Oncology and Palliative Care learning objectives

Knowledge and comprehension

1. Cancer screening/detection
1.1. Define risk factors for cancer development including: prevention
programmes, genetic, environmental (Week 1 group teaching)
1.2. Recognise current NHS cancer screening programmes (Week 1 group
teaching)
1.3. Explain the diagnostic pathways from presentation in primary care, A&E and
screening (Week 1 group teaching)
1.4. Define the holistic impact of a diagnosis of cancer; including physical,
psychological, spiritual, financial, social (Week 1 and week 2 group teaching)
1.5. Summarise the issues around cancer survivorship; including physical,
psychological, financial, sexual and life style changes (Week 1 group
teaching)
1.6. Identify follow-up care, variations between cancers and 5 year survival rates
(Clinic discussions)
2. Undergoing treatment for cancer
2.1. List the different modalities used in the treatment of cancer; including
definition of terms, common treatments for breast, lung, prostate and colon
cancer, modes of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (Week 2 group teaching)
2.2. Summarise the pre treatment assessment; including performance status,
aims of treatment and informed consent (Week 2 group teaching)
2.3. Identify the aims of treatment; curative, palliative and its impact on patient
quality of life (Week 2 group teaching)
2.4. List complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments; common
and uncommon, short and long term. (Week 2 group teaching)
2.5. Identify the common oncology related emergencies and their management
(Week 1 group teaching)
3. Clinical Research and Science
3.1. Identify the scientific basis of new drug development and personalised
medicine (including phase I-II trials, principles of good clinical research,
ethical and legal framework, funding) (Week 2 group teaching revise year 1
lectures)
4. Specialist Palliative care
Knowledge and comprehension
4.1. Explain the concept of disease trajectory: early, advanced and terminal
phases (physical, psychological, social)
4.2. List trigger factors for referral to specialist palliative care (symptom control,
psychological support, terminal care)
4.3. Interpret holistic assessment; identify palliative care needs in symptom
control, emotional, psychological or social domains
4.4. Identify the role of charitable and non-governmental organisations involved in
palliative care
5. Primary and Secondary Care Multidisciplinary Working: Attitudes
5.1. Explain holistic assessment and care, multidisciplinary team working (Group
teaching week 1)
5.2. Demonstrate awareness of the value of inter-professional working between
palliative care, oncology and primary care teams.
5.3. Critique effective and ineffective communication: face to face and written,
patient health care professional and inter-health care professional (Tutorial 2)