Challenges in promoting shared decision-making: Towards a breakthrough in Japan

In Japan, shared decision-making (SDM) is still in its infancy, and there are many challenges and missions in promoting SDM. Older people account for approximately 30% of the population of Japan and they experience several challenges in deciding about the treatment and care for themselves. The importance of specific decision support and patient involvement is yet to be recognized widely for difficult decisions. However, in clinical settings, to support patients in decision-making, continuous activities by healthcare professionals are under development. With several policy guidelines and academic society proposals focusing on SDM, the number of people recognizing the importance of decision-making support is expected to increase. It is important to establish sites dedicated to teaching SDM, improve access to them, and manage these training activities continuously. Patients and healthcare providers in Japan will surely benefit from such activities.