RTP4102 - Professional issues in radiation therapy 2 - 2018

This unit is a foundation unit of the Master of Advanced Radiation Therapy practice. The unit is designed to build on the undergraduate knowledge of psychology and reflective practice. This unit will consist of two key themes, psychological responses to cancer diagnosis and treatment and reflective practice. In Theme 1 students will gain in-depth knowledge on the psychological theories relating to responses to cancer diagnosis, the effects of treatment, grief and death and dying. Students will be able to analyse and describe the cause, nature, presentation and course of psychological responses in people with cancer. Coping mechanisms will be evaluated for cancer patients along the life continuum. In Theme 2, the principles of reflective practice and how these are applied to radiation therapy practice will be studied. In addition, students will also evaluate the role of professional portfolios in documenting reflections and their value to evidencing continuing professional development.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Describe in detail the cause and nature of psychological/psychiatric problems in cancer patients.
2. Analyse the presentation and course of psychological/psychiatric problems in people with cancer, reflecting on clinical practice.
3. Evaluate coping mechanisms and adjustment disorders in radiation oncology patients.
4. Critically analyse the theories of reflection and apply these in reflecting on practice.
5. Appraise the role of reflective practice in enhancing patient care in radiation therapy.
6. Demonstrate the role of reflective practice in a professional portfolio.

• 2 x Online examinations (30 minutes each) (20%)
• Problem-based learning clinical action plan (2,000 words) (30%)
• Reflective comparative report (2,000 words) (30%)
• 3 x Reflective portfolio entries (500 words each) (20%)

Off-campus: 12 hours per week for 12 weeks.

See also Unit timetable information

Radiation therapy