RTS5110 - Radiation therapy science and practice 1 - 2018

This clinical unit consists of 2 weeks of clinically oriented simulated learning and 8 weeks of clinical placement experience. This will allow students to begin developing both their technical and professional skills within the field of radiation therapy. This unit will also provide students with the opportunity to practice infection control, occupational health and safety, radiation safety; communication and administrative skills. Students will demonstrate the characteristics of a beginning reflective practitioner.

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

1. Analyse, apply and reflect on theories of human communication, empathy, occupational health and radiation safety of the working environment, within a professional standards and ethics context;
2. Record and obtain information from individuals employing appropriate observation and interviewing skills, such that the information generated may be integrated with advanced scientific theory and knowledge to provide quality levels of patient care;
3. Apply the principles of anatomy pathophysiology and radiation oncology in the radiation therapy clinical environment, critically reflecting on these for individual patient cases;
4. Critically reflect upon multi-disciplinary radiation therapy practice and identify on-going professional development needs with respect to planning, treatment and patient management;
5. Implement radiation therapy planning, treatment and patient management protocols across a diverse range of patients and evaluate their efficacy at the level of a 'beginner/novice practitioner';
6. Evaluate the principles of palliative care, reflecting on patient management strategies in the radiation oncology palliative care sector.

8 weeks clinical placement + 2 weeks clinically oriented simulated learning.

• Four case reports (50%):
  1. Communication case report (500 words)
  2. Empathy case report (500 words)
  3. Treatment case report (1,000 words)
  4. Planning case report (1,000 words)
• Clinical skills assessment (10%)
• Written assignment (2,000 words) (40%)

Hurdle:

• All elements of assessment must be passed to pass the unit; and
• Successful completion of Professional Practice Portfolio.

8 weeks clinical placement + 2 weeks clinically oriented simulated learning.

See also Unit timetable information

Radiation therapy