This resource provides information on what cancer is and how it grows, common cancers, stages and grading and an introduction to Acute Oncology (AO). The slides outline the history of AO plus roles and responsibilities of acute oncology services (AOS) and their role in urgent cancer care as a whole.
Presentation setting out key information in identifying and caring for a patient with neutropenic sepsis. Information includes what neutropenic sepsis is versus febrile neutropenia, causes, warning signs and symptoms and actions for neutropenic sepsis.
Breakdown of potential oncology emergencies and the reason for these in relation to cancer treatment and disease progression.
Competency Framework
This online resource has been developed as part of the National AO Passport project with UKONS and UKAOS: Cascade (Co-design of Acute oncology Standardised Competence Assessment Documents and their Evaluation). To support learners at 'Core' level to achieve AO competencies we have collaborated with Macmillan to combine the existing online education with the newly developed Level 1 Passport questions to promote the development of a knowledgeable, skilled, and competent workforce that treats and cares for people with an acute oncology indication.
Staff
Top tips in having confidence in communication and courageous conversations. Topics covered include developing a relationship and self care, the SPIKE (Setting, Perception, Invitation/Information, Knowledge, Empathy, Summarise/Strategise) Framework, how to respond to patient and family reactions and dealing with anger.
Patients
Guidelines for the initial management of adult patients who have a cancer diagnosis, and present as an emergency or unplanned admission with a complication of their disease or cancer treatment.
The triage tool is a widely used clear symptom-based risk assessment process, that uses a RAG scoring system to triage patients who may be suffering from side-effects/toxicities as a result of Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT).
PID
Proposal
Plan on a Page
Highlight Reports
Agendas
Listen to Bob and Lynda's story of their experience of the urgent care journey and acute oncology.
Toolkit containing advice and guidance about taking and using stories from patients, carers and staff. It contains templates for Informing the storyteller about the process, obtaining consent and interview questions.
A patient story of Naomi's experience of the cancer pathway and the Acute Oncology service she was supported by.
Resource to help you to use patient stories to improve patient, carer and staff experience and outcomes.
A generic cover letter that is available to download and use to invite a patient to partake in sharing their story.
Podcasts
In this episode we are joined by Caroline Wilson and Alison Taylor. We discuss what acute oncology services are and why they are crucial, how cancer patients are supported, common emergencies and much more.
Podcast discussing acute oncology and why it is important for everyone to know about. Also sharing the education and training developed to educate the workforce on Acute Oncology, including the new acute oncology competence passport, and much more!
If you work in cancer care, listen to Macmillan's podcast where you can hear from expert guests and find out about the latest innovations and best practice.
Discussing the dilemmas, challenges and progress made in the management of patients receiving immunotherapies to treat cancer. Ricky Frazer and Anna Olson-Brown with guests discuss the dilemmas, challenges and progress made in the management of patients receiving immunotherapies to treat cancer.
Useful Websites
Regional resource hub for acute oncology related policies and documents.
Macmillan education and training covers a range of topics that are relevant to healthcare professionals working in cancer care. These include:
- Cancer information and support
- Psychological care and communication skills
- Leadership and professional development
- Palliative and end of life care
- Personalised care and support planning
- Primary, community and social care
You can access on-demand e-learning courses and videos, live online courses and programmes, trusted resources and toolkits.
Whatever role you do and wherever you work in the cancer pathway, our education and training will support you to develop in your role and improve the service you offer to people living with cancer.
The UK Acute Oncology Society (UKAOS) is a multidiciplinary group of health professionals committed to the development and delivery of AO services across the UK. This site provides an information hub for useful documents, links and resources on AO. It also provides the latest AO events and showcases national best practice in AO as regular spotlights.
SAM (Society for Acute Medicine) is committed to supporting AMUs across the UK providing high quality care for medical inpatients. SAM has many MDT members including Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and other key members of the acute medical team.
Presentation slides explaining what clinical coding is and why it is important to you in your job role.
- National AO Society:
- AO education formal qualification links:
- Communication skills formal qualification links:
- AO Education Qualifications:
- GM Cancer Academy - Acute Oncology
- UK Acute Oncology: Acute Oncology Passport- Level 1 online resource now available
- UK Acute Oncology: National AO Competence Assessment Passport Project with UKONS and UKAOS
- Level 2 Acute Oncology – Overview (Guys Cancer Academy)
- UKONS Telephone Triage training programme page
- Macmillan Cancer Support - The Learning Hub
- UKAOS:
- UKONS: