Achieving Patient-Centered Care with Shared Decision-Making among Colorectal Cancer Patients in Israel

Abstract

The Colorectal cancer (CRC) disease is one of the most common cancer disease in Israel. The course of chronic illness or disability can have a major influence on individuals’ experience. The concept of patient-centeredness as an attribute of high-quality healthcare, gained national prominence and is now widely recognized as a central aspect of healthcare, paving the pathway to improve quality of life and care among cancer patients. Focus on PCC has led to the development of the shared decision-making (SDM) model, in which patients and physicians share information and values, and patients play an active role in making healthcare decisions. This study strives to generate fresh interest in furthering this important approach in Israel and sheds light on the integration of caregiver-chronic patients’ perspectives regarding the decision-making processes, and the barriers and the facilitators to its implementation in chronic practice in Israel. This work is based on a two-phase mixed type research methodology, using both quantitative and qualitative means. The results of our study revealed that, in general, cancer patients desire for more involvement in their care. However, many patients are not experiencing their desired role in clinical decision-making. The possible reasons for this include structural constraints, patients and physicians’ attitudes, and lack of training programs for communication skills. Our results confirm that there is a need to increase participation in the decision-making process for cancer patients. Health care organizations should strive for SDM, applying strategies for facilitating this process in chronic care.