The placement will be based in a variety of settings including the Therapy Services department, NGS Macmillan building and inpatient wards. Each day will be varied, providing an opportunity to see a variety of cancer presentations. The team consists of senior physiotherapists and an AHP cancer assistant practitioner, all of whom will contribute to your placement.
There will be opportunities to observe other services including consultant clinics, lymphoedema services (where possible), Macmillan Information and Support Centre services and external programmes such as the “Out swimming Cancer” programme.
People who receive interventions from the Oncology Prehabilitation and Therapy team are generally receiving curative treatment, adopting an empathetic approach as well as motivating others is key to maximising this placement.
Due to the varied nature of this placement good time management, flexibility and prioritisation are essential.
Placement Type:
Oncology Prehabilitation and Therapy Team
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Placement description:
This placement provides the opportunity to work in an exciting new service, which continues to grow. The service is designed to optimise people before, during and following cancer treatment to improve their outcomes and quality of life
Common conditions
•Breast cancer
•Colorectal cancer
•Haematological conditions
•Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
•Lymphoma
•Myeloma
•Head and Neck Cancer
•Other cancers
Accessibility:
Suite 5 is based on the ground floor of the main hospital and can be accessed via the main entrance, or the visitors entrance at the back of the hospital. There is lift access if required arriving from the visitors entrance.
Parking:
Parking is free for students when registered through Nexus and permit obtained.
Permits applied through - NexusPlatform
Parking can be limited on site but if starting at 8/8.30am spaces will always be available. Information regarding applying for parking permits is sent out to students prior to starting placement.
Client Group:
People affected by cancer
Care Provision:
Prehabilitation and rehabilitation (outpatient and inpatient settings)
Special Considerations:
As working with people affected by cancer can be emotive, please contact the team before your placement if you have any concerns.
Learner Types:
Student Physiotherapists.
Learning opportunities:
Exercise class delivery, one to one shoulder rehabilitation, exercise interventions in outpatients and inpatient setting. Observation of clinics, other services related to cancer care e.g lymphoedema service and Macmillan Information and Support Centre
Learning Outcomes:
Understanding of cancer treatments, pathophysiology, biopsychosocial considerations, exercise prescription, service development/ improvement
Shift Patterns:
Working Hours:
08:30 – 16:30 Monday to Friday.
Day 1
Full uniform is worn (polo shirt if preferred) and ID Badge required to be always displayed. ID badges are provided during your induction. More information will be sent out by your PLF before your placement starts.
Directions: visit www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk for directions and map of the hospital. The site is accessible via public transport. Parking: Parking is available on site, a fee is charged for all patients, visitors and members of staff using these facilities.
Parking permits are available, information will be sent out to you about these by our Practice learning facilitator before your placement starts.
Knowledge and skills required
Students will be expected to:
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•Have a knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the shoulder
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•Undertake subjective and objective assessments utilising, where appropriate, the skills of observation, palpation, measurement of range of movement / power and deliver physical capacity testing (e.g. 6 minute walk tests)
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•Identify problems, goals and outcome measures from assessment findings and plan and progress treatment regimes.
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Liaise with all members of the MDT to optimise patient care
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Implement techniques to:
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Motivate.
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Improve shoulder function.
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Improve physical fitness.
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Support in the management of peripheral neuropathy.
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Support emotional wellbeing.
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Improve balance and prevent falls.
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Educate patients and build their confidence.
Learning Outcomes:
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Consultant clinics
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Nurse specialist clinics
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Lymphoedema clinics
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Macmillan Information and Support Centre services
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Support groups
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External health and wellbeing programmes for people affected by cancer
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In service training
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Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation webinars
Suggested Reading:
Bruce, J., Mazuquin, B., Canaway, A., Hossain, A., Williamson, E., Mistry, P., Lall, R., Petrou, S., Lamb, S. E., Rees, S., Padfield, E., Vidya, R., Thompson, A. M., & Prevention of Shoulder Problems Trial (PROSPER) Study Group (2021). Exercise versus usual care after non-reconstructive breast cancer surgery (UK PROSPER): multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 375, e066542. https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-066542
Macmillan (2020) ‘Prehabilitation for People with Cancer: Principles and guidance for prehabilitation within the management and support of people with cancer’ Macmillan.org.uk ​
Macmillan. Cancer Rehabilitation Pathways (2020) Macmillan.org.uk
South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit. Prehab 4 Cancer Evaluation South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit Retrieved 2/09/2022 from https://www.scwcsu.nhs.uk/documents/61-gm-prehab4cancer-evaluation-report-final-003/file
NICE (2023) Guideline: Early and locally advanced breast cancer: diagnosis and management. Accessed online: