AC6733 - Chemotherapy Enhancing Practice

What will I learn on this module?

This module will prepare you to increase your current knowledge and skills relating to chemotherapy practice. The emphasis is on the holistic needs of the patient and their family/carers and you will consider contemporary issues in chemotherapy for the multi-professional team.
You will refine your understanding and evaluate the thorough assessment required for effective management of patients receiving chemotherapeutic drugs. This will be achieved through an examination of module content which will include, the biology of cancer and the cell cycle, drug pharmacology, risk management and clinical governance, safety and handling and the management of clinical emergencies. The content will enable you to develop knowledge and understanding about the principles of chemotherapy in relation to cancer cell physiology. It will also enable you to critically examine effective care and support of patients receiving cytotoxic drugs, You will learn how to appreciate the current levels of knowledge required to practice safely through examining in detail the key clinical processes and current research evidence to critically evaluate its application to your role. This will include the current research evidence-base, government policy, professional guidelines, pathways of care and the perspective of service users and their carer’s.

How will I learn on this module?

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods in this module which you can use to link theory to your practice. Your learning will occur through lectures, workshops, simulation based scenarios, supervised practice and independent study. You will participate in classroom based discussion and case study presentation related to the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs. You will be expected to engage with directed independent study tasks in relation to the integration of concepts and approaches introduced within the module and complete the allocated supervised practice hours administering chemotherapy in your place of work supervised by an appropriately qualified, nominated practice mentor who has already completed this module or equivalent.
Reflective practice will be embedded into the module and you will be encouraged to review your personal insights and experience of your clinical practice in chemotherapy administration.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module leader who has extensive experience in cancer care and the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents 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. You will be allocated an appropriately qualified clinical supervisor in your own place of work who will be able to advise and assess your clinical practice.
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.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles of cancer chemotherapy.
2. Critically examine the safety principles required to store administer, and dispose of cytotoxic drugs.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
3. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to safely administer chemotherapy and critically evaluate these in order to deliver flexible, high quality care focused on the patient and their family/carer.
4. Critically analyse the theoretical base to enhance practice in relation to the care pathway of a person with cancer who requires cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment.

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

5. Critically reflect upon your own contribution to the care of patients and their families/carers receiving chemotherapy.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
You will be encouraged to seek formative feedback from module tutors and your peers before the summative assessment date during seminar activities, affording you the opportunity to improve and develop your evidence of learning through deeper understanding, reflection and appreciating constructive criticism. This will feed forward to both summative assessment tasks.
Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions and informed by engagement in learning activities including group presentations Feedback will be provided by the module tutor (MLO1-5).

Summative Assessment:
The summative assessment strategy is designed to ensure that you have the knowledge to recognise, and provide appropriate care for patients receiving chemotherapy drugs and is two fold
Part one- Completion of a clinical skills workbook which is verified by your clinical mentor in your practice setting. (MLO 1-4)
Part two- a 3000 word reflective case study which demonstrates your understanding of chemotherapeutic agents and documents
your contribution to the care of a patient receiving chemotherapy. (MLO1-5)
Both parts will be submitted electronically via Turnitin and you will receive detailed feedback via Turnitin.

Pre-requisite(s)

You will require level 5 (diploma) study or equivalent and be working in a clinical area where chemotherapy drugs are administered.
“ To undertake this module you must hold a valid current professional registration” (i.e.: NMC / GMC / HCPC)

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module is designed for registered health care professionals who deliver chemotherapeutic agents to people with cancer as part of their role. The module aims to prepare healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess and manage patients requiring chemotherapy. Practitioners will develop an appreciative understanding of cytotoxic agents as well as an awareness of legal, ethical and safety issues surrounding the administration of chemotherapy. The focus is on patient care and you will develop your knowledge and a critical understanding of progressive practice concepts including the assessment and effective management of patients receiving chemotherapeutic drugs, management of common side effects, clinical governance and risk management., The module will enable you to critically reflect on your existing competence and skills in the areas of chemotherapy and analyse current research and evidence associated with current practice as well as challenging existing behaviours and practice.
Assessment will be two fold, completion of a clinical skills workbook which is verified by your clinical mentor in your practice setting and a 3000 word reflective case study which demonstrates your understanding of chemotherapeutic agents and documents and your contribution to the care of a patient receiving chemotherapy. Both parts will be submitted electronically via Turnitin and you will receive detailed feedback electronically.
Formative feedback will be given from the outset during your interactive involvement throughout the module and inform your summative assessment.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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