Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Nursing

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Nursing is to produce independent postgraduate oncology and palliative nursing specialists who can demonstrate the competencies required to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care given to individuals with cancer, including oncological emergencies throughout the patient's life span, families and communities affected by cancer and those in need of palliative care.

The competencies acquired by the oncology and palliative nursing specialist include reflective practice, clinical judgement, independent decision making and deliberate practice to improve oncological and palliative nursing care outcomes.

The qualification will enable the learner to be clinically focused and service-orientated to deliver specialized care, including promotive, curative, emergency, preventive and/or rehabilitative care, depending on the scope of the speciality, using a wide range of skills such as accountability, service ethics and effective decision-making.

The curriculum uses an outcomes-based approach whereby learners are placed for Work Integrated Learning in specialized oncology and palliative nursing practice and other healthcare settings to apply the required competencies. A collaborative teaching and learning approach will promote evidence-based oncology and palliative nursing practice.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to

• Practice and facilitate specialised oncology and palliative care within the ethical-legal parameters of the profession.
• Apply the knowledge of and facilitate evidence-based practice in the specialised oncology and palliative field to solve contextual problems and develop policies and guidelines.
• Appraise and develop self, peers, oncology as well as palliative specialist learners by facilitating self-directedness/leadership and lifelong learning to maintain competence.
• Facilitate advocacy for the profession and provision of specialised oncology and palliative professional support for personnel, patients, families, and communities.
• Engage in planning, commissioning, and managing specialised oncology and palliative units.
• Engage in scholarly activities to inform evidenced based practice in specialised oncology and palliative units.

Rationale

The positioning of nursing education within the higher education band is a legislative mandate responding to both transformation in the education system of the country and the health care system agenda. In compliance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997 as amended in 2008) the change in the educational landscape of the country mandates the alignment of the nursing qualifications to the National Qualification Framework (NQF). The Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005 provides for training, leading to registration as an Oncology Specialist. South African Nursing Council (SANC) Regulation No. 635 of 2020 prescribes the requirements for registration in the category of Oncology and Palliative nurse specialist.

The purpose of the qualification is to produce an Oncology and Palliative nurse specialist with the competencies required to plan, coordinate, and render comprehensive specialised oncology and palliative care to individuals with cancer, oncological emergencies, and those in need of palliative care throughout their life span. The competencies acquired by the qualifying learner will enable them to be critical analytical thinkers and change agents who will be able to identify and analyse needs and contribute meaningfully to the formulation and application of policies and procedures to improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer.

The teaching and learning process incorporates government programmes aimed at the prevention and detection of cancer, management of clients in the early and late stages of cancer, oncology emergencies and support for survivors of cancer. The qualification, therefore, contributes to the reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality rates and enhances the quality of life for those that require palliative care, survivors of cancer and those at risk for cancer.

The qualification was developed in response to the National Development Plan Vision 2030 chapter 10, the National Strategic Plan, the Provincial Guidelines for the implementation of the three streams of PHC Re-engineering various Oncology and Palliative Care policies and National guidelines such as National Policy Framework, Strategy on Palliative Care 2017-2022, National Cancer Strategic Framework for South Africa 2021-2022, and the Practical Manual for Implementation of the National Infection Prevention and Control Strategic Framework March 2020.

The registered nurses would work at regional, provincial, and even national healthcare levels. The graduate will practice as an autonomous, responsible, accountable Oncology and Palliative Nurse Specialist, engaging in collaborative consultation processes with the inter- and intra-professional team. The graduate will be registered as an oncology and palliative nurse specialist with the SANC to practice as defined by the Nursing Act No 33 of 2005.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education, Management and Community, NQF Level 7

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing, NQF level 7.

And

• Proof of current SANC registration as a Professional Nurse.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits

• Health Service Dynamics, 16 Credits.
• Health Sciences Research, 12 Credits.
• Oncology and Palliative Nursing: Speciality I, 30 Credits.
• Oncology and Palliative Nursing: Speciality II, 16 Credits.
• Oncology and Palliative Nursing: Work Integrated Learning, 70 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to practice and facilitate specialised oncology and palliative care within the ethical-legal parameters of the profession.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of and facilitate evidence-based practice in the specialised oncology and palliative field to solve contextual problems and develop policies and guidelines.
3. Demonstrate the ability to appraise and develop self, peers and oncology and palliative specialist learners by facilitating self-directedness/leadership and lifelong learning to maintain competence.
4. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate advocacy for the profession and provision of specialised oncology and palliative professional support for personnel, patients, families, and communities.
5. Demonstrate the ability to engage in planning, commissioning, and managing specialised oncology and palliative units.
6. Demonstrate the ability to engage in scholarly activities to inform evidenced based practice in specialised oncology and palliative units.
7. Demonstrate the ability to utilize, manage, and communicate data to support decision-making and research.
8. Demonstrate the ability to render and coordinate patient-centred specialised oncology and palliative practice within a continuum of care using the scientific approach, integrating biomedical and psychosocial sciences including advanced pharmacology.
9. Demonstrate the ability to participate in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of oncology and palliative nursing policies, programmes, and projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Critically apply personal attributes and behaviour that demonstrate conformity to the relevant code of ethics in the practice of specialised oncology and palliative care.
• Apply critical decision-making, and moral reasoning models and principles to make clinical judgements and resolve ethical dilemmas within the specialised oncology and palliative practice.
• Take accountability to demonstrate own professional judgement, actions, and outcomes of specialised oncology and palliative care, provided and continued competence.
• Identify and apply the relevant current legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to specialised oncology and palliative practice.
• Record all specialised oncology and palliative care activities accurately, comprehensively, and timeously considering the legal requirements for record keeping.
• Apply knowledge of the oncology and palliative specialist role in the management of professional misconduct and risks taking into consideration the institutional protocols, protocols, and ethical-legal framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically engage in specialised oncology and palliative practice, to demonstrate an understanding of the process of evidence-based practice.
• Carry out the appropriate application of evidence-based specialised oncology and palliative practice, taking into consideration the appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for the practice, for example, systematic or scoping reviews, appraisal of articles, practice-based research, and publication.
• Apply evidence-based specialised oncology and palliative practice, to demonstrate knowledge of critical analysis of the various levels of evidence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Employ acquired leadership skills through the application of appropriate leadership styles, principles, and theories.
• Facilitate effective Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for self and others for lifelong learning by creating a positive learning climate in the workplace through the processes of mentorship, preceptorship, supervision, and performance appraisal.
• Critically engage and conduct performance appraisals demonstrating an understanding of the purpose and processes of the performance management and development system.
• Apply the feedback gained from self-reflection, peers, learners, management, and other relevant stakeholders to improve effectiveness in the oncology and palliative specialist's role.
• Apply evidence-based understanding of the various risk factors that impact health and wellness within the workplace and apply strategies to care for self, peers, employees, and learners.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Examine the purpose of the advocacy role for an oncology and palliative specialist.
• Apply advocacy principles to ensure safe and quality care/ in various oncology and palliative care settings.
• Apply appropriate communication skills and channels in facilitating advocacy.
• Lobby and or participate in interest groups to influence legislation and policy affecting the role performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explain the levels and or classification of the respective specialised oncology and palliative units.
• Commission task taking into consideration the burden of diseases and priority services as determined by current events.
• Participate in the evaluation of the existing specialised oncology and the palliative unit, demonstrating knowledge of guidelines for provisioning a specialised oncology and palliative unit.
• Apply knowledge and engage in planning the role and responsibilities, and the tasks within inter and intra-professional teams.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply knowledge of respective specialized oncology and palliative setting and use appropriate search engines and databases for review of the literature to inform evidence-based practice in specialized oncology and palliative care.
• Apply appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilization in specialized oncology and palliative practice (e.g., research, systematic reviews etc.).
• Consult the peer-reviewed journals for sharing of evidence.
• Conduct the activities in the specialized oncology and palliative practice based on scientifically proven evidence.
• Participate in inter and intra- professional dialogues, debates, or discourses in quality improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Document all data/information gathered in the context of the specialized oncology and palliative practice, for utilization and storage in accordance with the set standards.
• Collect and analyze comprehensive data, information, and emerging evidence pertinent to the respective specialized oncology and palliative practice.
• Diagnose and identify problems and opportunities for improvement based on gathered and critically analysed assessment data from the patients/clients, families, communities, learners, or employees including current scientific evidence.
• Adhere to the intellectual property protocol and avoid plagiarism in the documents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Analyse the position of specialised oncology and palliative service within the health care system.
• Apply knowledge that is conversant with the full range of services within the specialised oncology and palliative practice.
• Render care that integrates promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care in a healthcare continuum.
• Apply knowledge, skill, and attitudes of specialised oncology and palliative care in accordance with national and international standards and protocols of the specialised oncology and palliative field.
• Formulate oncology and palliative diagnoses that are congruent with the patient's/client's clinical manifestations/data and are based on accurate analysis and interpretation of data obtained from scientific, laboratory, diagnostic, technological and psycho-sociocultural assessment including consultation of relevant/current literature/evidence.
• Conduct planned oncology and palliative interventions that are individualized considering the patient's/client's needs, values, beliefs, preferences, culture, and contextual variables, for example, disease burden, and health risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Identify the steps in and or levels of the development of policies, programmes, and projects.
• Explore own role and responsibilities in project and policy development within inter and intra-professional policy/project teams.
• Conduct and advocate for the oncology and palliative profession and patients/clients, families and communities in the oncology and palliative specialist area.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be conducted periodically throughout the qualification.

The coursework of all learners will be assessed in all courses. Information regarding formative assessment will be provided to all learners.

Assessments will be in such written, oral, or practical form as the institution may determine and will consist of a variety of assessment types:

• Written tests.
• Projects.
• Case studies.
• Research presentations.
• Objective structured clinical assessment (OSCA).
• Criterion-referenced assessment will be used in assessing clinical skills to determine whether the learner has achieved the outcome.

Formative assessment is undertaken for

• Identifying learning needs to assist the learner to achieve the course competencies.
• Providing feedback to learners on their performance as measured against the set standard.
• Developing learners and providing learners with the opportunity for self-evaluation.
• Assessing learners' readiness for summative evaluation.
• The results of formative assessment are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a failure.
• Formative assessment contributes a greater proportion to the final mark (A ratio of 50:50 % i.e., formative to summative assessment).

Summative assessment

Summative assessment will be conducted at the end of a teaching/ learning period or program and information regarding formative assessment will be provided to all learners.

Assessments will be in such written oral or practical form as the institution may determine.

Summative assessment consists of

• Three (3) written examinations covering the core content.
• Two (2) final work integrated learning examinations from the OPW 100 content, the HSD 100 will be applied in both OPW 100 summative assessments.
• Learners are informed of assessment requirements and are afforded opportunities to achieve the assessment criteria.
• Lecturers receive ongoing support by providing guidance and constructive feedback.

Assessment of experiential learning

Assessment of clinical or experiential learning will take place periodically during the qualification.

Experiential learning aims to assess the learner's accomplishment of program clinical outcomes to

• Ensure that the learner is competent and can provide professional and safe nursing care of high quality to individual patients or groups of patients.

Criteria for the Registration of Assessors.

• Should be registered with the South African Nursing Council, with a qualification in oncology and palliative nursing and nursing education.