Moving towards patient-centered care and shared decision-making in Germany

Area of Science:

• Health Policy and Services Research
• Patient Engagement and Shared Decision-Making
• Healthcare System Implementation

Background:

• Patient-centered care (PCC) and shared decision-making (SDM) are increasingly recognized globally.
• Germany has established a legal framework and policy initiatives to support patient rights and involvement.
• Previous efforts in PCC and SDM have been documented, highlighting areas for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development and current status of PCC and SDM in Germany.
• To assess policy, research, education, and implementation efforts.
• To identify remaining challenges and future directions for SDM integration.

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis of relevant legislation and national action plans.
• Review of public organizations and initiatives supporting patient involvement.
• Assessment of educational curricula and research funding in healthcare.
• Evaluation of current implementation strategies and uptake in routine care.

Main Results:

• German health policy, including the Law on Patients' Rights, promotes informed decisions and clinician-patient partnerships.
• Patient and public involvement is increasingly demanded and facilitated through various initiatives and advisory boards.
• SDM is being integrated into healthcare professional education, with ongoing research and funding initiatives.
• While policy and education have advanced, routine care implementation of SDM requires further development of decision tools and provider training.

Conclusions:

• Germany shows significant progress in policy, research, and education for PCC and SDM.
• Successful nationwide implementation of SDM in routine care necessitates enhanced decision support tools and comprehensive training.
• A coordinated national approach to PCC and SDM resources is crucial for future advancement.