Course coordinator
Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
In this course students will be mentored and clinically coached with a focus on clinical reasoning mastery during the Patient Interview using their current patient caseload. This will be undertaken in the form of an online Clinical Community of Practice, to additionally advance skills in communication, collaboration, as well as scholarly skills in clinical education, peer review, feedback and assessment literacy.
Course requirements
Restrictions
MPhty students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Zhiqi Liang
Mr Tim Duffy
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Develop advanced practitioner skills in clinical reasoning in the management and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on effective patient interviewing to inform; patient-centred care and safety, diagnosis, physical examination priorities, and management priorities.
Utilise an online Clinical Community of Practice approach to advance skills in communication, collaboration, as well as scholarly skills in clinical education, peer review, feedback and assessment literacy.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Conduct a patient interview that uses a systematic ‘reflection in action’ clinical reasoning approach to information gathering collaboratively with the patient.
LO2.
Demonstrate advanced communication skills when conducting a patient interview, including the communication of findings with patients, colleagues and other relevant stakeholders.
LO3.
Critically appraise and clinically reason patient interview findings in a manner that informs patient safety, diagnosis, physical assessment priorities, and shared decision making with regard to patient goals and potential management strategies.
LO4.
Demonstrate capacity to further explore and evaluate relevant patient interview findings and outcomes with the use of appropriate resources (eg. questionnaires, instruments).
LO5.
Demonstrate scholarly skills within a Clinical Community of Practice in clinical education and peer review, including feedback and assessment literacy.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Reflection |
Clinician - Clinical Community of Practice
|
60% 20% per case |
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates will fall between Week 3 commencing 10/03/2025 - Week 13 commencing 26/05/2025. |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection |
Clinical Coach - Clinical Community of Practice
|
30% 10% per case |
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates will fall between Week 3 commencing 10/03/2025 - Week 13 commencing 26/05/2025. |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection |
Clinical Examiner - Clinical Community of Practice
|
10% Last 5 cases worth 2% each |
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates will fall between Week 3 commencing 10/03/2025 - Week 13 commencing 26/05/2025. |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Clinical Reasoning Forms
|
Pass/Fail |
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 10 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Clinician - Clinical Community of Practice
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 60% 20% per case
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates will fall between Week 3 commencing 10/03/2025 - Week 13 commencing 26/05/2025.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessed, Work integrated learning.
Task description
Over the course students will present 3 pre-recorded patient interviews to their Clinical Community of Practice, followed by a case-based clinical reasoning style presentation outlining their clinical reasoning related to the findings of the patient interview, which will include further discussion and questions amongst the Clinical Community of Practice.
Time allowed for each presentation includes: 1 hour to record a 20-minute patient interview; 3.5 hours case-based clinical reasoning presentation preparation; 1.5 hours for presentation (listening to recording of interview/case presentation/questioning) = 6 hours/case as Clinician x 3 occasions = 18 hours.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request and provide evidence of circumstance as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension and how to apply for an assessment extensions can be found at: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland.
Clinical Coach - Clinical Community of Practice
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Performance, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% 10% per case
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates will fall between Week 3 commencing 10/03/2025 - Week 13 commencing 26/05/2025.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessment factor, Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L05
Task description
Each student will clinically coach 3 of the Clinical Community of Practice Sessions. The Clinical Coach will be responsible for leading the group session and subsequent questioning, feedback and peer review.
Time allowed for each Clinical Coach Session includes 30 minutes preparation time + 1.5 hours for presentation (listening to recording of interview/questioning). Therefore 3 x 2-hour sessions = 6 hours.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request and provide evidence of circumstance as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension and how to apply for an assessment extensions can be found at: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland.
Clinical Examiner - Clinical Community of Practice
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Placement, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 10% Last 5 cases worth 2% each
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due dates will fall between Week 3 commencing 10/03/2025 - Week 13 commencing 26/05/2025.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L05
Task description
Each student will mock clinically examine 6 of the Clinical Community of Practice Sessions using the marking Rubric that is also used by the staff clinical educator.
Time allowed for each mock examination session includes 30 mins prep time + 1.5 hours for presentation (listening to recording of interview/examining) = 12 hours dedicated to Clinical Examiner.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request and provide evidence of circumstance as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension and how to apply for an assessment extensions can be found at: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland.
Clinical Reasoning Forms
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
Due weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 10
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
Students will complete 5 clinical reasoning forms (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 10) for a patient they have seen in their clinical caseload (note this is a separate patient to that used in their case presentations) and submit to the course coordinator. Time given for this is 4 hours/form accounting for 2 hours form completion and 2 hours reviewing relevant information from the literature = Total 20 hours. This is a pass/fail component of the course.
Hurdle requirements
Student must achieve a passing grade for the Clinical Reasoning Forms (a Pass/Fail assessment) to pass this course overall.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 49 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 49%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 50 - 59 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 50 - 59%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 60% or higher but who does not pass must pass assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 60 - 69 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 60 - 69% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 70 - 79 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 70 - 79% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 80 - 89 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 80 - 89% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 90 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 90 - 100% and has passed the 'must pass' assessment items noted below. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items, as follows: student must achieve a passing grade for the Clinical Reasoning Forms (a Pass/Fail assessment). You must pass this item to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 60% or higher, the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of Generative AI in Student Placements
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) are increasingly used in society. In terms of clinical placements, students are not permitted to use AI unless explicitly indicated by the provider that this use is permitted, and the parameters of use are clear. If these are not explicit, students are expected to consult with their practice educators before implementation to determine the acceptability of generative AI use and ensure that any potential risks associated with the intended use are addressed. AI is not a replacement of, or substitute for, professional reasoning or clinical skills. Human oversight is essential in its use, and to employ generative AI effectively and responsibly, students must understand how AI works, including its functions, data storage methods, and its impact on adherence to professional codes of conduct.
If used on placement, students are responsible for any outputs generated by AI, such as clinical notes and reports, and will be held accountable for the actions of any AI that is used in clinical practice. This responsibility includes ensuring adherence to the relevant profession's code of conduct and ethical standards. Transparency about generative AI use is essential in placement environments. Students must follow the relevant policies and procedures of their placement provider. Students are reminded that they need to demonstrate their ability to meet the inherent requirements of the relevant profession, operate within its scope of practice, and ensure that client/patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Clinical Hours |
Clinical Reasoning Forms Students will complete a clinical reasoning form for a patient they have seen in their clinic (note this is a separate patient to that used in their case presentations) and submit to the course coordinator. Students will submit 5 clinical reasoning forms across the semester in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 10. This is a pass/fail component of the course. Clinical reasoning forms ask a series of questions of the clinician to prompt reflection and justification on their thought process throughout a patient interaction at various time points. These time points are after the subjective exam, after the objective exam, after the first session, after ~ 4 sessions and on discharge. The clinical reasoning form will be provided to you and explained further in the course introduction. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 13 |
Clinical coaching |
Clinical Community of Practice Online Mentoring Sessions Students will be divided into Clinical Community of Practice groups of 4 over the course. Groups will interact in mentored and clinically coached sessions with a focus on clinical reasoning mastery during the Patient Interview using their current patient caseload. This learning activity will occur in 6 x 2-week blocks across the semester. Each block will consist of 2 students/group presenting two separate cases to the group. Each case presentation will incorporate listening to a pre-recorded patient interview followed by a case-based clinical reasoning presentation, questions, feedback and peer review, and group discussion. For each case students will either be taking on the role of Clinician (presenter), Clinical Coach, or Clinical Examiner (2 per case). The UQ staff clinical educator will facilitate the session when needed but the emphasis is on peer learning. This learning activity will require reflective practice and draw on the skills & expertise of the student peer group. Across the semester 12 different case presentations will occur. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.