The purpose of this framework is to guide cancer care providers and networks in planning, developing and implementing professional development activities and programs.
The Framework is based on:
- The stages and needs of people with cancer as they move along the "patient pathway."
- The "optimal service outcomes" stemming from those needs and described in the National Service Improvement Framework for Cancer Services and recent state and territory cancer plans.
- The priority service areas identified by the needs analysis conducted in phase I of the PD project.
- Current evidence based guidelines for areas of professional practice.
It is presented as a matrix which describes: the needs of people with cancer; the optimal services to meet those needs; and the organisational support required for health professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide the optimum service.
The Framework has been validated by national and international experts.
Click here to view the Framework
The Framework includes:
- a model for professional development for nurses in cancer control; and
- pathways for the development of nursing competency in cancer control.
Click here to view the EdCaN Framework
Developed from the National Cancer Nursing Education Project (EdCaN), these learning resources include a competency standards framework and a suite of learning resources targeted at building capacity of the nursing workforce in cancer control, with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes for people affected by cancer.
The resources are designed to support the professional development of all nurses in cancer care regardless of experience or setting. They provide highly flexible and accessible education materials to help:
- all nurses achieve the core capabilities required in cancer control
- specialist cancer nurses benchmark against the specialist cancer nurse competency standards
- educators facilitate learning for all nurses in cancer control.
Click here to access the EdCaN learning resources
Developed by the National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, Cancer Australia in conjuction with QUT Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, the Psychosexual Care of Women Affected by Gynaecological Cancers learning modules will help all health professionals develop the knowledge and skills to support women and their partners experiencing psychosexual concerns following gynaecological cancer.
The modules are designed around an educational framework that comprise six modules addressing topics including understanding sexuality; the psychosexual effects of a gynaecological cancer; sexual health assessment and advanced therapeutic interventions.
The modules incorporate interactive learning activities and video vignettes to provide authentic learning materials based around the experiences of women treated for gynaecological cancers. The modules also promote critical reflection on personal attitudes and beliefs regarding psychosexual care. In addition, an accompanying guide helps users select specific content and activities to meet their individual learning objectives. In addition, supporting resources, including psychosexual assessment and referral tools as well as information about psychosexual support, are included throughout.
This resource can be used for self directed learning by individuals, or by educators in both clinical and academic settings as part of a facilitated learning program. The program can be tailored to the needs of professionals from various disciplines working in a variety of healthcare settings, including general practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals and oncologists.
Click here to enter the Psychosexual Care of Gynaecological Cancers (PSGC) modules
The multidisciplinary care toolkit aims to optimise the multidisciplinary team's contribution to patient care through establishing and enhancing effective team participation.
This toolkit provides practical information, practice improvement activities and resources for health professionals to utilise within their multidisciplinary teams, including case studies of of teams who have implemented improvement strategies within their teams.
Free registration is required to access the module.
Click here to enter the MDC Toolkit
The frontline tutorial explores how to respond to cancer patients who are experiencing acute distress and in need of immediate psychosocial support.
In this tutorial professionals are introduced to practical supportive techniques when responding to a patient who is either angry, distressed or in a state of depression; and techniques to promote hope and dignity in patients facing advanced cancer.
Free registration is required to access the module.
Click here to enter the Frontline Psychosocial Support Tutorial
Developed in consultation with some of Australia's leading clinicians and health care managers, this module aims to address some of the workplace issues and sources of conflict that may impact upon the professional relationship between clinicians and health care managers.
Over three sections, Exploring the Divide, Identifying Common Ground, and Working Together toward Change, the module provides information, first-hand advice, case studies, practical skills and other activities to assist clinicians and managers to understand the others' perspective to enhance their relationship in order to better support each other in the shared goal of providing optimal patient care.
Free registration is required to access the module.
Click here to enter the Clinician:Manager Connect Module
formerly Strengthening Cancer Care: Psychosocial Support module
In 2008, the Strengthening cancer care: psychosocial support module was developed in collaboration between Cancer Australia and RACGP to assist health professionals to develop skills in the provision of sound, practical strategies based on current evidence to help reduce patient and family distress during and after diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The original module has now been redeveloped into a new gplearning Active Learning Module Category 1 activity, Female Cancer and Psychosocial Support. The aim of the module is to help health professionals identify and provide psychosocial support for females affected by gynaecological cancers, their partners and families.
The module is included as part of RACGP membership fees. Contact gplearning for registration and subscription information on 1800 284 789 or: gpeducation@racgp.org.au
Click here to enter gplearning