CQUniversity Unit Profile
NUTR28002 Communication in Distance Health Care and Practice
Communication in Distance Health Care and Practice
All details in this unit profile for NUTR28002 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will develop skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively in health care settings in the culturally and geographically diverse Australian context. You will gain knowledge of the contemporary issues in health communication including the advantages and challenges of technology (for example online, social media and digital health). You will practice communication skills and apply your understanding of effective communication to demonstrate competency in distance health care communication relevant to people from different cultural and geographical backgrounds.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisite: Enrolment into CL88 Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2022

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
2. Group Work
Weighting: 25%
3. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Communicate effectively with people from geographically and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians
  2. Critique different technologies in distance health care communication and their application
  3. Critically discuss the challenges and barriers associated with technology in distance health care and communication
  4. Demonstrate practical skills in using technology effectively in distance health care communication relevant to people from a multicultural background.

Learning outcomes of this unit are linked to the following domains of the 2015 Dietitian Association of Australia’s (DAA) National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia:

  • Domain 1: Practises professionally
  • Domain 4: Collaborates with clients and stakeholders

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Group Work - 25%
3 - Practical Assessment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Group Work - 25%
3 - Practical Assessment - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Roslyn Clapperton Unit Coordinator
r.clapperton@cqu.edu.au
Saman Khalesi Unit Coordinator
s.khalesi@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Principles of communication

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Barriers to communication

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Impact of technology on communication

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Effective client communication

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Professional communication and teamwork

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm


Assessment 1: Written Assessment Due: Week 5 Friday (12 Aug 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Multicultural Communication - First Nations People

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Multicultural Communication - Other cultures

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Nonverbal communication

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Communication in special populations

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm


Assessment 2: Group Work Due: Week 9 Friday (16 Sept 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Communicating with challenging clients

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Communication of health information in the media

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Review Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Zoom tutorial:

Wednesday 3.00 - 5.00pm

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3: Practical Assessment Due: Exam Week Friday (21 Oct 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Term Specific Information

The unit coordinator for this unit is Roslyn Clapperton.

Roslyn is based at the Rockhampton North campus, and the best way to contact Roslyn is via email: r.clapperton@cqu.edu.au


Roslyn has completed a Bachelor of Science (Sports and Exercise) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in exercise physiology. Roslyn is currently in the final stages of a PhD on skeletal muscle capillarisation in patients with peripheral arterial disease and is also an accredited exercise physiologist with clinical experience in both the private and public sector.


Although there are no prescribed textbook(s) for this unit, a collection of reading materials can be accessed via the unit. The lectures for this unit are pre-recorded and will be delivered by Roslyn and various guest lectures. These prerecorded lectures will be released progressively throughout the term on Moodle. There will be weekly online tutorials for this unit that will be facilitated through Zoom. Due to the interactive nature of these tutorials, you are encouraged to attend these live to gain the most from the tutorials. Recordings will be available to review for study purposes.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 1: Written Assessment

Task Description

Over the past few years there has been a shift in the healthcare setting towards the incorporation of technology (e.g. telehealth) to aid in communicating with people. Traditionally, people have been required to meet with a healthcare provider face-to-face, which can be challenging if they lack access to transport, are required to travel long distances, are too unwell to travel, etc. Through the use of technology, the clinician can now communicate with people without them having to attend the practice in person. With the recent pandemic, there has been an increase in clinicians using various types of technology to communicate with people.


For this assessment, you are required to choose two (2) types of health communication that utilises technology to engage with a person. You will need to research these types of communication and develop an essay that outlines the two (2) types, critically evaluates the role and application of this technology in distance health care, and discuss the challenges and barriers associated with using this type of technology.


Your essay (1500 words ± 10%) must include:

  • An introduction that outlines the types of health communication that will be evaluated (approximately 250-300 words),
  • A body section that outlines the scientific literature relating to the role, application, challenges and barriers for each of the health communication types (each type should be discussed separately, and headings can be used for each) (approximately 500 words per type),
  • A conclusion that summarises your findings and includes a statement for each health communication technology (approximately 250-300 words), and
  • References (at least 10) for all scientific and non-scientific sources cited in your essay.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (12 Aug 2022) 5:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Friday (2 Sept 2022)


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

A detailed description and marking rubric will be available on the unit's Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique different technologies in distance health care communication and their application
  • Critically discuss the challenges and barriers associated with technology in distance health care and communication


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Group Work

Assessment Title
Assessment 2: Group Work

Task Description

In your role as a healthcare professional, you will be potentially required to communicate with people from geographically and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Some of this communication may be face-to-face, and some will require the use of technology. It is also likely that you will be working in a team environment with other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary approach. As a healthcare professional, you must be competent in how you communicate with a variety of people and be able to problem solve any challenges that may impact communication between yourself and another person.

There are two components to this assessment: a group work component and a self-reflection component. Group allocations will occur at the end of week four (4), after census date. Students must work as a group to develop and present their case studies.


Part A: Group presentation (80% of the mark)

As a group, you will be required to review two (2) case studies and determine what approach could be taken for each situation. This activity will require you to work as a team to identify and address factors such as the type of person you will be communicating with, what form of communication will be used, how to be effective with your communication, what type of technology and why this type, and any associated barriers and challenges with this particular approach and technology.

As a group, you will present your two (2) case studies and associated solutions to the rest of the cohort during the Week 9 tutorial. You will be required to do a ten (10) minute presentation, which will be followed by a five (5) question and answer time. These sessions will be recorded for moderation purposes.


Part B: Individual self reflection (20% of the mark)

Each team member will individually prepare and submit a brief response to specific questions about the group task. The questions for your reflective report will be available on the unit's Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (16 Sept 2022) 5:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (30 Sept 2022)


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

A detailed description and marking rubric will be available on the unit's Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Each student must submit two documents. The first document should be a copy of the group presentation and the second should be their individual self-reflection.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Communicate effectively with people from geographically and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians
  • Critically discuss the challenges and barriers associated with technology in distance health care and communication


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3: Practical Assessment

Task Description

Throughout this course, you will explore a number of communication techniques that can be used to communicate effectively with people from geographically and ethnically diverse backgrounds. This assessment item will require you to demonstrate your ability to apply practical skills to a clinical scenario and effective use of technology to communicate.


For this assessment, each student will be assessed individually via an interactive oral. Each student will be required to select a time during the review/exam weeks to complete this assessment task. These sessions will be recorded for moderation purposes. During this assessment, each student will be provided with a case scenario and required to conduct a simulated interview. Following the simulation, students will be required to provide verbal response to additional questions provided by the marker. Further details will be provided to students via the Moodle site after the mid-semester break.


Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Friday (21 Oct 2022) 5:00 pm AEST

The practical assessment will be held during the review/exam week with the date and time to be confirmed closer to the time.


Return Date to Students

Certification of grades.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

A detailed description and marking guide will be available on the unit's Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission

No submission method provided.


Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Communicate effectively with people from geographically and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians
  • Critique different technologies in distance health care communication and their application
  • Demonstrate practical skills in using technology effectively in distance health care communication relevant to people from a multicultural background.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?