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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, participants 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 a certificate and a credit toward a de Souza designation, participants are required to complete:

• A baseline evaluation before beginning 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 participants must present their project;
• A post-course evaluation.

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

Maximum seats: 48

Cost: $0