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'Choosing Wisely': a growing international campaign
Wendy Levinson1, Marjon Kallewaard2, R Sacha Bhatia1
1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Much attention has been paid to the inappropriate underuse of tests and treatments but until recently little attention has focused on the overuse that does not add value for patients and may even cause harm. Choosing Wisely is a campaign to engage physicians and patients in conversations about unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures. The campaign began in the United States in 2012, in Canada in 2014 and now many countries around the world are adapting the campaign and implementing it. This article describes the present status of Choosing Wisely programs in 12 countries. It articulates key elements, a set of five principles, and describes the challenges countries face in the early phases of Choosing Wisely. These countries plan to continue collaboration including developing metrics to measure overuse.
Insights
The Choosing Wisely campaign addresses the overuse of medical tests and treatments that offer no patient value. This global initiative engages physicians and patients to reduce unnecessary procedures and improve care.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Historically, focus has been on underuse of medical services.
- Overuse of tests and treatments lacking patient value and potentially causing harm is a growing concern.
- The Choosing Wisely campaign aims to mitigate this issue by fostering dialogue between physicians and patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current status of Choosing Wisely programs in 12 countries.
- To articulate the key elements and principles of the Choosing Wisely campaign.
- To identify challenges faced by countries implementing these programs.
Main Methods:
- Review of the present status of Choosing Wisely programs globally.
- Articulation of the campaign's core principles and elements.
- Identification of implementation challenges in early phases.
Main Results:
- The Choosing Wisely campaign has been adopted and implemented in 12 countries worldwide.
- Key elements and a set of five principles guide the campaign.
- Countries face common challenges during the initial implementation phases.
Conclusions:
- The Choosing Wisely campaign is expanding globally, promoting conversations about unnecessary medical care.
- Continued international collaboration is planned, including the development of metrics to measure overuse.
- The initiative seeks to improve healthcare value and patient outcomes by reducing unwarranted interventions.