Time to rise to the challenge of truly implementing patient-centered care and shared decision-making in Israel: The educational and policy mission

Abstract

Five years ago, Israel was perceived to be on the verge of implementing shared decision making (SDM). However, as presented in this paper, SDM in Israel remains relatively unexplored, is implemented in only few research interventions, and is rarely taught in medical schools or continuing education. Furthermore, policies on patient-centered care and SDM are limited and lack clear regulations and training on how to apply them. This situation is of concern. The paper describes the current state of SDM, identifying higher-level barriers to implementation. They include the need to address healthcare professionals’ attitudes regarding patients and relationships; the need to rename and clearly define SDM terminology in Hebrew; the need to place SDM in the larger context and training of PCC; and the call for the development of clear policies, regulations, and training truly to rise to the need for national implementation of PCC and SDM.