Choosing medical treatments and tests can be a daunting task, especially when there are numerous options available. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation has launched the Choosing Wisely campaign to help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about medical tests, treatments, and procedures.
What is Choosing Wisely?
Choosing Wisely is a program initiated by the ABIM Foundation in 2012. The campaign aims to promote conversations between patients and healthcare providers about the necessity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. The campaign has over 80 participating medical specialty societies and has generated over 600 recommendations for tests and treatments that patients and providers should question.
How does Choosing Wisely work?
Choosing Wisely lists medical tests, treatments, and procedures that may be unnecessary, harmful, or not evidence-based. The lists are created by medical professionals and are based on evidence-based research. Patients and providers can use Choosing Wisely lists to start a conversation about the necessity and safety of the recommended medical interventions. The conversations can lead to informed decisions that are safe, effective, and cost-efficient.
Why is Choosing Wisely important?
Choosing Wisely is important because it can reduce unnecessary medical interventions that can be harmful, expensive, and may waste valuable resources. The campaign can improve patients’ health outcomes and satisfaction by promoting evidence-based, safe, and effective medical interventions.
How can patients use Choosing Wisely?
Patients can use Choosing Wisely by asking their healthcare providers about the necessity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of recommended medical tests, treatments, and procedures. Patients can also access the Choosing Wisely website to learn more about the recommendations and to find participating healthcare providers in their area.
How can healthcare providers use Choosing Wisely?
Healthcare providers can use Choosing Wisely by incorporating the recommended interventions into their clinical practice. Providers can also use the recommendations to educate their patients about the necessity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. Providers can access the Choosing Wisely website to learn more about the recommendations and to access patient education materials.
What are some examples of Choosing Wisely recommendations?
Choosing Wisely recommendations vary by medical specialty. Here are some examples:
- Don’t use antibiotics for viral respiratory infections like the common cold.
- Don’t routinely order imaging tests for low back pain unless red flags are present.
- Don’t use feeding tubes in individuals with advanced dementia.
- Don’t prescribe medication for insomnia in older adults unless non-pharmacologic options have been tried and failed.
Conclusion
Choosing Wisely can improve healthcare outcomes by promoting safe, effective, and cost-efficient medical interventions. Patients and healthcare providers can use the campaign’s recommendations to have informed conversations about the necessity and safety of medical interventions. By choosing wisely, patients can receive the care they need while avoiding unnecessary harm, expense, and waste of resources.