Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Experience in clinical departments is vital to developing clinical competence and this Unit is designed to provide students not only with this experience but also some tools to maximise learning during clinical placements. An introduction to concepts of reflective practice will empower students to take ownership of their professional development and identify learning opportunities as well as development needs. After completion of this Unit students should be able to assist with routine clinical procedures and be prepared to organise their clinical learning in relation to their development needs for future clinical Units.

Aims

This unit aims to introduce students to the skills and knowledge which will enable them to carry out the basic skills of a radiation therapist under supervision.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Perform routine radiotherapy planning, simulation/CT and treatment techniques

2. Demonstrate professional behaviours

3. Demonstrate interpersonal and communications skills required in clinical practice

4. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills in patient care, including psychosocial aspects

5. Demonstrate reflective practice by identifying and critically reflecting on key learning opportunities

Content

· Simulation/CT of routine procedures.
· Dosimetry for routine techniques
· Treatment of routine procedures
· Development of reflective practice concepts

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The main learning resource for the Clinical Radiotherapy Units consists of the clinical department where you will be exposed to a huge range of learning opportunities. You will undertake supervised clinical experience over a period of 5 weeks in an approved clinical department on a full-time basis. You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of clinical procedures to help you work towards competent clinical practice. You will also be encouraged to interact with patients in order to develop your interpersonal and patient care skills. To really maximise the benefit of this environment you will be encouraged to develop independent and active learning strategies. You will be required to reflect on your progress and performance in the unit at regular intervals. Additionally you should identify areas for development and address these with the aid of unit teaching staff where appropriate.

This unit requires you to engage with the university e-portfolio software. You are required to document your reflections relating to your key learning experiences during your clinical placement and submit these to the unit co-ordinator via release of your e-portfolio
A key aspect of the Course is fostering a thriving learning community and for this unit, the building blocks for this will utilise the Blackboard discussion board tools. You will be expected to engage regularly with your peers and tutors and key learning will take place via online question and answer sessions.

The final approach to teaching and learning relates to assessment for learning. The assessments for this unit are designed to ensure maximum understanding of the content and it is important that you recognise the role of assessment in your learning. You should view the assessments as part of your learning and ensure that you utilise the feedback to progress your learning and personal development.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to unit results. Students must achieve at least 50% to be awarded a passing grade to allow progression.Feedback is provided throughout the semester, where work is reviewed and assessed. Feedback will aim to provide students with suggestions for further development of academic skills as well as suggestions for further study where appropriate. Timescales for feedback will be communicated to students prior to assessment submission but will aim to be returned within 3 weeks where possible. Provisional marks and feedback for this unit will be made available via Blackboard and accessible from the ¿My Grades¿ tool.

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Students will be required to submit an indepth case study relating to a patient they have treated. The case study will include evaluation of patient management with reference to a range of literature.
Relates to objectives: 3 and 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Placement

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: A reflective journal demonstrating consistent reflection on experiences and learning throughout the clinical placement. Submission must be accompanied by a record of rostered hours and examinations/procedures carried out as an assistant or supervised performer and verified by the supervisor along with the radiation badge.
Relates to objectives: 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Placement

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: A demonstration of professional practice and practical skills assessment utilising the "Australian Universities Radiation Therapy Student Clinical Assessment Form".
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3 & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Placement

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Texts

1. Khan F (2007). Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology. 2nd Ed. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.

2. Hull & Redfern (1996) Profiles and Portfolio's: A Guide for Nurses and Midwives Macmillan Press Ltd.

3. Redman W (1994) Portfolios for Development, A Guide for Trainers and Managers, Kogan Page.

4. Rolfe G, Freshwater D and Jasper M (2001) Critical reflection for nursing and the helping professions - a user guide. Palgrave, New York.

Additional resources are located on the Blackboard site for this unit.

The Course community site contains essential clinical placement support resources.

Risk assessment statement

The out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit relate to the operation of x-ray and associated radiation therapy equipment in the clinical situation. You will receive instructions on safety issues and be provided with a radiation badge to assess radiation exposure during the placement. Infection control techniques and precautions should be observed to avoid exposure to harmful agents.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 30-Nov-2012