Stand Alone Module

Cancer Care

30 Credits

Duration:: 15 Weeks
Start Dates:: February
Attendance:: 20 Feb, 5 Mar, 30 Apr, 21 May
Venue:: Uxbridge
Cost:: Availalbe on request

Key Contact:: The Enquiries Team
Tel:: 01494 603171
Email:: ask@bucks.ac.uk

Is this course suitable for me?

Yes, if you are:
• Interested in extending your knowledge and skills in caring for patients with cancer
• Keen to improve your understanding of the issues faced by patients with a diagnosis of cancer
• Working in a clinical area that offers regular contact with patients who have cancer
• Committed to developing your professional portfolio

Overview

The module will provide the opportunity for you to explore cancer in the context of; prevention, health promotion, causes, diagnosis, treatment, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care.

Content

• The philosophy of cancer care
• The scientific basis of cancer: epidemiology, aetiology, carcinogenesis, the genetic basis of cancer
• Cancer prevention and early detection
• Screening, investigations, staging and diagnosis
• Disease trajectories
• Site specific cancers and metastatic disease
• The social, psychological , emotional, spiritual and cultural context of cancer care
• Treatment modalities to include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapies, biological therapies and complementary therapies
• Current trends in cancer management and health promotion
• Evidence based practice and cancer related clinical studies
• Oncological emergencies e.g. neutropenic sepsis, spinal cord compression, SVCO etc.
• Rehabilitation and survivorship
• Contemporary issues: e.g. the expert patient, community vs hospital care, cancer inequalities in the NHS.
• Health policy and Cancer NHS reform

What will I learn?

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Outline the basis of cancer and critically discuss investigations, staging and screening.
2. Explain the principles and application of the commonly used treatment modalities.
3. Critically explore the physical and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment on the patient and family.
4. Critique and evaluate cancer prevention strategies and their implementation

The 30 credits gained from this module can also be used towards a ‘Top Up’ Degree by enrolling on the BSc (Hons) Health Care Practice (Cancer and Palliative Care). In order to complete this degree you can automatically transfer these credits on enrolment within a two year period, otherwise application through the CATs Committee will apply.

Teaching and learning

This module will consist of a variety of teaching and learning strategies relevant to the broad ranging and complex nature of the subject material. This will therefore include taught lectures, group work and discussion, web -based learning, use of audio visual aids and student–led seminars. You will be encouraged to share and reflect on practice based experiences using a case study approach and clinical scenarios. Clinical specialists and patient/carers will be invited to share their experiences. You will also be asked to present clinical cases and defend their practice decisions with their peers. Visits to practice based specialist services and networking with allied health professionals will promote cancer care in context. Exploration of the wider cancer forums will also be encouraged.

Entry requirements

We’ll be looking for a minimum of six months’ post-registration experience within a relevant area of practice.

How to make an application

Please contact the Marketing & Recruitment Administrator on 01494 603 171 or ask@bucks.ac.uk

Students funded by the NHS or other employer

If the cost of your course is being funded by your employer, please contact your education lead or manager for guidance as to how they would prefer you to make an application.

Bucks New University

Faculty of Society & Health