This module is designed for health professionals caring for patients with cancer and haematological disorders to further increase their theoretical and practical knowledge.

The students will be able to deliver evidence base care, recognising deterioration, from diagnoses, treatment and living beyond with the disease. The module will cover the foundations to haematology, diagnosis and management of blood cell disorders, anatomy and physiology, care of cancer patients and systemic anti-cancer therapy.

Aims
• Enable students to understand the principles of haematological malignancies contributing to high standard holistic care and critical evaluation of current practices through the treatment journey and onwards.
• Provide in-depth knowledge of innovative enhanced practices available to ensure patient improvement in care and excellent experience.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to safely administer Systemic Anti Cancer therapy, to identify and manage the side effects of the drugs and to act appropriately in case of deterioration.
• Empower students to manage the impact of these treatments on the patient physical, psychological and psychosocial wellbeing and be aware of the professional and legal aspects.

What and how students will learn on the module
There will be an introduction to LEAP the virtual learning sight where you will find resources to support academic learning and development. There will be focused study days with the general themes as below. These will have taught elements, but each day will also contain group discussions on case studies which encourage critical analysis of the issues raised.
• Principles of legal and ethical frameworks underpinning care for the haematology patient
• Roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team
• Principles of assessment of the acutely deteriorating person patient using validated tools – for example NEWS2, SBAR, PEWS tools
• Adverse effect of SACT and other cancer treatment on various vital organs including GVHD, veno-occlusive disease, acute kidney injury, tumour lysis syndrome, and neurotoxicity.
• Pharmacology and medicines management for the haematology patient including numeracy skills – complex drug calculations, IV infusion rates and administration of SACT
• Risk assessment tools for the haematology patients following National and local policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures

Assessment

Reflective report (3000 words)