Cancer Care in Young People

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
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 programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Increasingly successful treatments and improved survival rates for adolescents and young adults with cancer has lead to the need for better management of the many complex issues arising out the experience of cancer for this group. A better appreciation and understanding of the psycho-social dimension of a young person’s life and cancer experience has emerged, and with this the need for new skills and approaches to care.
This subject identifies and addresses these issues, including: the impact of cancer on adolescent development, including sexual and identity development, dealing with ethical issues around consent and confidentiality, reactions to survivorship, the management of palliative care and spiritual needs, understanding the family context of treatment, liaising with schools and universities, and negotiating the interface between paediatric & adult cancer services.
This subject takes a holistic approach to these issues in drawing from different multidisciplinary perspectives and insights.
It will be of interest to a range of professionals engaged in some capacity in the care and support of adolescents and young adults with cancer.

• Understand the impact that a young persons developmental maturity has on his/her capacity to understand and process their experience of cancer
• Evaluate the ethical issues around consent and confidentiality, especially in relation to treatment and non-adherent behaviour
• Analyse the family system surrounding the young person, and the impact of cancer on other family members, especially siblings
• Appreciate the importance of the treatment environment and experience, and patient/practitioner relationships on young peoples cancer outcomes
• Critique the systemic and other issues at the interface between paediatric and adult cancer services, and develop strategies to promote better transition from one to the other
• Understand adolescent & young adult cancer epidemiology
• Understand the impact of cancer on adolescent s’ physical and psychosocial development, their sexual and identity development in particular
• Explore issues around palliative care, spirituality and the search for meaning

• Task 1: AYA cancer and treatment wiki (hurdle requirement- satisfactory/unsatisfactory). 300 words; due mid-semester.
• Task 2: Case study report (60%). 3000 words; due mid-semester.
• Task 3: Improving program and service delivery report (40%). 2000 words; due end of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Development and application of the key skills, attributes and professional capabilities needed to work with young people, families, communities and other professionals in cancer care;
• Integration of critically reflective, evidence-based approaches in the promotion of best practice approaches;
• Cross-disciplinary learning, solution generation and professional networking in the development of innovative clinical and program responses.

Resources provided to distance students include: Two-day orientation workshop, hardcopy Learners Guide, optional Study Skills sessions (3/semester) bi-annual Newsletter , free access to RCH (remote link) forums, LMS support.