Future Development

• A multidisciplinary group of professionals have agreed to join forces and develop a standard pathway for Acute Oncology Training and Education using the UKONS Acute Oncology Knowledge and Skills Guidance.  

This guidance was developed by a multidisciplinary group of clinical professionals,and aims to support the delivery of appropriate knowledge and skills to address competency for multidisciplinary healthcare workers who may be involved in the care of adult patients who present with acute oncology problems.

This framework is descriptive and details four levels of role-specific skill and expertise for general / non- specialist and specialist healthcare workers involved in the care of people affected by cancer who may be experiencing acute problems related to their cancer or the treatment they are receiving. The provision of care for this vulnerable group of patients is referred to as Acute Oncology.

The Acute Oncology Patient Pathway begins at the first presentation to a healthcare worker for the episode of care. This framework spans Primary, Urgent and Acute Care Providers, and describes the level of knowledge and skill required by the healthcare worker dependent on their role in the patient pathway.

For example, a Community Primary Care Nurse would need to be able to initiate the required emergency management to support the patient and liaise with Acute Oncology Services for further guidance; this equates to Level 1 (Basic).

It is hoped that the emerging education group will have representation from all relevant national bodies and work across boundaries to develop a "passport" for each level and encourage educators to develop level specific training. If you would like to know more about this initiative please contact us.