Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit is the second of two which allow students to develop their clinical skills in the area of radiation therapy treatment review and patient care. The first module consists of a semi-structured clinical workbook which is designed with interactive activities to allow students to develop their professional, technical and patient care skills in treatment review to the level of Competent Practitioner. The Novice to Expert model of skill development will be used to assess the progress of students. The second module presents the theory of clinical decision making and the third module introduces the concept of evidence based practice and how this can be incorporated into radiation therapy. The final module will enable students to be able to understand and apply the use of radiobiological assessment tools in determining the side effects of treatment. The portfolio of professional development which was commenced in RTP4011 will be extended in this unit to allow practitioners to provide evidence of their continued development in this area of practice.

Objectives

By the end of the unit students will be able to operate at the level of Competent Practitioner and demonstrate the ability to:

1. Argue the importance of incorporating an evidence based paradigm into radiation therapy practice;
2. Discuss in detail the importance of clinical decision making and change management in the advanced practice role;
3. Critically evaluate from an informed perspective a range of patient case notes and histories and apply the information to the choice of radiation therapy treatment prescription;
4. Analyse the decision to treat, suggesting potential methods of intervention and communicating any issues to the relevant member of the multidisciplinary team;
5. Appraise the radiobiological and physiological processes related to the range of side effects experienced by patients receiving radiation therapy to the commonly arising malignancies;
6. Evaluate the tools which are used in radiation therapy planning to predict the acute and chronic side effects;
7. Demonstrate a 'Competent' level of practice in treatment review of patients with commonly arising malignancies and justify the rationale for decision making.

Assessment

3 In-depth critical case appraisals (1000 words each)(50%)
Oral case presentation (10 minutes in duration)(1000 word equivalent)(20%)Professional portfolio, including clinical learning contract (500 words) and final analysis and self appraisal (1000 words)(30%)

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

12 hours per week

Prerequisites

RTP4001, RTP4011

Co-requisites

RTP5001