26 Oct 2015
Many of you would have tuned in to the recent ABC Four Corners program, ‘Wasted’ hosted by Dr Norman Swan. The program focused on four health conditions for which tests and treatments are regularly conducted despite evidence showing they are not of particular benefit to the patient and represent low-value care.
Tests and procedures from the Four Corners program feature among the 25 recommendations from colleges and societies participating in Choosing Wisely Australia.
Our focus is on supporting a clinician-led and consumer-supported approach to minimising inappropriate use of tests, treatments and procedures and thereby reducing exposure to procedures that might be harmful.
The program was a timely reminder of the conversations that need to occur at all levels regarding the right care at the right time for the right person. Towards the end of October we are expecting the conversation regarding appropriate care to be again explored in ABC's Catalyst program.
‘Wasted’ is available for viewing on the Four Corners website.
Other news items:
CIPHER (free subscription required)
Harkness Fellow Dr Matthew Anstey looks at some of the key considerations for Choosing Wisely Australia which aims to eliminate unnecessary and potentially harmful tests, procedures and treatments.
Australian Journal of Pharmacy
Focuses on the Four Corners program on low-value care.
The Conversation
Article that describes the positive changes in medicine, using Choosing Wisely as an example.
MJA Insight (subscription required)
Highlights a Grattan Institute report on ineffective treatment in hospitals. Quotes from Choosing Wisely Australia.
BMJ Quality & Safety Online (subscription required)
Presents an integrated measurement framework to assess the impact of a US Choosing Wisely campaign on physician and provider awareness and attitudes on low-value care, provider practice behaviour and overuse of low-value services.
EurekAlert
A US analysis of seven clinical services with minimal benefit to patients identified as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign found significant declines in two services.
FOAM4GP
A summary by Australian GP Dr Justin Coleman of the evidence and advice on best practice proton pump inhibitor use.
Australian Aged Care Quality Agency
Highlights the Choosing Wisely Australia initiative and its potential to improve the type of care people receive at the end of their lives.