Angela Eddy

2 INSPIRE: Increasing Intrapreneurial Skills through Pedagogy

Abstract The Department of Health QIPP (Quality Innovation, Productivity and Prevention) agenda requires health practitioners to consider efficient and productive ways of providing safe care for patients- this agenda needs innovative, intrapreneurial practitioners across a range of professions to drive change. Intrapreneurship is an individual intention or drive to innovate within an organisation, developing and implementing novel solutions to organisational problems often in a ‘bottom-up’ way. Research shows formal education increases the confidence of professionals moving into specialist roles; intrapreneurship is particularly relevant to these roles but the development of skills for enterprising activity is rarely attended to in NHS training. The aim of this project was to develop and implement an intrapreneurial pedagogy. The study focused on oncology practitioners although the study outcomes have relevance to the wider education of Health Care Practitioners (HCP). An interpretive methodology was adopted to gain insight into the learning experiences of identified intrapreneurs within the specialism of radiotherapy. Individual interviews augmented with evidence on entrepreneurial learning from the literature was used to model a development path to intrapreneurialism that was then used as the basis for an intrapreneurial pedagogy. The intrapreneurial pedagogy was then piloted on a small cohort of masters students studying an oncology module on breast cancer.

Advanced practice in radiotherapy and oncology : an interview with Angela Eddy

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The departmental impact of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of cervical cancer brachytherapy: a discussion paper

This discussion paper will explore the impact of using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the treatment of cervical cancer with brachytherapy. It is written from the perspective of current departmental practice in the UK and aims to highlight the issues associated with using MRI as a tool for image guided brachytherapy planning. To support the discussion, a literature review was undertaken focussing specifically on the use of MRI in brachytherapy treatment planning for cervical cancer. Results from planning case studies and clinical series were analysed, and the literature showed that image guided brachytherapy treatment planning is a promising development. MRI assisted planning could theoretically be implemented in centres that have access to a MRI scanner. Alternative brachytherapy technologies (e.g. Computed Tomography (CT) assisted planning), and alternative radiotherapy modalities (e.g. an external beam radiotherapy boost), were not found to be superior in effect or of implementation. Although MRI shows great promise, the evidence base for MRI in brachytherapy planning for cervical cancer is currently limited and therefore careful implementation and evaluation is required. It is suggested by the authors that new methods of working are devised to ensure consistency and quality in implementation and delivery, and that outcomes are measured and audited to evaluate efficacy.

A pilot study to evaluate and explore the information and support offered to male breast cancer patients by breast care nurses

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore with the breast care nurse specialist (BCNS) their perspectives on the information and support offered to male patients with breast cancer. The BCNS role is to provide the patient with both verbal and written information, and they are viewed as a key resource for the patients during their cancer journey. A qualitative method was adopted that utilised semi-structured interviews with the BCNS. The questions were derived from reviewing the literature and the written information available for the male patients; identifying key areas to explore and then utilising open ended questions to collect the data in the interviews. After each interview the transcripts were analysed and coded and further questions were formulated. The findings illustrate that although there is some gender specific information given, this is limited and often directs the patient to literature designed specifically for women. It is therefore recommended that a more comprehensive gender specific booklet be designed for men with breast cancer. This article is an edited version of an undergraduate dissertation and as such can only convey the essence of the work.