Addressing Challenges: A Decade of Advancements and Unmet Needs in Israel’s Internal Medicine Wards.

The Ministry of Health has released a report detailing the characteristics of hospitalizations in internal departments from 2010 to 2022. According to the report, there has been a 3% decrease in hospitalization rates in Israel over the past decade, which can be attributed to advancements in community medicine, home hospitalizations, and day hospitalizations for chronic patients. However, despite these efforts, most of those admitted to internal wards are elderly individuals, with 65% being 65 years or older.

One of the challenges faced by internal medicine wards is a shortage of space and specialists. To address this issue, a multi-year plan is being implemented to improve infrastructure and increase medical personnel while enhancing quality and services in these departments. The plan aims to better accommodate the growing population and aging demographic.

The report also highlights that hospitals tend to discharge patients earlier than necessary, resulting in 20% of patients being re-hospitalized within a month after being discharged. Additionally, peripheral areas in the north and south of the country have higher hospitalization rates compared to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem districts due to socioeconomic factors and investments in preventive medicine and community healthcare.

Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to alleviate the burden on internal wards following recent events such as the war, an increase in wounded patients, and delays in vaccinations. Measures include expanding in-house hospitalizations, reevaluating timing mechanisms, adding more beds for internal medicine units, and bolstering specialist support. Overall, there is recognition of the vital role that internal departments play in the healthcare system and a commitment to improving conditions for both patients and healthcare providers.