AC6727 - Foundations of Cancer Care

In this module, you will experience a combination of teaching and learning methods, which you can use to link theory to your practice. Your learning will occur through lectures, workshops, independent study and a site visit to a cancer support unit where you will be able to interact with patients and appreciate the “lived cancer experience” through patient stories. You will participate in classroom based discussion and case study presentation and be encouraged to discuss and debate contemporary issues in cancer care. You will be expected to engage with directed independent study tasks in relation to the integration of concepts and approaches introduced within the module.
Reflective practice will be embedded into the module and you will be encouraged to review your personal insights and experience of your clinical practice.

You will be supported by the Module Leader who has extensive experience in cancer care and maintains close links with practice areas in the region. You will be supported through regular formative feedback from your tutor and the module team within the workshop and discussion format of specific teaching sessions and in tutorials. Specialist lecturers and practitioners will deliver specific sessions and will also be available to support your learning.
Northumbria University uses BlackBoard Ultra, which allows remote access to materials and aids for module students to access (populated by your module tutor).
There are a range of central Student Support and Wellbeing Services. Ask4Help, MyNorthumbria Student Portal offer support, guidance and information and “Student Central” operates from Northumbria University Libraries these are situated at Coach Lane Campus and City Campus. This is all available to support you around university academic processes for example, registering a change of circumstances, counselling and mental health support or disability and dyslexia support. The library is open outside of formal scheduled teaching hours and there are student hub areas with access to IT and technology available on both University campuses. This will enhance and enable collaborative learning.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Evaluate and appreciate the impact of a cancer diagnosis upon the individual and their family.
2. Critically explore the complex pathophysiology of cancer and the management of this condition.
3. Appraise current provision for screening and prevention of cancer in the UK.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

4. Critically appraise the best available evidence and research underpinning the care delivery and management of patients with cancer.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Appreciate the key attributes of complex oncological issues and apply theory to your practice setting.

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions and informed by engagement in learning activities. Students will design an e-poster presentation related to their own area of cancer practice, which will be explored and analysed further in the written assignment.
Feedback from the formative assessment presents you with the opportunity to improve your evidence of learning through reflection and constructive criticism. All students are required to participate in the e-poster presentation to complete the module assignment. (MLO 1-5)

Summative Assessment:

The summative assessment strategy is designed to enable the student to demonstrate their achievement of all learning outcomes and utilise the learning from the e-poster formative assessment.
In order to facilitate this students are required to negotiate the poster theme with the module teacher and then produce a 2000 word evidenced based assignment which will critically explore the chosen area of cancer care (MLO’s 1-5) – This will be achieved by digital submission and feedback will be given electronically and will include development advice for future academic work

Prior Level 5 Study.
“ To undertake this module you must hold a valid current professional registration” (i.e.: NMC / GMC / HCPC)

None.

This module is designed for registered health care professionals who work in health care settings and provide care for patients with cancer. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the diagnosis and management of cancer. This will be achieved through an examination of module content, which will include patient assessment, screening and prevention, diagnostics and treatment options. The emphasis is on patient care, the module philosophy has the cancer patient and their family as the central focus, and the psychosocial impact of cancer will be explored in depth. You will be encouraged to reflect and explore personal experiences arising from your previous practice and enter into classroom discussion and debate. Patient narratives are used throughout the module to enhance this process.
Formative feedback will be given from the onset of the module through classroom discussion reflective practice and an e-poster presentation, which will inform the 2000 word written assignment. The assessment will demonstrate acquired knowledge of the complexity of cancer care and will be submitted electronically.