Complex Case Studies in Speech Pathology

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2025/02

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: 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.	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:
1. • Speech Pathology Australia Range of Practice Areas of:
o Speech
o Language
o Swallowing
o Fluency
o Voice
o Multimodal communication
• 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:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
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