Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Offered	Clayton First semester 2010 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)	Caroline Wright

Synopsis

This unit facilitates the development of clinical skills in breast localisation and simulation to the level of advanced practitioner. The legal and ethical issues associated with advanced clinical practice are presented together with theoretical principles of reflective practice and portfolios. The unit also covers patient history review and choice of planning/treatment technique. Composition of a professional portfolio is also commenced in this unit.

Objectives

By the end of the unit students will be able to operate at the level of Advanced Beginner and demonstrate the ability to;

1. Situate practice within the legal and ethical framework of "The Advanced Practitioner";
2. Outline the importance of reflective practice and portfolio development and apply these in your role;
3. Describe from an informed perspective a range of patient case notes and histories to determine suitability for radiation therapy to the breast;
4. Identify contraindications which may affect the decision to proceed with radiation

therapy localisation and simulation, communicating any issues to the relevant member
of the multidisciplinary team;

5. Describe the rationale for radiation field placement on a 'case by case' basis for patients with breast cancer and demonstrate advanced beginner levels of competence in clinical/virtual field border delineation;
6. Outline contemporary approaches for localisation and simulation of the breast and

relate these to individual patient cases.

Assessment

Five Descriptive case reports (500 words each)(50%)
Poster case presentation (10%)
Situational analysis and self appraisal (1000 words)(10%)
Clinical skills assessment (30%)

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

12 hours per week (off-campus)

Co-requisites

RTP4000