Applied Concepts-Cancer&Palliative Care

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

This subject applies nursing knowledge to develop skills consistent with implementing nursing care as a proficient level Cancer & Palliative Care specialty practitioner. The epidemiological, philosophical and psycho-social issues associated with disease processes and end of life care are explored from both the patient and nurses' perspective. Learners are particularly challenged to reflect on personal and professional values and the social, cultural and political context of their practice. An appreciation of the multi-cultural nature of society is developed and the meaning of death is explored from an historical and contemporary perspectives, including consideration of common death rituals and funeral customs from a variety of cultures. Spiritual care is placed within the concept of holistic care as well as considering strategies for optimal bereavement care within a multicultural society and in observance of legal and ethical factors. Learners are encouraged to develop knowledge and skills to work within an interdisciplinary health care team and to assist the person and their family to optimally respond to the impact of illness.

Students will be expected to be able to demonstrate their proficiency in specialty nursing practice through:

• acquisition of skills for working within an interdisciplinary health care team
• exploration and reflection on personal and professional values and the social, cultural and political context of collaborative practice;
• capacity to explore the psychosocial impact of diagnosis, treatments and prognosis on the person confronted by a potentially life threatening illness, their family and professional carers;
• knowledge and skills to assist the person and their family to optimally respond to the impact of illness;
• ability to discuss the meaning of death from an historical and contemporary perspective;
• ability to outline the common death rituals and funeral customs from a variety of cultures;
• the ability to consider strategies for optimal bereavement care within a multicultural society;
• an awareness of pertinent legal protocols and ethical matters regarding end of life care;
• the ability to discuss the place of spiritual care within the concept of holistic care;
• an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
• an ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;
• advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
• well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach;
• an advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area;
• an appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area.

1. Written assignment of 1500 words (35%) - Due week 6
2. 10 minute group presentation (20%) - Due week 11
3. Written assignment of 2000 words (45%) - Due end of semester

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate coursework student:

• the capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work; and
• a capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society.

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the University's on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.