Please note that if you apply for this module, it may be necessary to process your registration under module code 7HSK2130. This will not affect the content studied nor the assessment methods, it is purely for our administrative purposes.   

The aim of the course is to enable you to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, clinical and evaluative skills required for the competent management of patients requiring palliative radiotherapy. The module includes the localisation and planning of palliative radiotherapy and considers the holistic needs and management of this patient group.

Content:

This module is designed to give practitioners the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake radiotherapy localisation of well-defined lung, bone and other relevant tumours requiring palliative radiotherapy treatment and support the holistic management of these patients. A clinical placement in a radiotherapy localisation suite is required to undertake the module.

Using an inquiry-based approach, students will gather a wide range of evidence and information to thoroughly explore the module topics which underpin palliative radiotherapy. Through critical evaluation and analysis of the evidence base they will consolidate their knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to palliative radiotherapy. Formative feedback and assessment embraces assessment activities so that students have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills for successful achievement   

This module can contribute to the following awards: 

•    MSc / Pg. Dip Advanced RT and Oncology Practice

This is a work-based learning module that employs a variety of electronic resources and tasks, and virtual classroom sessions to support your learning. You are supported to become independent learners through contact with the module leader who guides you through your learner

Course content includes:

It is expected that approximately two thirds of the learning in this module will be experiential and based on students’ clinical practice. Throughout, the student will be supervised to become competent in palliative radiotherapy, in accordance with protocols in place in their place of employment. Students must be fully conversant with the scope of local protocols before commencing the module.

The range of topics covered is likely to include, but not be limited to: 

• Anatomy, physiology and pathology of the relevant anatomical areas and their relation to adjacent structures with particular reference to organs at risk (OARs)
•  Imaging methods for diagnosis and radiotherapy localisation
•  Management of lung, bone and other relevant tumours requiring palliative radiotherapy
•  Quality, legal and ethical issues associated with role extension, leadership and palliative radiotherapy practice; decision-making skills
•  Legislation and professional codes of conduct
•  Treatment prescriptions and radiobiology including acute and late side-effects
•  Appreciation of holistic management and palliative care
•  Evidence relating to the localisation, planning and palliative treatment of lung, bone and other relevant tumour
• Overview of theories: methods of reflection; clinical reasoning and professional judgement; developing independent, creative thinkers; leadership   

Assessment Details:

Coursework 1, 100%   Portfolio of professional practice (typically practice based tasks and critical reflections) 6000 word equivalence 

Coursework (Pass/fail) 

Portfolio of professional practice (competencies) 

All individual elements of assessment must be passed.

A clinical placement in a radiotherapy localisation suite and supervision by a suitably qualified and experienced professional are required to fulfil the clinical practice requirement of the module. A minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience is recommended.

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding 

Successful students will typically... 

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning the independent localisation, planning and prescribing of palliative radiotherapy. 
• Critically appraise the holistic needs of patients receiving palliative radiotherapy identifying appropriate management based on evidence-based research. 

Learning Outcomes: Skills and Attributes

Successful students will typically... 

• Evidence clinical expertise and leadership in radiotherapy localisation of well-defined tumours identified for palliative treatment based on judgements made from analysing and evaluating appropriate information. 
• Reflect on their own practice with reference to the evidence-base, demonstrating clinical reasoning, justification and decision making when undertaking radiotherapy localisation of tumours considered for palliative radiotherapy. 

What our students say:

“My experience of the university is positive. It has facilitated my development through study without being prescriptive. The university is fulfilling my expectations of postgraduate study and I am happy with the service provided.”

This module can contribute to the following programme(s)

HSMIRSM: MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences – Advanced Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice