Postgraduate Programme Cancer Care

Get your programme guide

The nature of cancer care is rapidly changing from a chronic illness to a long-term, community-based condition. In order to optimise care of cancer survivors, there is a fundamental need to upskill primary care healthcare workers on the advances in cancer care and create greater integration between primary and secondary health services.

Aimed at Primary Care Nurses, Family Doctors and Pharmacists, this 7-week course, comprising 26 learning hours, is the ideal way to further your knowledge and career in cancer care management in primary care.

  • Award title

    Postgraduate Course

  • Programme duration

    7 weeks

  • Accredited by

Entry requirements

  • Evidence of proficiency in the English language

  • Full employment in a medical practice throughout the duration of the programme

  • Medical or health-related science degree granted by a recognised institution

What will I study?

This programme blends self-directed learning and Tutor-led group learning. Throughout the programme, you'll engage in:

  • Online group tutorials
  • Tutor-moderated discussion forums
  • Interactive case studies
  • A reflective exercise

The programme is broken down into 3 modules:

Weeks 1 & 2

  • Identify key themes in the National Cancer Strategy and describe ways that they can be delivered in practice
  • Understand how to identify individuals at risk of common cancers and describe prevention initiatives for common cancers (breast, cervical, prostate, colo-rectal)
  • Evaluate the strengths and limits of current screening programmes and how to increase participation in national programmes
  • Providing information to patients about the possibility of interval cancers

Weeks 3 & 4 

  • Demonstrate the ability to describe and evaluate new cancer treatment modalities to patients
  •  Explain the general mechanisms and adverse effects of treatments, (e.g. chemotherapy/radiotherapy/hormonal therapy/monoclonal antibodies etc.)
  •  Identify adverse events and appropriate procedures for escalation
  • Develop approaches to recognise and manage potentially serious symptoms in patients receiving novel cancer therapeutics
  • Identify sources of guidance for obtaining information on specific treatments and side effects

Weeks 5 & 6

  • Evaluate and manage risks associated with survivorship, e.g. long-term effects of treatment, other co-morbidities, risk of recurrence etc.
  • Critique the role of the practitioner and patient in developing the skills required for patient self-management and planning care
  • Demonstrate knowledge of acute care referral, hospice referral and management of palliative care in line with HSE resources
  • Initiate, guide and record discussions on end of life planning with the patient, in a timely and effective manner

Programme benefits

  • Graduates will receive a programme completion certificate from a top ranking university
  • No need to take time away from work or travel to a classroom
  • Accessible across multiple devices
  • Local CME accreditation awarded
  • No summative assessment

Ready to find out more?

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