Radiation Oncology (0.5 credits)

Radiation therapy is an important treatment modality used alone, in combination with other treatments, or as a means to manage symptoms. The goals of radiation treatment are for cure, adjuvant (reduce risk of recurrence), and palliate symptoms. In Canada, almost 50% of patients diagnosed with cancer will have radiation therapy. That is, approximately 100,000 radiation treatment courses were delivered based on a workload survey of cancer treatment programs across Canada (Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology, 2009 as cited in Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy [CPQR], 2011). This course will focus on the principles of radiation therapy including aspects of how it works the implications for use, different treatment methods, treatment side effects, and the role of the nurse in supporting patients through treatment.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify the most common disease site concurrent protocols using radiation therapy as one of the main modalities
2. Describe the most common side effects, and disease site specific side effects of radiation therapy
3. Develop, plan, organize and complete a poster or oral presentation on radiation therapy

Course Requirements

To receive your certificate and a credit toward your de Souza designation, you are required to complete:

• a baseline evaluation before you begin the eLearning modules for the course in order to assess knowledge, attitude, confidence, learning methods and outcomes, as well as overall satisfaction
• four week-long eLearning modules and required readings
• weekly discussions and postings
• an in-person symposium style workshop at the end of the eLearning component, in which you present your project
• a post-course evaluation

Time Committment: Approximately 3 hours a week, including an 8-hour workshop

de Souza Nurse Designation: This course is worth 0.5 credits under Treatment & Delivery of Evidence Based Care.

To register for this course, please visit the Events Calendar to find out when it is being offered.