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| Chemotherapy Day Unit provides integrated multi-disciplinary care to patients
receiving chemotherapy as outpatients. This encompasses: |
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adjuvant
chemotherapy |
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participation
of clinical trials |
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supportive
treatments following transplantation |
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a
range of bio-therapies |
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combined
chemotherapy/radiotherapy |
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novel
targeted therapies |
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Peter
MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne VIC
3002
Ph: (03) 9656 1111, Fax (03) 9656 1400 (Melway Refrence Map 2G:A2)
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Chemotherapy Day Unit
is on level 5 (Tower Block). Follow the red carpet to the lifts,
then to the 5th floor. |
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MAP |
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DIRECTION
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is provided by a multidisciplinary team consisting of: |
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Medical
Oncologists |
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Haematologists,
and the associated haematology Nurse Practitioner |
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Medical
oncology and Haematology Fellows and Registrars |
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Clinical
Nurse Consultants in chemotherapy, and nurses who are specialists
in chemotherapy administration and management. |
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Allied
health personnel - dietitian, social worker, O.T. and Physio. |
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Allied
health personnel - dietitian, social worker, O.T. and Physio. |
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Pastoral
carers. |
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| Health
Professional Information |
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Chemotherapy Day Unit is part of the Ambulatory Care services. |
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It
is staffed Monday - Friday, 8am -7pm, except for public holidays.
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Patients
are treated on a day basis, occasionally needing admission to
an inpatient ward for continuation of treatment. |
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Chemotherapy Day Unit has links with inpatient wards, together with the apheresis
unit. |
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Chemotherapy Day Unit has a mentoring process in place, where each new staff
member is teamed with a clinical mentor for at least one year.
A strong supportive team ethos is also fostered within the unit.
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| Patient
Information |
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are supported by: |
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Clinical
Nurse Consultants together with other experienced oncology nurses,
an integrated multidisciplinary team, pastoral care service,
and enthusiastic volunteers. |
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Written
information, and other educational material from Petermac, the
Cancer Council, and pharmaceutical companies. |
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Close
links with support groups, either through Petermac or the Cancer
Council. |
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Chemotherapy Day Unit is the centre for Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials within Petermac,
and enjoys a close working relationship with the clinical research
nurses. Data collection, pharmacokinetic blood sampling, and adherence
to the trial protocol for administration are vital, as is close patient
observation for adverse effects to new drugs.
Professional
Development
As individual nurses we have a responsibility to maintain, update
and share our professional knowledge. Staff are committed to professional
development, with many nurses undertaking post-graduate study. In-services
are held regularly, and range from drug company presentations to presentations
from colleagues and oncologists. Attendance at conferences and seminars
is encouraged, at local, national and international level.
Clinical
Nurse Consultants are also integral to the hospital chemotherapy education
programme. Participation is through lecturing in the chemotherapy
modules 1 and 2, and also the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing.
Chemotherapy module 3 consists of three weeks supervised clinical
practice on Chemotherapy Day Unit, encompassing chemotherapy administration, cytotoxic
drug knowledge, patient education, preparation of cytotoxics, and
hospital-in-the-home. Students work with a preceptor for this time
to achieve the set competencies and goals.
Professional
development also includes representation from Chemotherapy Day Unit nurses on various
committees, both within Petermac and externally. |
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