AC6727 - Foundations of Cancer Care

What will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will explore the foundations of cancer care by examining cancer as a chronic disease from screening and detection through to treatment, psychosocial support and the principles of palliative care.
Topics will include cancer as a health care problem in the UK, the social construct of cancer, the biology of cancer, which includes normal and abnormal cell division, and the genetics of cancer. The module has the patient and carers as a central focus therefore the psychological impact of cancer and the user perspective and living with cancer will be implicit within the module content. The prevention detection and management of cancer will be analysed and debated within the context of the UK healthcare system.
You will learn how to appraise current contemporary evidence underpinning the management of cancer in order to appreciate current standards of cancer provision with specific relevance for your clinical practice.

How will I learn on this module?

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.

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 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.

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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

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.

How will I be assessed?

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

Pre-requisite(s)

Prior Level 5 Study.
“ 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 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.

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 2024 or January 2025

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.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints