Monash University

Leader: Ms Caroline Wright

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit facilitates student involvement in treatment or simulation of a patient that requires breast or chest wall irradiation and in treatment or simulation of a patient for lung or oesophageal cancer. It facilitates student involvement in the treatment or simulation of a patient for either gynaecological or testicular cancer and in the treatment or simulation of a patient with a sarcoma involving the extremities. Finally the unit addresses the role that various image modalities have for radiation therapy.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate appropriate professional assistance in the delivery of the treatment and or simuleation to a patient:

1. who is having breast or chest wall radiation;
2. with either lung or oesophagus cancer;
3. with either gynaecological or testical cancer;
4. with a sarcoma (extremities).

In addition students will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply:

1. simulation principles;
2. principles in landmarking, palpation and tattoing pertinent to the particular treatment methods;
3. appropriate professional interactions with patients and their families or carers;
4. methods of analysing distribution studied in RTS5000 Radiation Therapy Planning and Treatment 2 and
5. quality control and verification of the treatment delivered to the patient.

Students will also be able to communicate an understanding of the role of imaging modalities of radiation therapy as well as the roles of allied health professions involved in the care of radiation therapy patients.

Assessment

Reflective case notes (30%)
Clinical skills assessment (30%)
Two written assignments of 1500 words each (40%)

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

5 continuous weeks in a clinical Radiotherapy Department.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of all units in year 1 of the course

Co-requisites

RTS5000