Earlier this year the ABIM Foundation announced a new initiative called
Choosing Wisely. This initiative aims to encourage conversations between
physicians and their patients to improve care and eliminate unnecessary tests
and procedures. Choosing Wisely promotes smart and effective care choices that
are:
supported by evidence;
not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received;
free from unnecessary risk or harm;
truly necessary.
The
Choosing
Wisely website offers resources for physicians and patients to assist
in making good care choices.
Specialty-specific resources
The following nine specialty societies released lists specific to their
specialty called Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Cardiology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Gastroenterological Association
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Nephrology
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
These lists are available on the "Lists" page of the
Choosing Wisely website. Each
one provides information on when tests and procedures may be appropriate, as
well as the methodology used in creating lists. Physicians and their patients
can discuss the evidence-based recommendations included in these lists to help
make wise care decisions based on each patient?s individual situation. Several
additional specialty society partners have also joined the Choosing Wisely
initiative and will release their lists in the fall.
Consumer Reports, the nation?s leading independent, nonprofit consumer
organization, has also joined the campaign. Along with the medical societies,
they have developed the following summaries for patient reference:
When do you need an EKG or stress test for heart disease?
When do you need an imaging test for a headache?
When do you need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Video mini-series
On the "Resources" page of the
Choosing Wisely website is a
series of video vignettes featuring physicians and patients. Topics addressed
in the series include shared decision-making, simplifying health care, costs
associated with health care, the doctor/patient relationship, and
professionalism.
Be sure to visit the
Choosing Wisely website for
more information about this initiative and for many useful resources in the
effort to help physicians become better stewards of finite health care
resources.