RTS4104 - Radiation therapy principles and practice 1 - 2019

This unit is the first of two units dealing specifically with the principles and applications of radiation

therapy planning and treatment.

This unit explores the use of radiation therapy to treat metastatic disease.

The principles of patient centred interdisciplinary oncology are also discussed. The unit introduces the

fundamental concepts related to radiation therapy planning and dosimetry, building on what the student

learned in RTS2101 (Fundamentals of cancer and its management).

A systems-based approach will be used to deliver anatomy, physiology, pathology and oncology of the;

female reproductive and male reproductive systems.

For each of the cancers studied, radiation therapy planning and dosimetry and treatment will be explored.

Patient care principles will be introduced together with alternate management strategies.

This unit will allow students to contextualise professional issues introduced in years 1 and 2 of the

program such as; communication, ethics, patient care, cultural awareness and occupational health and

safety as they relate to radiation therapy in the context of patient management in the radiation therapy

centre.

This unit will include 3 weeks of simulated learning, where students can apply their knowledge to clinical cases using the cloud based planning computer software (Eclipse) and the virtual environment for RT training (VERT) resources.

Whilst studying these topics, students will be encouraged to critically reflect, analyse and synthesis

relevant information from the literature and reflect on their clinical experiences to further develop and build

their critical analysis skills.

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

1. Identify and describe in detail; structural and sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology and oncology related to the male and female reproductive systems
2. Critically analyse radiation therapy planning and pre-treatment imaging techniques with reference to international standards and the evidence-base for the male and female reproductive systems.
3. Critically analyse radiation therapy treatment and verification techniques with reference to international standards and the evidence-base for the male and female reproductive systems.
4. Describe with reference to the evidence-base, acute and late radiation therapy side effects, analysing patient care and management strategies related to the above body systems
5. Analyse, apply and reflect on theories of human communication, empathy, occupational health and radiation safety of the working environment, within a professional standards and ethical/legal context
6. Implement radiation therapy planning or treatment and patient management protocols across a range of patients and evaluate their efficacy at the level of a 'beginner/novice practitioner';

No clinical placement attendance requirements off campus

• e brochure (1,000 words) (10%)
• iSAP clinical action plan and reflective analysis (3,000 words) (30%)
• Simulated learning portfolio (2000 words) (20%)
• End of semester exam (2 hours) (40%)

Hurdle

• 80% attendance at tutorials and workshop sessions
• Students must pass each element of assessment to pass the unit.
• 100% completion of SL activities

1 hour lecture, and a 2 hour tutorial per week, 9 hours of self-directed interaction with Moodle based tasks, readings and activities per week and online support sessions.

Two weeks of clinical placement in a radiation oncology department.

See also Unit timetable information

Radiation therapy