Course overview
This course is one of six (or five for Research Honours students) clinical practice courses across different specific areas of practice. Students will have opportunity to meet competency thresholds in different practice areas for accreditation as a physiotherapist. Students will be in supervised clinical practice for five weeks and will undertake prescribed independent learning. This course will be supervised by registered physiotherapists and may be organised outside normal teaching weeks. Students will develop specific competencies in the assessment of clients' problems and needs, analysis of assessment findings, formulation of short- and long-term goals and development, implementation and evaluation of intervention plans. Students will apply specialised knowledge, cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner.
Course learning outcomes
- Practice responsibly and flexibly, applying well-developed professional behaviour appropriate to at least the minimum standard expected for a beginner/entry level physiotherapist.
- Communicate effectively and appropriately with clients, carers, family and health professional colleagues both in a team and independently to at least the minimum standard expected for a graduate level physiotherapist.
- Conduct well developed, sensitive and case specific client interviews to at least the minimum standard expected for a graduate physiotherapist.
- Perform broad, safe, and accurate physical assessments.
- Analyse and critically evaluate assessment findings accurately to identify client's problems and set realistic short and long term goals.
- Evaluate evidence and collaborate with clients and other health care professionals (as needed) to formulate all aspects of client management ensuring safe and appropriate interventions.
- Apply highly skilled knowledge and demonstrate adaptability to educate clients, carers and other health care professionals, considering client and carer needs, preferences and goals for ongoing care.
- Apply broad and coherent knowledge and skills to implement discharge planning to address specific client and carer's needs and preferences for ongoing care.
- Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes, and plan ongoing personal and professional development.