Physiotherapy Honours Thesis 2 (8993.2)

In this unit the honours research project commenced in Physiotherapy Honours Thesis 1 is continued. Research skills in critical analysis of evidence, methodology and research design are developed. This research work is developed into the honours thesis over the three honours units. Skills in interpretation of results and understanding of the implications of these results are developed. This research work is presented as the honours thesis.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit student, will be able to:
1. Independently analyse and interpret data derived from the research project;
2. Identify and critically review the implications and limitations of the research;
3. Synthesise the research findings and place them within the current context of the research field;
4. Communicate the results of the research project in a form appropriate to the profession; and
5. Execute data collection to a standard acceptable to the field of study.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

On 1 May 2015, the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand released the bi national Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds (2015). The new Practice Thresholds replace the Australian Standards for Physiotherapy (2006). The Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds set the requirements for all New Zealand and Australian Physiotherapy graduates.

Overview of roles and key competencies

.	Key competencies Registered physiotherapists in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are able to:
1. Physiotherapy practitioner	1.1 plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2 involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3 review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 1.4 advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2. Professional and ethical practitioner	2.1 comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 2.2 make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 2.3 recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3. Communicator	3.1 use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2 record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 3.3 deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
4. Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner	4.1 assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.2 evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 4.3 efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 4.4 proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice 4.5 recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5. Collaborative practitioner	5.1 engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 5.2 engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6. Educator	6.1 use education to empower themselves and others 6.2 seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7. Manager/leader	7.1 organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member 7.2 lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks

Prerequisites

11761 Physiotherapy Honours Thesis 1

Corequisites

Enrolment in 202JA Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Statistics or data analysis.