ASCP's 2021 Choosing Wisely® Recommendations: A Proud Accomplishment

Area of Science:

• Health policy
• Pharmacology
• Patient safety

Background:

• Choosing Wisely® (CW) is a global campaign encouraging dialogue between physicians and patients regarding potentially unnecessary medical tests and treatments.
• The CW campaign, initiated in the US in 2012 and Canada in 2014, has seen widespread international adoption, with approximately 80 US societies publishing recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists' (ASCP) endorsement of the Choosing Wisely® (CW) campaign.
• To emphasize the role of ASCP in promoting deprescribing initiatives, particularly for older adult patients.
• To integrate ASCP's expertise into the broader CW movement, supporting evidence-based deprescribing practices.

Main Methods:

• Formation of an ASCP deprescribing task force in November 2018, comprising pharmacists from diverse practice settings (academia, community, long-term care).
• Inclusion of international pharmacists from countries with established deprescribing initiatives (Canada, Australia).
• Strategic alignment of ASCP with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) CW Campaign.

Main Results:

• ASCP has officially joined the Choosing Wisely® campaign, adding its voice to the initiative.
• The task force aims to develop and disseminate resources for deprescribing conversations and implementation.
• ASCP's involvement strengthens the focus on medication management and deprescribing for older populations.

Conclusions:

• ASCP's participation in the Choosing Wisely® campaign signifies a commitment to reducing unnecessary medical interventions.
• The initiative will leverage pharmacist expertise to advance deprescribing practices, especially for elderly patients.
• This collaboration is expected to enhance the evidence base and practical application of deprescribing strategies worldwide.