Cancer Care (M.Sc.) – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Academic component

The academic component comprises 6 modules in year 1, and 1 module in year 2 plus a research dissertation.

In year one the students undertake the following modules (ECTS in brackets):

* Theory and Practice of Research Methods for Healthcare (10)
* Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Oncology Nursing (10)
* Foundations in cancer care (10)
* Psychosocial Issues in Oncology Care (10)
* Oncology Care 1: control and management of treatment side-effects (10)
* Oncology Care 2: control and management of treatment side-effects (10)

In year two the students undertake the following:

* Advanced Research Methods (Qualitative or Quantitative) and
* Major Dissertation (30)

Clinical component The clinical component of the programme is designed to build on the nurse´s clinical competency over time and is integral to the course. As such, students of the programme are required to work in a designated Cancer Care setting for a minimum of 22 weeks (825 hours) each year based on a 37.5 hour week. This is to maximise experience gained in Cancer Care practice to facilitate competency development over the 2 year period. This arrangement also facilitates those working part-time or job-sharing admittance to the course.

In year 1, within this 22 week period, the students are also required to undertake two professional practice placements to include:

Chemotherapy X 2 weeks (based on 30 hours per week x 2 weeks)
Radiotherapy X 2 weeks (based on 30 hours per week x 2 weeks)

These placements may be carried out in the students own place of work depending on the specialty practice area.

In year 2, further consolidation of clinical practice will be assessed through further development of their clinical portfolio, again following on Benner´s model to the level of Proficiency. A designated clinical supervisor/facilitator will be allocated to each student to facilitate clinical practice development. Further clinical placements are optional and will depend on students particular requests. These may include administration of cytotoxics, palliative care or paediatric oncology.

Progression All students register on the MSc in Cancer Care course in the first instance. To progress to the second year of the course, students must successfully complete all the requirements of the first year. Students may, following consultation with the course coordinator, opt not to proceed to the second year of the course and be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Cancer Care. Any student, on successful completion of all course requirements, who chooses to opt for the Postgraduate Diploma, may not apply at a later date to enter the second year of the MSc course.

Module Descriptors and Assessments 1st Year

Advancing the Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and Cancer Care

The aim of the module is to facilitate and enable exploration of the development of nursing knowledge and theory, critical analysis of the relationship between research, theory and practice and exploration of nursing practice through the use of reflection.
(Assessed by written assignment)

Foundations in Cancer Care (Introduction to Oncology)

The aim of this module is to furnish the student with an understanding of the underlying principles and treatments in relation to different cancer types and to develop an understanding of the different treatment processes.
(Assessed by written examination)

Oncology Care 1: Control and Management of Side-effects of Disease and Treatments

The aim of this module is to enable the nurse to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be an effective contributor to the multidisciplinary team effort and be and effective contributor to (the) patients care and management. It also aims to examine and explore professional role development, including both the Clinical Nurse Specialist and The Advanced Nurse Practitioner, in relation to current and future professional and health care developments. This will include international as well as national trends.
(Assessed by case presentation)

Oncology Care 2: Control and Management of Side-effects of Disease and Treatment

The aim of this module is to develop and enhance the students´ knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles underpinning palliative care thus contributing to the patients´ well-being and quality of life, including spiritual, emotional, cultural and social factors. It also aims to develop the students´ knowledge of side-effects arising from metastases including nutritional and rehabilitative issues while encouraging a supportive environment where the patient and family are treated in a holistic manner.
(Assessed by Care Study)

Psychosocial issues in Cancer Care

The aim of this module is to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial dimension of the cancer care continuum thus allowing the student to explore the psychosocial and ethical concepts that underpin practice. It also aims to allow the student the opportunity to examine the various dimensions of cancer care and develop greater reasoning and analytical skills thus promoting a more patient-centred and supportive environment.
(Assessed by Written Assignment)

Theory and Practice of Research Methods for Healthcare (30 class contact hours)

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research in professional practice, consolidating participants´ previous knowledge and appreciation of research. It emphasises the implications of a research base for health care including the impact of this research base on the quality of care. Research methodologies and methods are explored. The skills developed by participants include critiquing published literature and preparing a detailed research proposal.
(Assessed by Research Proposal)

2nd year

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
Or
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods

This module consists of two options; these are quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods. The module builds upon and advances the knowledge and skills gained on the research module undertaken in year one of the MSc course.
Aim - to reinforce the concepts associated with quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition, the module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate research.
(Assessed by Dissertation)

Major Dissertation

Satisfactory completion of a research dissertation (20-25,000 words) is a requirement for the award of the Masters Degree.