STRÅLPRA Clinical Practice in Radiotherapy Course description

The practical course STRÅLPRA consists of two periods of practical training: STRÅLPRA-101 and STRÅLPRA-102. The practical training period STRÅLPRA-101 takes place over five weeks in the first semester, of which four weeks are set aside for work in the treatment service and one week is allocated for project work. The practical training period STRÅLPRA-102 takes place over five weeks in the second semester, of which four weeks are set aside for work in the treatment service/planning unit and one week is allocated for project work.

The students are required to demonstrate an increasing degree of reflection, critical assessment and independence during the two periods.

STRÅL6020 and the practical training period STRÅLPRA-101 must be approved before the student can start the practical training period STRÅLPRA-102.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has in-depth knowledge of the department’s procedures for information about radiotherapy and preventive/follow-up measures with regard to side effects
• has in-depth knowledge and experience of how radiotherapy machines and other radiotherapy equipment can be used in different treatment plans
• has in-depth knowledge of principles concerning treatment planning and is capable of considering problems relating to high-risk organs
• has broad knowledge of radiotherapy and image quality
• is capable of describing the department’s guidelines, quality assurance systems, procedures and documentation procedures
• has in-depth knowledge of treatment precision and accuracy, verification methods and image-guided radiotherapy

Skills

The student:

• is capable of using theoretical knowledge of oncology, cancer care and communication to provide good information, teaching and guidance adapted to the needs of patients and next of kin
• is capable of identifying care needs, mapping side effects and implementing relevant measures to prevent, alleviate and/or treat these symptoms
• knows how to show care and respect for patients and next of kin
• is capable of maintaining good hygiene, and handling waste and waste products in accordance with regulations
• has basic skills in simulations, field arrangements and the basis for dose calculations
• is capable of planning and facilitating radiotherapy in different treatment plans in accordance with applicable guidelines
• independently masters patient positioning and field setting in relation to fixation equipment and coordinate systems
• is capable of assessing methods and analysing results from verification and image-guided radiotherapy
• knows how to document treatment provided, non-conformity registration and corrective measures
• knows how to operate equipment and machines in a responsible and safe manner and perform emergency procedures

Competence

The student

• has insight into how patients experience cancer and its treatment
• has insight into their own role and reactions in dealings with patients and next of kin
• has a professional and ethical awareness of their own conduct in relation to cancer patients and their next of kin, which is expressed through respect, understanding, cooperation and professionalism
• is capable of integrating professional knowledge in their professional practice in accordance with evidence-based practice and critically reflecting on their own and others’ professional practice
• has self-insight and is willing to further develop their own personal and professional expertise
• has the ability to work in teams and has an open approach to interdisciplinary cooperation
• is capable of making use of available learning situations and information sources
• demonstrates independence, accuracy and reliability in their professional practice

The work and teaching methods consist of two periods of clinical practice, a written project assignment and two project periods with presentations.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student receives a final assessment in the course:

• an oral presentation in groups relating to a patient care project
• an individual, written project assignment on patient care, of approx. 2,000 words
• an oral presentation in groups relating to a project on single dose planning
• an individual written presentation relating to quality assurance in radiotherapy

Assessment content: The learning outcomes

Form of assessment: Assessment of clinical practice

Credits are awarded on completion of both practical training periods. To pass the practical training, the student must have met the compulsory attendance requirement (90 per cent attendance).

The grade pass or fail will be awarded for each practical training period.

Students are assessed by the practical training supervisor and the course lecturer at OsloMet.