Cancer and Palliative Care
This curriculum consists of the following areas.
Primary Care Management
- Epidemiology of major cancers
- Risk factors for major cancers
- Knowledge of principles and design of primary and secondary screening programmes
- Knowledge of National & Local referral guidelines
- Knowledge of the principles of palliative care
- Application of those principles in non-cancer illnesses
Person centred care
- The ability to attend to the physical, social and spiritual needs of patients and carers
- The ability to communicate difficult information about the disease, treatment & prognosis
- Knowledge about how to provide and manage 24 hour continuity of care
Specific problem solving skills
- Early signs & symptoms
- Suspicion of cancer early in the disease process
- Appropriate investigation and referral
- Pain management
- Use of syringe driver
- Conversion of drugs, dosages and routes of administration
- Palliative care emergencies and management
- Major haemorrhage
- Hypercalcaemia
- Superior vena cava obstruction
- Spinal cord compression
- Bone fractures
- Anxiety / panic
- Use of emergency drugs
A comprehensive approach
- Managing cancer and non cancer symptoms simultaneously
- The ability to counsel & explain
- Risk of disease
- Behaviour change
- Treatment options
- Symptom control
Community orientation
- Knowledge of social benefits and services to patients & carers
- Population trends in the prevalence of risk factors
- Social & psychological impact on others
Holistic approach
- The ability to offer spiritual care for patients and carers
- A knowledge of normal & abnormal grieving
Contextual Approach
- Knowledge of key policy documents for cancer & palliative care
- Recognise how geographical factors influence prevalence and treatment
Attitudinal Aspects
- Knowledge of ethical issues and dilemas in management
- Knowledge of advanced directives
- Knowledge of personal attitudes and experiences
Scientific Aspects
- The ability to define & apply EB Medicine
- The ability to learn from clinical experience
- Knowledge of cancer treatment trials and how to inform patients