At the center of the discussion was an issue dealing with the participation of patients in the decision-making nodes of the system, and the importance of digital literacy in the field of patient service. This is also the first time that a panel of patient associations is held, directly in front of the treating professionals. This stage is a critical opportunity to promote important issues for patients, which are a common interest of all those present at the forum.
The president of the conference and head of the field of oncology at Maccabi and an expert in breast tumors, Dr. Nava Zigelman Danieli, an oncologist: “All over the world, especially in recent years, an important trend is growing in which patient representatives are increasingly included in planning and decision-making processes. The thought that was behind the inclusion of patient representatives in our conference, is first of all to reflect to us the doctors, the value that patient organizations bring to the doctor’s table. We are happy as oncologists to lead here an extremely important agenda of combining forces, for the sake of the patient.”
Michal Bar Doron, Vice President of Halasartan: “The traditional and well-known template of the system as one that exclusively and unilaterally defines what a patient’s journey looks like, has been reaching exhaustion in the Western world in recent years. The power inherent in integrating patients into the planning of the ‘patient’s journey’ includes the clinical aspects as well, significant and smart More than the possibility of continuing to do this without him. The invitation of patient organizations to the annual conference is a first and significant one, and we hope for the future, all respect to Dr. Nava Zigelman for the pioneers.”
Bar Levy, CEO of Bar’s Home: “I am proud to have the privilege of making the voice of our patients heard, and shattering some old myths about patient associations. The collaborations between the association and the doctors are important and directly affect the quality of life of the patients. Patient associations are an asset in the oncology world as they are a force multiplier for doctors and the future of medicine.”