Ethics Chart
The Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV) is granted by the Ministry of Health as a Scientific Institute for research, hospitalisation and healthcare, and aims at research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The world is changing fast and we are facing important challenges such as the continuous evolution of cancer research, the need for more efficient use of available resources, the need to focus on prevention and care for future generations. A time of continuous and rapid changes.
Thus, we would like to recall the values that enrich and guide our actions and allow us to maintain a strong alliance between the Institute, the Patients and their Families, but also with the network of local, institutional, integrating and supportive services.
Principle 1
The cancer patient is at the centre of the Institute’s concern and action. The Institute welcomes and acknowledges the person with cancer, and pays attention to the psychological experience, the working, living and economic conditions, the family relationships and the spiritual and religious beliefs. Our aim is to respect Patient Dignity and quality of life, during all stages of the therapeutic path.
Principle 2
The Institute goal is treating cancer patients accordingly with their life values during the different steps of the therapeutic path.
Principle 3
In patient care, the Institute respects national and international guidelines, regional PDTAs (Diagnostic Therapeutic Assistance Programs) and the multidisciplinary integration between health professionals. This should guarantee the quality and the suitability of cancer therapies according to the principle of evidence-based medicine while giving continuity of care from diagnosis to recovery, to end of life.
Principle 4
Despite the physical and emotional burden, people with cancer can make decisions on their medical care path. Our commitment is to promote the patient' empowerment in expressing their personal point of life on the therapeutic options while respecting their values and needs. We also provide information about the most appropriate therapies, including palliative ones and pain therapy.
Principle 5
We share the idea that patients should take up a position of autonomy from the very beginning of their therapeutic way. We believe in the importance of listening to patients’ expectations. We support and promote patients’ awareness of the full panel of therapeutic alternatives available and the improvement of their socio-emotional skills. When the patient is the protagonist of the process, the search for therapeutic solutions in compliance with the clinical protocols allow to achieve the goals of patients’ health and quality of life.
Principle 6
The cancer care pathway is often long, demanding and hard to bear and this could lead the patient to loneliness and disorientation. The role of a competent and supportive multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is fundamental to prevent it supporting the patient also through the practical side of the healthcare path such as: a careful management of waiting times, a good and stable relationship with General Practitioners and volunteers, a solid knowledge of social and health services. We strongly encourage patients’ awareness of their employment and social security rights in order to benefit the most all along the way.
Principle 7
Our milestone is building trusting relationships with cancer patients throughout the care process. Therefore, we ensure the confidentiality of medical records, according to the principles of lawfulness, fairness and transparency.
Principle 8
Cancer research and treatment are the pillars of our Institute. And patients are its heart. Our studies are focused on their care needs and, on the way, we can improve them for other patients in the future. We therefore constantly promote research, following ethical principles and current legislation and facilitating the impact of the acquired knowledge. The research funds are intended for the various lines of research followed in the Institute, which guarantee the verification of the potential conflicts of interest of our researchers and promote all the necessary preventive actions.
Principle 9
We acknowledge the cardinal value of family members and the importance of supporting their fundamental roles. Active listening and logistical help are part of our commitments to them. Patients' families bear a large part of the social care burden and must be encouraged and helped in order to give the patients a real chance to make the best decision for them. We also assist families with genetic predisposition to cancer through a prevention program.
Principle 10
The Institute promotes the evolution of the research for better treatments through transparency and commitment. The Institute pays special attention to training and operators well-being, to technologies development and the improvements of care environments. We are constantly looking to improve the paths implemented to date.
Principle 11
The Institute has its own Ethics Committee for Clinical Practice, an independent and non-profit body. Its composition is based on interdisciplinary and pluralist criteria and regulated by a regional legislation to prevent ethical issues concerning care and assistance.
Last modified: 16/03/2023 09:59