RTS4106 · Radiation therapy principles and introduction to professional practice

Overview

This unit builds on the knowledge gained in RTS4104 and explores the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer. You get to experience an immersive clinical placement experience in a radiation therapy department. You will study the aetiology, epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, oncology management and specific radiation therapy practices to support the care of patients with cancer in the reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems. You will have opportunities to further develop fundamental professional capabilities of; communication, reflective practice, interprofessional care, patient-centred care, inclusivity and cultural safety and responsiveness. Your ability to adhere to occupational health and safety, national safety and quality in health care, radiation safety and practice standards will be further developed. You will learn radiation therapy principles to enable you to analyse and apply beginner level radiation therapy planning, imaging and treatment for the cancer sites covered. You will reflect on your technical and professional practice and create an action plan for your future growth through simulation and clinical learning. You will enhance prior research knowledge and apply it to a contemporary radiation therapy issue.

Areas of study: M20172 Bachelor of Radiation Sciences

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and describe in detail; structural and sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology and oncology related to the reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
2. Analyse radiation therapy pre-treatment and planning processes with reference to international standards and the evidence-base to support the management of patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
3. Analyse radiation therapy treatment and verification techniques with reference to international standards and the evidence-base to support the management of patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
4. Evaluate with reference to the evidence-base, acute and late radiation therapy side effects, analysing patient care and management strategies in patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems.
5. Appraise the influence of inclusivity, social and cultural issues on the management of patients with cancer.
6. Analyse and apply the theories of communication, reflective and interprofessional practice within the context of radiation therapy.
7. Demonstrate a professional approach to practice by implementing radiation therapy planning, treatment and patient management protocols for patients with cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, integumentary system, lower respiratory, lower digestive, urinary and renal systems at a beginner level.
8. Demonstrate professional behaviours and safe clinical practice.
9. Describe and apply the principles of quality management and improvement in the context of practice standards.
10. Produce evidence of research informed critical thinking in relation to radiation therapy.

Workload

You will have an average of 5-hours per week of structured online/on-campus synchronous support sessions, 4 hours of online asynchronous (Moodle books with embedded videos) theory content, 5 hours of teacher directed readings, 5 hours of teacher directed clinical practice simulation activities linked to assessments and 5 hours of self-directed learning.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.