Leader: Ms Caroline Wright

Offered

Clayton Summer semester A 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit will provide a systematic introduction to the clinical setting, the profession of radiation therapy, the equipment that is utilised within the department and the role and function of the member of the radiation therapy team. It will also address personal and patient safety in the clinical setting including infection control, and focus the attention of the student upon anatomical reference sites, palpating the patient and the methods of tattooing used in the clinical centre. The unit will also address fundamental human communication theory and the ways these theories influence professional interactions with patients and their families or carers.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate and communicate a broad and critical conceptual understanding of:

1. The concept of profession and the radiation therapy profession in the context of the provision of radiation oncology to patients;
2. The structure and function of the modern clinical radiotherapy department;
3. Principles of infection control and workplace safety;
4. Anatomical reference sites and methods used for tattooing a patient prior to treatment;
5. Human communication theories and their application to the practice of radiation therapy;
6. Principles of infection control in the workplace;
7. Principles of landmarking, palpation and tattooing and;
8. Appropriate and confession interactions with patients and their families or carers.

Assessment

Reflective case reports related to patient interactions (30%) Clinical Skill Assessment in respect to patient palpation & tattooing (20%)
An extended patient care study (2000 words) (25%)
A reflective investigation into the multi-disciplinary nature of radiation therapy (2000 words) (25%)

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Placement for 5 continuous weeks in a clinical Radiotherapy Department (4 weeks academic credit, 1 week professional credit).

Prerequisites

MMR4000, MMR4010, RTS4021

Co-requisites

MMR4022, MMR4020