Twycross, R, Jeens, K. Todd J, (2000) Lymphoedema, Radcliffe Medical Press
Faull, C. Carter Y, Woof R (2005) Handbook of Palliative Care, (2nd Ed) Blackwell Science
Doyle D, Hanks G, Macdonald N, Eds (2005) Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine (3rd Ed) Oxford: Oxford University

A 4,000 word assignment focusing upon the holistic nursing care of a patient with Lymphoedema and associated oedema with advanced malignancy which incorporates the learning outcomes from the indicative content of the course. (100%). (addressing all LO's).

To encourage self-assessment and provide evidence of the progress of theoretical and practical development of the individual practitioner, the student will maintain a course portfolio. This will include a learning contract, practice assessment record and a reflective diary. The practice assessment record will be utilised during the 6 day placement to the Lymphoedema Clinic at St Giles Hospice (Pass/Fail)
The module portfolio can be utilised further by the student as part of a lifelong learning philosophy towards education. For example, it could be integrated within a Personal Professional Profile which is part of the requirements for maintaining effective registration for nurses and midwives (NMC 2008).

Students must complete the practice part of the assessment in order to submit the summative written assignment

Both elements of assessment must be passed

Formative Assessment / Feedback:
tutorials, written feedback from clinical mentors, portfolio review

Students undertaking this course must be currently working within healthcare practice and be registered with the NMC or other Health Care Professional Registered with their Accredited Body.
They must be able to show evidence of access to patients with lymphoedema or be able to work in a clinic with a lymphoedema specialist/key worker

Library
IT resources

Contact Hours: (96)
29 hours A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed including lectures
19 hours Discussion, group work and reflective studies
10 hours Student presentations
38 hours Demonstration of practical skills and skill development in clinical practice (6 days clinical experience at St Giles Hospice Lymphoedema Clinic) student presentations

Lymphoedema clinical nurse specialists and specialist lectures will be actively involved in teaching

Independent Study Hours: (354)
118 hours Experiential learning in practice
118 Background reading and study
118 hours preparation for assessment

Anatomy and physiology of normal lymphatic system
Physiology of oedema-different pre disposing factors of oedema
Prevalence, incidence, identification of those at risk, stages and development of lymphoedema
Clinical features of oedema
Assessment and holistic multiprofessional approach to care.
Patient perspective-patients expectations, education and compliance
Quality of life issues for lymphoedema patients
Overview of four cornerstones of treatment for lymphodema
Psychosocial and Psychological issues in care-support (patient support groups both locally and nationally)
Communication and interpersonal skills
Ethical considerations within management of care - Patient autonomy, choice and informed consent as well as service provision
Nature of lymphoedema in advancing, palliative disease - how the disease affects the lymphatics, treatment (radiotherapy, surgery) and complications
Symptoms in advancing disease i.e. fungating wounds, wound care pain management
Demonstration and practice of lymphatic drainage, palliative bandaging and compression
Portfolio development and reflection of skills and knowledge
Concept of lifelong learning and continual development
Setting up a lymphoedema service and boundaries of professional practice