Chosun University Hospital Cancer Center Surpasses 1,400 Cases of Multidisciplinary Integrated Care

Becoming the Top Multidisciplinary Cancer Institution in Korea

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Cancer Center at Chosun University Hospital (Director Kim Kyungjong) has become the leading institution in multidisciplinary integrated cancer care in Korea, surpassing 1,400 cases?the highest number in the region?since it first launched multidisciplinary integrated care locally in August 2014.

Early detection and prompt treatment of cancer are directly linked to cure rates, making time one of the critical factors determining the success or failure of treatment.

Typically, when cancer is diagnosed, the patient undergoes diagnosis in internal medicine, and once treatment methods such as surgical operation, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are decided, the patient must visit each department separately for treatment, which consumes significant time and cost.

However, in the case of multidisciplinary integrated care, from the initial stage of treatment, patients can consult with specialists from various departments to understand the overall treatment process and make informed decisions, resulting in higher satisfaction for both patients and their caregivers.

Chosun University Hospital’s multidisciplinary integrated care gathers specialists from various fields in one place to plan step-by-step schedules for diagnosis, examination, treatment, and surgery, providing personalized care services tailored to each patient.

In particular, patients and caregivers participate in the multidisciplinary integrated care process, listening to the advantages, disadvantages, and effects of each treatment method from multiple specialists, asking questions, and receiving answers, allowing them to actively engage in their treatment. Medical staff also incorporate the opinions of patients and their families when deciding on treatment plans.

Through multidisciplinary integrated care, even if six specialists discuss for 10 minutes each, it is equivalent to receiving 60 minutes of treatment, greatly enhancing satisfaction for patients and caregivers.

Currently, Chosun University Hospital classifies major cancers into 13 categories and operates specialized care teams (Colorectal Cancer Team, Gastroesophageal Cancer Team, Breast Cancer Team, Lung Cancer Team, Thyroid Cancer Team, Urologic Cancer Team, Head and Neck Cancer Team, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Team, Hematologic Cancer Team, Gynecologic Cancer Team, Skin Cancer Team, Musculoskeletal Cancer Team, Central Nervous System Cancer Team).

For each patient, specialists from the responsible department as well as related fields such as Hematology-Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Radiology collaborate to develop stepwise treatment plans and discuss effective treatment directions.

Regarding the performance of Chosun University Hospital’s multidisciplinary integrated care, colorectal cancer (379 cases) was the most common, followed by breast cancer (188 cases) and gastroesophageal cancer (108 cases).

Park Chi-young, Director of the Cancer Center at Chosun University Hospital (Professor of Hematology-Oncology), stated, “Multidisciplinary integrated care, where specialists from various fields gather to provide the best treatment needed by patients, is the optimal system for cancer treatment. With the high participation of specialists, Chosun University Hospital has surpassed 1,400 cases of multidisciplinary integrated care. We will continue to do our best to achieve better treatment outcomes for cancer patients.”

Kim Kyungjong, Director of Chosun University Hospital, said, “We will establish a patient-centered care system by activating the multidisciplinary integrated care system to maximize treatment effectiveness. We will actively support multidisciplinary integrated care to provide rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment to cancer patients in the region and protect the health of local residents.”

Meanwhile, the multidisciplinary integrated care team at Chosun University Hospital operates under the policy of taking full responsibility for patients from diagnosis through treatment to post-treatment follow-up until complete recovery.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.