Paediatric Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Course
This course provides an introduction into the reasons how, and why, systemic anti-cancer therapy drugs are administered to children and young people with a cancer diagnosis.

Who the course is suitable for?
Registered paediatric nurses who, as part of their role, are expected to administer SACT medications to their patients. You must be IV competent and have a suitable mentor in practice to support your development in this area of nursing care.

Course aims and learning outcomes
This course aims to provide the training required to support you in becoming a competent SACT (chemotherapy) administrator.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
  • explain why SACT drugs are used
  • describe how different groups of SACT drugs work in fighting cancer
  • understand the role of gaining consent in cancer treatments
  • explain the involvement of clinical trials in treating childhood cancer
  • demonstrate the principles of health and safety elements involved in protecting patients, the public, their colleagues and themselves from exposure to cytotoxic SACT drugs
  • demonstrate the safe practice of checking, administering and disposing of SACT medications.

On successful completion of the course you are expected to complete a series of chapters and modules of theoretical learning to demonstrate your understanding of this aspect of nursing care.

Following the course, you are allowed to practice the administration of SACT drugs in clinical practice with support from an allocated mentor but only once you have completed and passed the theoretical element of course. You will be practically assessed and certified as competent to become a SACT (chemotherapy) administrator.

Course duration
Two days for paediatric nurses working in a hospital setting.
One day for paediatric nurses working in the community setting.
Applicants who are only administering bolus SACT drugs (for example community nurses) are only expected to attend the first day of the course.

Course fee
This course is free.

Course date and location
  • 25th & 26th January 2018 - Venue TBC
  • 24th & 25th May 2018 - Venue TBC
  • 27th & 28th September 2018 - Venue TBC

Course leader
Helen Blundell, clinical facilitator for paediatric oncology

Other faculty members
Leigh Shaw, senior sister, Piam Brown