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The Royal Marsden School

Principles of Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy

Cost

£1300

Delivery method

Fully On-line

Length of module

It runs over approximately 12 weeks

Estimated hours of study

200 hours

Academic credits and level

20 credits at level 6 or 7

Entry requirements

The learner will be a healthcare professional currently working with People Affected by Cancer (PABC) having SACT

Course availability

Apply now

Course summary

Focusing on the evidence base, the module addresses the pathophysiology of cancer, principles of systemic anti-cancer therapy, and the legal, ethical, and safety issues inherent in its use. The module will help the learner to develop the skills to identify and manage the common side effects of SACT, considering the impact of these treatments on the patient’s physical, psychological, and psychosocial wellbeing.
The module aims to provide learners with an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to care for patients with cancer undergoing SACT, through the utilisation of evidence-based practice and current research into the effectiveness of treatment and care.
This module is closely aligned with the Cancer Nursing Education Framework (EONS 2018) and Career Pathway and Education Framework for Cancer Nursing (RCN 2022) and ACCeND.
All theory will be linked to the outcomes from the UKONS SACT competency passport, however to become clinical competent additional assessment will be required in accordance with your local trust policy.

This module is in association with: UEA-logo

Key topics

The module’s content is closely aligned to the Cancer Nursing Education Framework (EONS 2018) and Career Pathway and Education Framework for Cancer Nursing (RCN 2022) and includes:

  • Pathophysiology of cancer in relation to SACT treatments 
  • Professional and legal aspects of SACT administration
  • National SACT standards, guidelines, and procedures
  • Classification of SACT agents and their mechanisms of action
  • Principles of SACT administration, risk management and management of adverse effects
  • Holistic assessment of the patient  
  • Patient and family experience of SACT and living beyond treatment 
  • Patient and carer education and support
  • Ethical issues
  • Quality of life issues
  • Oral SACT therapies

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module at Level 6 you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:

  • Critically discuss the mode of action of the major groups of SACT agents – cytotoxic, biological therapies, and hormone therapy
  • Evaluate the physiological impact of systemic anti-cancer therapies including chemotherapeutic agents on individuals
  • Explore the knowledge and skills required to safely assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care of People Affected by Cancer (PABC) throughout the SACT pathway
  • Analyse strategies to prevent, reduce, educate and manage SACT- related toxicities in collaboration with the patient, carers, and the multi-professional team to improve outcomes

On successful completion of the module at Level 7 you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the biological principles of systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) including cytotoxic, hormone, and biological therapies and critically explore their implications for practice
  • Critically appraise the physical and psycho-social impact of SACT on the patient and their carers
  • Critically analyse the clinical judgement and decision-making skills required to safely assess, plan, deliver and evaluate comprehensive care for People Affected by Cancer (PABC) throughout the SACT pathway
  • Critically evaluate and synthesise evidence to inform support, educate and apply management strategies to improve SACT service delivery, patient care and outcomes
  • Critically explore the impact of professional roles on SACT service development and patient outcomes within the context of healthcare quality indicators

Dates

On-line live interactive sessions on 8, 17, 24 November, 6 and 13 December 2022
Submission date: 31 January 2023

On-line live interactive sessions on 10, 19, 24, 30 January and 7 February 2023
Submission date: 5 April 2023

On-line live interactive sessions on 28 Febraury, 7, 14, 23 and 30 March 2023
Submission date: 23 May 2023

On-line live interactive sessions on 11, 18, 25 May, 6 and 12 June 2023
Submission date: 2 August 2023

Assessment

  • Level 6: Case Study: 2,000 Words
  • Level 7: Case Study: 3,000 Words

Student support

Tutorials with the module leader or personal tutor are available if students require additional help with the planning and writing of their assignments. Email and telephone support are also available from the module leader/personal tutor. 

The Royal Marsden School uses an online environment called Moodle which students must access during their studies to support and enhance our courses. The site provides resources and communication tools. All students will be provided with a username and password to access module specific sections as well as general learning support such as study skills and library resources. Students also have access to the David Adams Library and Electronic Resource Centre. 

To get the best from the live video-conferencing sessions and enable you to participate fully you should have access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. If you have any concerns or need help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Related pathways

This stand-alone module also forms part of these pathways: