Clinical Processes in Speech Pathology A

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Health and Wellbeing

Unit Title:

Clinical Processes in Speech Pathology A

Unit ID:

HEASP5014

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

061707

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an in depth understanding of the clinical processes and skills of speech pathology, and to the range of practice areas and settings that speech pathologists work within. The unit will present an overview of the history of the speech pathology profession, along with reflection cycles and foundational skills in understanding and applying evidence-based practice. Students will learn about how the profession links to and draws on a range of other disciplines. The unit introduces the professional frameworks that guide speech pathology practice in Australia; these include Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework, Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Students will begin to apply these frameworks and linkages whilst developing the relevant academic and communication skills associated with assignments, class presentations, professional portfolio development and reflective learning activities. Through the support of lectures, workshops and case studies, students will begin to develop their understanding of the clinical processes used in a range of speech pathology areas. Students will also learn evidence-based practice skills of locating and analysing information from different sources of evidence, including the research literature, the client, and the clinical background. Initially there will be a focus on assessment, interpretation, diagnosis and reporting on assessment findings.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Explain and explore the scope of speech pathology practice, interprofessional practice, and the professional role of Speech Pathologists.

K2.	Explain the speech pathology professional framework, its relevance to speech pathology practice and how it helps direct clinical processes

Skills:

S1.	Reflect, analyse and provide supportive feedback on one's own and others contributions to a team activity and provide constructive feedback.

S2.	Demonstrate an indepth understanding and application of professional standards to clinical practice scenarios/processes and demonstrate effective teamwork skills.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Demonstrate effective communication in a range of settings including oral and written English language and visual media

A2.	Apply research and literature to speech evidence-based scholarly practice

Unit Content:

Professional Standards for Speech Pathologist in Australia (2020), Speech Pathology Guidelines for Reporting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Development and Inclusions (2018), FedUni STRETCH Reconciliation Action Plan (2019-2022), National Quality and Safeguarding Framework (NQSF, 2018), National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (2017-2019) and National Aged Care Quality Standards (2019) have substantially informed the syllabus/content of this unit. Topics may inlcude:

The role of a speech pathologist: - What is a speech pathologist? - Service delivery and the role of speech pathologists across the a range of practice areas communication and swallowing. - Communication as a basic human right - Culture and speech pathology practice

Professional frameworks - Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework - Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics

Professional practice - Introduction to professional communication - Inter-professional practice - Evidence-based practice - Defining EBP and relevance to speech pathology - Types of evidence - Steps in EBP: Asking, locating, organising, analysing and evaluating research - EBP and ethical practice - Credible evidence in research, evidence-based practice and academic integrity - Research Design and Methods - Client centred/family centred practice

Professional skills - Clinical reasoning - Developing skills for lifelong learning and professional practice - Frameworks for reflection - Self evaluation

Clinical processes - Assessment - Interpretation - Diagnosis - Reporting on assessment findings

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1, K2, S2, A2	Quizzes to test knowledge throughout semester.	Online Quizzes	5-15%
2.	K1, K2, S2, A1, A2	Case Study	Individual Written Assignment	15-40%
3.	K1, K2, S1, S2, A1, A2	Essay demonstrating reflective cycles and life long learning.	Reflective written assignment	15-30%
4.	K1, K2, S2, A2	Examination on unit content	Written Exam	30-40%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency