Complex Case Studies in Speech Pathology

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2026/02
Institute / School :Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Unit Title: Complex Case Studies in Speech Pathology
Unit ID: HEASP6024
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): (HEASP5024 and HEASP6012 and HEASP6023)
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): Nil
ASCED: 061707
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

In this unit, students will be presented with unfamiliar complex speech pathology cases. Students will revisit content taught in earlier units, but with increased complexity. Students will also have the opportunity to lead aspects of the case study discussion, thus building on their clinical decision making. They need to work both autonomously and collaboratively to reflect on their current knowledge bases, identify and resolve gaps in their learning and in their knowledge about the case, then discuss and seek solutions to any clinical dilemmas. Students will explore assessment, analysis, interpretation, planning, and implementation of intervention of various speech pathology related conditions. Students will be required to draw on their various knowledge bases, evaluate, integrate, and reason in order to provide evidence based, client centred assessment and intervention. Students will also have to consider the social model of health, as well as cultural, moral, ethical, legal, occupational, social/emotional and/or service delivery challenges. Inquiry-based learning is a studentcentred learning approach that promotes self-directed independent and interdependent lifelong learning. The case studies will provide a platform for reflection, discussion, problem solving and decision making

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
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:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                        
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
K1.

Independently critically evaluate and integrate information gathered about a case and use this information to diagnose conditions and justify evidence-based practice decisions

Skills:
S1.

Using evidence-based practice, identify professional development opportunities by recognising and resolving gaps in their learning and in their knowledge about the case.

S2.

Explore, understand and be able to discuss the various non-medical or diagnostic factors, which may impact on clinical decision making

Application of knowledge and skills:
A1.

Independently facilitate and lead aspects of the case study discussion

A2.

Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the Speech Pathology Professional Standards

A3.

Demonstrate strong communication skills by being able to articulate clinical reasoning, decisions and justification for decisions in written and oral forms for both professional and non-professional audiences

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), 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 include:

  • Practice areas of communication and swallowing

• Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards

• Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics

• Evidence-Based Practice

• International Classification of Disability, Functioning and Health

• Culturally responsive service provision

o Awareness of the influence of culture, cultural practices, and the importance of cultural safety when engaging with individuals, families, and communities

• Investigation of complexity in clinical context, taking into consideration

o medical diagnoses

o speech pathology and other co-occurring diagnosis

o environmental factors (e.g. family situation, resources, educational, social or physical environmental factors)

• Consideration of ethical issues related to clients with complexity and their families (e.g. vulnerable children, end of life/palliative care, advocacy and self-advocacy)

Graduate Attributes:
Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptorDevelopment and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
Level
FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal

Students at this level will demonstrate an advanced ability in a range of contexts to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display high level skills in-person and/or online in: • Using and demonstrating a high level of verbal and non-verbal communication • Demonstrating a mastery of listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Demonstrating and showing empathy for others • High order skills in negotiating and conflict resolution skills\\ • Demonstrating mastery of working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 2
Leadership

Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery in professional skills and behaviours in leading others. • Creating and sustaining a collegial environment • Demonstrating a high level of self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect and justify decisions • Inspiring and initiating opportunities to lead others • Making informed professional decisions • Demonstrating initiative in new professional situations.

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity

Students at this level will demonstrate high level skills in working in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically to generate and consider complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level • Analysing complex and abstract ideas, concepts and information • Communicate alternative perspectives to justify complex ideas • Demonstrate a mastery of challenging conventional thinking to clarify complex concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving to new situations for further learning.

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy

Students at this level will demonstrate the ability to work competently across a wide range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Mastering, exploring, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information professionally • Collating, managing complex data, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding professionally to messages in a range of professional digital media • Contributing competently and professionally to digital teams and working groups • Participating at a high level in digital learning opportunities.

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 5
sustainable and Ethical Mindset

Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery of considering and assessing the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting professional ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Demonstrate informed judgment making that considers the impact of devising complex solutions in ambiguous global economic environmental and societal contexts • Professionally committing to the promulgation of social responsibility • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Communicating lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to the diverse professional others • Generating, leading and implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life

1 - Yes
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. K1, S1, S2, A2, A3

Case Study 1

Group presentation

20-45%
2. K1, S1, S2, A2, A3

Case Study 2

Individual written assignment

20-45%
3. K1, S1, S2, A1, A2, A3

Case Study 3

Individual presentation

20-45%
Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency