96850 Virtual Clinical Placement 1
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 3 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 96849c Introduction to Genetic Counselling
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Simulation immerses students in authentic experiences, enabling the development of core genetic counselling skills. During this virtual clinical placement subject, students work in teams, supported by experienced clinical educators and genetic counsellors, to plan and undertake a range of core genetic counselling tasks and activities. Students are introduced to clinical prioritisation frameworks and intake processes. They plan and make intake calls and prepare for and participate in a simulated clinic. Healthcare documentation and letter-writing skills are introduced and practiced. Ethical practice, professionalism and academic integrity are integrated into the activities in this subject. Students are encouraged to reflect on their skill development during the virtual clinical placement.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 003. | Use basic counselling skills including active listening, attending, reflecting, clarifying and summarising |
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| 004. | Engage in client-centred genetic counselling practice |
| 005. | Elicit clients’ beliefs and values, hopes and concerns about genetic |
| 006. | Respect, protect and maintain client confidentiality |
| 010. | Collect, draw and enter family history information to complete a family tree |
| 012. | Engage in accurate healthcare documentation practices |
| 013. | Identify, synthesise, organise and summarise genetic/genomic information for use in genetic counselling activities |
| 018. | Engage in reflective genetic counselling practice |
| 031. | Develop communication and presentation skills for a variety of audiences including healthcare professionals and the general public |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
The learning outcomes for this subject are as follows:
- Contribute to the delivery and practice of evidence-based genetic and genomic health care. (1.1)
- Engage in reflective practice relating to professional genetic counselling practice. (1.2)
- Engage in appropriate and effective relationships with people from diverse communities whilst demonstrating awareness of cultural and societal diversity and disparity in healthcare. (2.2)
- Facilitate appropriate and ethical implementation of genomic healthcare by interpreting and communicating information provided by genetic and genomic technology in a supportive manner with individuals, families, healthcare professionals and the wider community. (3.1)
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within the delivery of genetic and genomic health care. (4.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This simulated clinical placement subject introduces students to a range of skills and activities that are used in clinical practice, Students are provided with a range of activities designed to support the development of genetic counselling communication as they become culturally sensitive, empathic, person-centred practitioners.
The subject contributes to the following graduate attributes:
Practice ready
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills participate in the provision of evidence-based care to clients and their families and work collaboratively with other healthcare practitioners across interdisciplinary settings.
Culturally sensitive
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills are self-reflective and culturally sensitive, capable of working alongside culturally and societally diverse groups.?
Person-centred?
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills are empathic, person-centred healthcare practitioners who facilitate understanding and adaptation to information provided by genetic and genomic technology.?
Professionally aware
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Counselling Skills are professional and ethical co-workers who uphold knowledge and competency standards both locally and globally.?They are equipped to contribute to advancements in genetic counselling.
Teaching and learning strategies
Preparation for Learning: Pre-work is undertaken on Canvas prior to weekly live and online workshops. Students will be provided with preparation activities each week, including readings, discussions, questions to prompt reflection, case studies and videos that prepare them for the live and online sessions. Please ensure that prep work is carried out prior to the live and online session so that you have spent time accessing and making sense of ideas. Attending the live and online workshops will allow you to test these ideas and further consolidate your learning.
Live and online workshops: Weekly live and online workshops provide students with opportunities to participate in discussion, simulated clinical activities and problem-based learning activities. The activities in the weekly workshops build on the pre-work and allow time to clarify and ask questions on content learning. Students will work in small groups and as a class during the workshops. Class work will often involve case-based learning activities. Students will participate in simulated clinical activities to assist with preparation for the workplace. Feedback will be provided by the teacher and by peers, using feedback models that will be provided.
Research Integrated Learning: Taking an evidence-based approach to healthcare practice is an essential skill. Current research is integrated into the content provided in pre-work and workshops. Students are encouraged to read, discuss and utilise current research in the context of providing evidence-based genetic counselling care.
Reflective Learning: Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their learning and their skill development throughout the subject, to identify areas where they may improve their practice. Reflective learning will be encouraged through specific activities in Canvas and during the workshops over the duration of the session.
Ongoing feedback: Verbal feedback will be provided throughout the subject during the live and online workshops. There will be weekly opportunities to discuss ideas and experiences and receive feedback during the live and online workshops. Students will receive feedback on assessment tasks to assist with skill development. Opportunities for verbal formative feedback on assessment tasks are available prior to the due date and summative feedback is provided following final submission.
Content (topics)
Module 1: Introduction to virtual clinical placement (week 1)
Module 2: Clinical prioritization, intake, healthcare documentation, presentation skills and clinic preparation (weeks 2-4)
Module 3: Virtual clinic (week 5)
Module 4: Sharing experiences and reflecting together (week 6)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Presentation
| Intent: | Case presentations and teamwork are integral to healthcare, including in the rapidly evolving field of genetic and genomic medicine. Working in groups, students will prepare and present a case seen during the virtual clinical placement. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 013 and 031 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 1.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Case presentation, 8 minutes plus two minutes for questions |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on your ability to:
Detailed assessment criteria will be provided in Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: Virtual clinical placement workbook, participation and reflection, (must pass)
| Intent: | Preparation to integrate genetic counselling skills and knowledge into clinical practice is essential if the learning is to be used effectively in the workplace. This task asks students to participate in a range of clinical skills, document their activities and write a brief reflection of their learning. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task is aligned with the following subject learning objectives: 003, 004, 005, 006, 010, 012 and 018 This task is aligned with the following course learning outcomes: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
| Length: | A template will be provided for the workbook. Word limits will apply to each section of the logbook. A 300 word structured reflection will be submitted with the logbook. |
| Criteria: | You will be assessed on: Your participation in all aspects of the virtual clinical placement Engagement with person-centred genetic counselling including triage, intake, healthcare documentation and clinic activities Reflection on your learning during this subject |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this Subject, a minimum grade of 50% must be achieved and students must submit all assessment tasks. The final assessment task is a ‘must-pass’ assessment in which a minimum grade of 50% must be achieved.
Students are required to attend a minimum of 85% of weekly live and online workshops.
Required texts
Coursework Assessments Procedures
Graduate School of Health Policy, Guidelines and Procedures (login required).
Additional required readings will be provided via Canvas