Samsung Medical Center Publishes “Back to Work” Casebook for Cancer Patients

2024.12.12  66

Samsung Medical Center has published “Back to Work”, focusing on the journey of cancer patients returning to the workplace. This publication is the first major achievement of the Cancer Patient Quality of Life Research Institute, established to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. It is part of a broader mission to create a healthier and more inclusive society where cancer patients can pursue meaningful careers without fear or bias.

 

The casebook highlights the real-life experiences of cancer patients as they prepare for and achieve workplace reinstatement. It addresses the emotional and physical hurdles they face, including the fear and anxiety that often follow a cancer diagnosis. Patients share their struggles with treatment-related side effects, physical changes, and workplace bias, offering a candid glimpse into the complexities of resuming daily life after treatment.

 

Through these stories, “Back to Work” provides practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement for those on the path to recovery. The book seeks to empower survivors to overcome obstacles and adapt to new realities, fostering hope and resilience.

 

By collaborating with SMC and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance to establish the Cancer Patient Quality of Life Research Institute, they hope to contribute to a healthier, happier life for cancer patients. The publication of “Back to Work” is a step toward realizing this vision.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.