of strategies to improve communication 
•	Reflection on professional paramedic practice using the Gibbs reflective model
 3
All - Assessment Task 3a:Portfolio of Competencies - Journal for evaluating professional behaviour
Goal: 
Development of a portfolio of evidence of professional behaviours demonstrated during WIL experience
Product: Journal
Format: 
To provide evidence, and reflection on, of the demonstrated professional behaviours in accordance with the PBA capabilities, with feedback from the Clinical Supervisor and Officer in Charge at the QAS. The professional behaviour template is included in the course Clinical Practice Portfolio.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Knowledge of scope of practice and adherence to code of conduct 
Demonstrated PBA capabilities in accordance with the code of conduct 
Completion of the required hours
 1 3
All - Assessment Task 3b:Portfolio of Competencies - Clinical hours log
Goal: 
Development of a portfolio of evidence of professional behaviours demonstrated during WIL experience
Product: Journal
Format: 
During your WIL experience an attendance log must be signed by the Supervisor at the completion of each shift and, for QAS, confirmed by the OIC at the conclusion of the placement period.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Completion of the required hours
 1 3
All - Assessment Task 3c:Portfolio of competencies - WIL experience in accordance with the Codes of Conduct
Goal: 
Development of a portfolio of evidence of professional behaviours demonstrated during WIL experience
Product: Code of Conduct
Format: 
To be eligible to pass, you are required to complete each element of the portfolio satisfactorily and adhere to the Code of Conduct. See Canvas for the link to the Code of Conduct.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Knowledge of scope of practice and adherence to code of conduct 
Demonstrated PBA capabilities in accordance with the code of conduct
 1 3

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 Kate Curtis, Clair Ramsden, Margaret Fry, Ramon Z. Shaban,Julie Considine 2019 Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics 3rd Ed Elsevier

Specific requirements

Please refer to the Undergraduate Clinical Placement Information Kit on SONIA for specific placement requirements. A UniSC Student Paramedic uniform and safety equipment as outlined in the Clinical Practicum workbook is mandatory. Note, to be eligible for clinical placement a student must have successfully completed all prerequisite courses prior to commencement of the intensive component of this course. 
If a student has any incomplete prerequisite courses the placement component of this course will be postponed until the prerequisite course is successfully completed.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. 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
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