UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

1.  Awarding Institution / Body / UCLan
2.  Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery / Preston campus
3.  University School/Centre / School of Health Sciences
4.  External Accreditation / N/A
5.  Title of Final Award / Advanced Certificate Principles and Practice of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and Biological Therapy Administration
6.  Modes of Attendance offered / Part-time
7.  UCAS Code / N/A
8.  Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s) / N/A
9.  Other external influences / National Chemotherapy Advisory Group (2009); High Quality Care for All (DoH, 2008); NCEPOD (2008); Cancer Reform Strategy (DoH, 2007); EONS Clinical Guidelines (EONS, 2007); Cancer Action Team (2007); Manual of Cancer Services (DoH, 2004); Essence of Care (DoH 2003; 2001); Yorkshire Cancer Network (2006); Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network (2006)
10.  Date of production/revision of this form / January 2014
11.  Aims of the Programme
·  Develop safe, competent and knowledgeable practitioners in the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy and biological therapies, in both theory and practice.
12.  Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Identify key events in the cell cycle in normal and abnormal cell reproduction
A2. Discuss pharmacological actions of various classes of cytotoxic and biological agents and supportive drugs used in treatment
A3. Critically discuss the indications for use of cytotoxic and biological regimens
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: lectures, group discussion, workbooks, directed reading and e-learning
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Critically discuss issues surrounding health and safety in the use of cytotoxic and biological agents, from professional, patient and carer perspectives
B2. Critically review the prevention and management of extravasation
B3. Critically discuss the recognition, holistic care and management of short- and long-term side effects of cytotoxic and biological treatments
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: lectures, group discussion, simulation, workbooks, clinical practice with mentor, directed reading, e-learning and portfolio development
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Critically reflect on the role of the nurse in the holistic care and management of patient and carer undergoing treatment with cytotoxic and biological agents
C2. Debate the political, professional and socio-economic influences on the development of patient services to reflect the need for holistic care and support
C3. Critically review the information needs of patients and their carers undergoing cytotoxic and biological treatments
C4. Critically examine the ethical and legal issues in the use of cytotoxic and biological treatments
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: lectures, group discussion and debate, workbooks, directed reading, e-learning and portfolio development
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Debate the role of the chemotherapy nurse in the education and support of other health care workers involved in care of patients undergoing cytotoxic and biological therapies
D2. Demonstrate competence in the management and administration of cytotoxic drugs and biological therapies
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: clinical practice with mentor, group discussion and debate, workbooks, directed reading and e-learning
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
13. Programme Structures* / 14. Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / NU3655 / Principles and practice of cytotoxic chemotherapy and biological therapy administration / 40 / Advanced Certificate
Requires 40 credits at Level 5 or above
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a process designed to assist students to get the most from their time at University. It is intended to provide them with a structured and supported process through which they can reflect on their learning, performance and/or achievements and plan for personal, educational and career development. By becoming actively involved in PDP students can improve their capacity to understand what and how they are learning, and how to review, plan and take responsibility for their own learning and future development.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The candidate will typically be a first level UK registered nurse with Dip HE or above, and will also require:
·  Supporting statement from manager that they will enable the student to attain the necessary knowledge and skills in theory and practice through attendance at classroom sessions and supervised practice
·  Evidence of cannulation skills
·  Mentor in practice who is skilled in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration
·  Access to clinical areas where cytotoxic chemotherapy and biotherapy administration are integral and regular aspects of clinical work - if this is not available in the student's own clinical area, then an area where this can be achieved needs to be identified prior to commencing the course.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
·  School of Health website
·  The School of Health NHS Contracts Unit
·  NHS CPD Apply
·  School of Health CPD brochure
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2
LEVEL 6 / NU3655 / Principles and practice of cytotoxic chemotherapy and biological therapy administration / C / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü