Radiation Therapy Practice Professional Development Modules: Information Sheet

Radiation Therapy Practice Professional Development Modules: Information Sheet

The Radiation Therapy Practice Professional Development Modules are available to radiation therapists to engage in readily accessible professional learning, anywhere, anytime. The Modules have been created by a consortium of Universities, including Monash University, RMIT University, University of South Australia, University of Newcastle, and Queensland University of Technology. Development of the modules has been funded by the Department of Health and Ageing ‘Better Access to Radiation Oncology’ strategy.

Module Overview

Learning materials will be delivered to students via the online platform ‘Stile’. Each module will be managed by a radiation therapy academic at the listed teaching University. All content with each module is evidence based and has been validated by experts in the field. Lessons include interactive reflective exercises, peer discussion, references to additional reading, and self-directed quiz based assessment. Each module is available for a period of 16 weeks, and should take 8-16 hours to complete: how long each module will take is largely dependent on how much you choose to engage in suggested activities and discussion with your peers.

You will receive a Certificate of Completion from the teaching University on completion of the module. Please note: although modules are University delivered, they do not provide credit towards a formal academic award.

All qualified radiation therapists are eligible for admission. Professionals from related fields are welcome to enrol, but should be aware the content is directed towards radiation therapy and radiation therapists. The fees are AUD$500 per module, and no refund is available after the module has commenced. You will receive access to ‘Stile’ and the module once your registration has been processed. Please note: enrolment on a module does not provide access to any University based resources, such as library and journal access. Open access and online resources have been embedded into the modules where possible; however peer reviewed journal articles are often suggested as recommended reading. You may wish to check online journal accessibility within your clinical centre prior to enrolment.

Further information about each of the modules is over the page. If you are interested in enrolling in a module, please complete a registration form and forward to the contact provided. Please completeone registration form per module.

You will be contacted via email after submission of the registration form with payment details. Payment must be finalised prior the commencement of the module.

2015 Radiation Therapy Practice Professional Development Modules:Registration Form

Please review the Radiation Therapy Practice Professional Development Module Information Sheet prior to completing the registration form to ensure you are aware of all requirements.
Five modules are available each semester. Each University will teach one module per semester. Please select your chosen module below: one module per registration form.
Please forward the registration form to the provided University contact by the closing date. Payment details will be emailed to you following registration. Payment must be received before the first day of module commencement for your registration to be accepted.

Participant Information

Full name
Home Address
Mobile and home phone
Email
Employer
Position within organisation
Course registrant signature and date:
January 2016–April 2016
Registration Closing Date: 18th December 2015
☐ / RTPD06 / Quality of Life and the Oncology Patient / University of Newcastle
Shane Dempsey:
☐ / RTPD07 / Advanced Imaging Anatomy: CNS / Queensland University of Technology
Julie Burbury
☐ / RTPD08 / Medico-legal and Ethical Principles for Radiation Therapy / RMIT University
Giulia McCorkell
☐ / RTPD09 / Reflective Practice and Portfolio Development / University of South Australia
Eileen Giles:
☐ / RTPD10 / Advanced Imaging Anatomy: Lower GI and Hepatobiliary / Monash University
Catherine Osborne:
May 2016– 21st August 2016
Registration Closing Date: 20th April 2015
☐ / RTPD11 / Contemporary Applications of Imaging Equipment in Radiation Oncology / University of South Australia
Eileen Giles:
☐ / RTPD12 / Communication forContemporary Health Care / Queensland University of Technology
Julie Burbury
☐ / RTPD13 / Patient Assessment and Toxicity Management in Radiation Therapy / University of Newcastle
Shane Dempsey:
☐ / RTPD14 / Advanced Imaging Anatomy: Genitourinary / Monash University
Catherine Osborne:
☐ / RTPD15 / Advances in Radiobiology for Radiation Therapy / RMIT University
Giulia McCorkell
31st Aug 2015 - 18th December 2015
Registration Closing Date: 21st August 2015
☐ / RTPD01 / Implementing Practice Change / RMIT University
Giulia McCorkell:
☐ / RTPD02 / Perspectives on Psycho-Oncology / Monash University
Catherine Osborne:
☐ / RTPD03 / Advanced Imaging Anatomy: Thoracic Systems / University of South Australia
Eileen Giles:
☐ / RTPD04 / Advanced Imaging Anatomy: Head and Neck / Queensland University of Technology
Julie Burbury
☐ / RTPD05 / Palliative Care in Radiation Oncology / University of Newcastle
Shane Dempsey:

Version 2CW: Nov 2014

Term 3 Sept-Dec
Implementing Practice Change / This module will be delivered by RMIT University. The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of concepts and ideas that may have relevance and implications for the introduction of change to clinical practice in a radiation therapy setting. By the end of this module you will be able to explain the principles of quality management and risk minimisation, and incident management. You will be able to describe the principles of change management and how change operates in organisations. You will also be able to create training guidelines and engage clinical mentoring skills to educate others in relation to practice change. This module will enable you to apply a considered approach to implementing practice change in your clinical centre.
Perspectives on Psycho-Oncology / This module will be delivered by Monash University. This module explores the psychological issues patients experience when receiving radiation therapy, and the importance of recognising and treating psychological problems. By the end of this module you will be able to discuss the coping mechanisms used by oncology patients, as well as quality of life issues and the psychological impact of side effects. You will also know the importance of providing information using effective communication, and the emotional and existential issues of the dying. This module will enable the radiation therapist to develop strategies for communicating with patients about their wellbeing, and to recognise when specialist support may be necessary.
Advanced Imaging Anatomy: Thoracic Systems / This module will be delivered by University of South Australia. This module uses CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound images to highlight normal anatomy and oncology pathology acrossthoracicsystems, including cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, breast and respiratory. By the end of this module you will have an understanding of normal anatomy, tumour presentation and metastatic pathways in thoracic systems. Learning through an extensive series of patient images, you will also be able to recognise gross anatomy, lymphatics and vascular anatomy on CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound. This will enable the radiation therapist to apply anatomical knowledge of a range of thoracic systems to the clinical setting, and understand how the relationship between anatomy, tumour presentation and metastatic pathways impact on radiation therapy target volumes and image verification.
Advanced Imaging Anatomy: Head and Neck / This module will be delivered by Queensland University of Technology. The purpose of this module is to provide the radiation therapist with a working knowledge of head and neck anatomy to enhance planning volume delineation and treatment verification. By the end of this module you will have an understanding of normal anatomy, tumour presentation and metastatic pathways in head and neck region. Learning through a case based approach you will also be able to recognise gross anatomy, lymphatics and vascular anatomy on CT, MRI and PET. You will also be able to discuss how tumour location can impact staging and resultant volume delineation. This module will enable the radiation therapist to extend their recognition of head and neck anatomical structures as defined by a range of imaging modalities.
Palliative Care in Radiation Oncology / This module will be delivered by Universityof Newcastle. This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practice of palliative care within the radiation oncology setting. By the end of this module you will know the principles and standards of palliative care and how these relate to the radiation oncology setting. You will also be able to discuss the particular needs of patients with life-limiting illness and be familiar with communication methods required to support these patients. You will be able to describe the assessment and intervention strategies used for palliative patients, and the role that radiation therapy plays in patient management. This module will enable you to analyse the role the radiation therapist plays in the management of the palliative patient, and be able to apply this within the clinical setting.