Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module is aimed at nursing staff administering chemotherapy and other systemic anticancer therapies (SACT).
The module will help students develop their knowledge and skills in the administration of systemic anticancer therapies.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will cover the following topics:
• Clinical Governance and Safety in Cancer Care
• IV Access, Intrathecal and Intravesical Chemotherapy
• The Cell Cycle
• Pharmacology and Cytotoxic Drug Groups
• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Hypersensitivity
• Extravasation
• Targeted Therapy
• Research & Clinical Trials
• Chemotherapy Regimen in Common Cancers
• Chemotherapy Regimen in a Specific Cancer
• Psychological Problems Associated with Chemotherapy

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:
•Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of anatomical and physiological principals required for safe SACT administration
•Demonstrate a critical understanding of clinical situations relevant to SACT including natural history of disease and available treatment options
•Demonstrate a critical understanding of SACT including drug classes, mode of action, scheduling principles, different modes of SACT delivery, drug interactions, contraindications as well short and long term side effects and toxicities associated with SACs
•Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of pre-treatment assessments, indications for medical review, patient evaluation and education
•Explore informed consent and demonstrate an understanding of relevant responsibilities, legislation and guidelines governing administration of SACTs. Be able to reflect on own practice and demonstrate knowledge of issues associated with SACTs administration such as code of conduct, professional practice, competence, advocacy and consent.
•Demonstrate a critical understanding of preparation and administration of SACTs including transportation, equipment handling, correct technique, disposal, infection control and management of spillage
•Deliver evidence based interventions and understanding of roles of multi-professional team in meeting patients needs including psychological and social issues

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:
•Demonstrates a critical understanding of the underlying principles of chemotherapy.
•Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and knowledge required to carry out nursing management of the interventions.
•Reflect critically upon their own contribution to the holistic needs of the patient and family

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Through a series of online tutorials as well as private study (including directed reading), students will gain detailed knowledge and understanding of chemotherapy and systemic anticancer therapies.

Furthermore, students will be encouraged to participate in collaborative learning via the discussion boards. Personal development will be encouraged through the use of reflective journal postings, shared only with the module leader. As the students proceed through the module, they will complete a number of interactive activities that will help to consolidate their understanding of the curriculum.

This will facilitate the development of interpersonal and communication skills as well as team working and peer assessment skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The online MCQs assess students' knowledge of systemic anticancer therapies including cytotoxic chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies. The short answer questions will allow students to apply the knowledge to practice based scenarios.

The formative short answer questions allows the student to consolidate their understanding throughout the module. The feed-forward comments will help the students complete the summative assessments.

A participation grade is included to encourage and reward the student's engagement with the collaborative activities.

In order to pass this module candidates must also achieve a pass mark of 50 or above for the PC examinations and the written exercise.

Should a student fail the module overall and cannot pass at resit due to insufficient participation marks at first attempt they may (at the module leader’s discretion and with the student’s agreement) complete a different form of participation assessment. The student will be asked to submit a 500 word reflection on their overall learning gained from the module.

General Notes

Entrance requirements:
Applicants must be a UK registered nurse who is currently practicing in either a chemotherapy day unit or an in-patient ward where chemotherapy and or systemic anti-cancer therapies are given regularly.
IELTS 7.0 with at least 7.0 in writing and reading and at least 6.5 in speaking and listening

The module adheres to the CATS regulations for standalone modules.