Oncology – Palliative Nursing

Course Code:

ΝΟΣ0703

Semester:

7th Semester

Specialization Category:

ΜΕ

Course Hours:

Theory 2 - Lab 1

ECTS:

3


Course Tutors

Govina Ourania

 

STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Ι. Theoretical part

   Written final exam (70%) that includes:

    • Multiple choice questions
    • Analysis of roles and stakeholders in a brief case study
    • Comparative evaluation of theory and Laboratory part

ΙΙ. Laboratory part

Evaluation (30%) of skills development in the oncology clinical setting.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to develop students’ skills in the field of primary and secondary cancer prevention, as well as the detection, evaluation and therapeutic approach to the problems created by cancer itself, as well as its therapeutic approaches, both to the patient, as well as in the family/carers.

Also, students learn about the provision of comprehensive supportive care to cover physical, psychosocial and mental changes across the disease spectrum, from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship or death and bereavement.

After the end of the course students will be able:

  • To use and synthesize the acquired knowledge in the care of patients with malignant diseases.
  • To develop skills for the evaluation and care of patients with malignant diseases.
  • To provide supportive and palliative care to patients with chronic diseases and their families through the coverage of physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.

 

GENERAL COMPETENCES

  • Adaptation to new situations
  • Teamwork
  • Working in an interdisciplinary environment
  • Demonstration of social, professional and moral responsibility and sensitivity in gender issues

 

Course Outline

 

SYLLABUS

THEORY 

  • Definition of cancer (what is cancer). The Role of Nurses in Primary and Secondary Prevention. Epidemiological data. Attitudes and perceptions of cancer disease.
  • The implications and meaning of cancer for the patient and family with respect to the diagnosis, treatment, relapse, and final stage. Information and support requirements.
  • Nursing care for patients undergoing surgical treatment. Palliative surgery.
  • Nursing care of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Side effects, toxicity and nursing responsibility.
  • Nursing care of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Side effects and nursing responsibility
  • Nursing care for patients undergoing hormone therapy and immunotherapy. Complementary therapies and cancer.
  • The nursing treatment of cancer pain and of the most common symptoms.
  • Assessment and management of bone marrow suppression: Infections and hemorrhage.
  • Nursing treatment of patients with psychological morbidity (anxiety and depression).
  • Palliative care for cancer patients. Nursing treatment of the patient and family at the final stage of life.
  • Historical evolution of palliative care philosophy, Palliative care structures.
  • Nursing treatment of the symptoms of end-stage cancer. Relief of chronic pain.
  • Patient and family care during the last days of life. Family support in the process of lamentation.

 

LABORATORY

  • The students attend the oncology clinic (within oncology hospitals of Athens) in order to identify the particular needs of oncology patients undergoing all forms of antineoplastic treatment.