Integrated clinical and academic curricula

Developed by: the School of Physiotherapy
The University of Sydney

Teaching and learning strategy

In the undergraduate program at the University of Sydney, the Clinical and academic curricula are integrated with students undertaking clinical placements in Year 2, 3, 4. A good example of our integration is the Mentored Clinical placement which is undertaken in first semester of second year. Students attend clinical sites 1 day per week for seven weeks and are required to undertake workbook tasks. The assigned tasks are directly related to 3 academic units of study which are running concurrently in semester 1 of year 2. The three units of study are: Clinical Observation and Measurement, Professional Practice and Evidence Based Physiotherapy. The assessment of these three units of study reflects the integration of the clinical and academic curricula with the workbook tasks providing a component of the assessment in each of the three academic units of study.

The delivery of the academic units of study involve lecture and tutorial format utilising many forms of media including powerpoint, web based materials and digital photos and videos. The clinical components provide a series of practical tasks which need to be completed such as measurement of joint range and muscle strength while others involve observation and structured reflection.

In what course/ subject/ unit/ module/ program is the teaching and learning practice used?

Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), integrated clinical and academic curricula in Clinical observation and Measurement, Evidence Based Physiotherapy and Professional Practice

In what year level are the students who participate in the teaching/ learning practice?

Year 2 Semester 1

Expected learning outcomes from the teaching and learning practice:

During this clinical placement students will have the opportunity to:
  • Apply the theory that you have learnt in the Units of Study: Clinical Observation and Measurement, Evidence Based Practice and Professional Practice.
  • Access information from a variety of sources in the completion of the workbook tasks and in clinical problem solving.
  • Develop skills in collecting, analysing and reporting clinical observations.
  • Begin to develop the written and verbal communication skills needed for clinical work.
  • Develop the ability to work well with other members of a health care team.
  • Observe occupational health and safety guidelines, infection control and emergency procedures in the clinical setting.
  • Discuss the role of the physiotherapist and other health care professionals in the clinical setting.
  • Begin to develop the communication and time management skills required to work as part of a health care team.
  • Develop skills in self evaluation by reflecting upon your performance of the learning tasks described in this manual.
  • Demonstrate professionalism by preparing for this clinical placement as outlined above and adhering to the regulations of the clinical workplace.
Aspects of the teaching and learning practice which make it particularly effective.

One particularly effective aspect of teaching and learning practice is the linkage between the academic and clinical curricula. Students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in academic units of study directly in a clinical setting. In addition the assessment is integrated with the clinical tasks contributing to the marks for the academic unit both academic and clinical components are valued.

Evaluation:

The mentored clinical placement is evaluated by surveying students and clinical mentors. In addition clinical mentors undertake a training workshop taught by the Clinical Education team

What were the outcomes of the evaluation?

The workbook tasks were trialed in 2004 as part of a 4 week Yr 2 placement and were well received by students and educators. However the general consensus was the number of tasks was too high to be completed in the 7 day timeframe. Therefore, modification of the workbook tasks was undertaken in response to the student and educator feedback. The Mentored Clinical placement in its integrated academic and clinical form ran for the first time in 2005. Analysis of formal evaluations of students and mentors is underway.

Feedback from the Clinical Mentor training workshop was extremely positive.

Do you have any plans to make changes to the teaching and learning practice?

The formal evaluation of the placement by clinical mentors and students will be reviewed and modification made where necessary. .

If so, describe the changes you plan to make.

The workbook tasks will change as the material presented in the academic components is modified and updated to be consistent with the latest developments and evidence in physiotherapy.

Contact details

Name: Dr Catherine Dean
Address: School of Physiotherapy
The University of Sydney
Faculty of Health Science
P O Box 170
Lidcombe 1825
URL: http://ptwww.fhs.usyd.edu.au/Homesite