More is not always better when it comes to healthcare

Debra Letica never expected to become a carer during her lifetime, but it was the most natural thing to do. She now uses and promotes Choosing Wisely personally and as a consumer advocate in the health system.

In our first Choosing Wisely project, The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) aimed to reduce low-value care in bronchiolitis, a viral chest infection which leads to the highest number of hospital admissions in infants during winter.

A nurse and medical led quality project at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital emergency department (ED) to reduce antecubital fossa (ACF) inserted cannulas is delivering big benefits for patients.

The Choosing Wisely principles have been a pillar during Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic response. Our health system has come together for a common goal and purpose to manage the pandemic. Health professionals have had to be stewards of our finite health resources. Multidisciplinary teams have united to adopt an evidence-based, patient-centred approach. As a result, our health system has adapted in ways and with urgency unseen before. To assist clinicians and consumers to access reliable information about the pandemic we’ve developed specific pandemic guidance, which is based on current evidence and will continue to be update as evidence evolves over time.

With the prescribing rates of opioids in Australia continuing to rise, the team from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) in Western Australia have developed a new guideline and discharge form to support best-practice Choosing Wisely principles in opioid prescribing.

Choosing Wisely and asking questions about medical treatments and tests is still important during a pandemic. With the extra strain on public health resources, GPs and hospitals, health professionals have had to work together to plan for the worst outcomes as well as do their normal work. Multidisciplinary teams have adopted an evidence-based, patient-centred approach, and have adapted to new technologies in health. The health system has changed rapidly in response to the threat. We have developed specific pandemic guidance to help you find reliable information about the pandemic, while still seeking out necessary healthcare. This is based on current evidence and will be updated as the evidence changes.

A slide deck for Choosing Wisely Australia advocates who are presenting on the initiative at meetings or events.

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) recognises that for many people hospital is just one part of their healthcare journey, so helping consumers ask questions about their care and promoting broader collaboration with consumers is vital.

As part of Choosing Wisely Australia’s clinical educational activities, members are being encouraged to develop case studies that demonstrate the application of specific recommendations for use in their usual teaching modules.

Dr Deb Harley is a general practitioner in a large Geelong practice and is a keen supporter of the Choosing Wisely initiative. Read about how she implements Choosing Wisely at her practice and encourages her patients to have important conversations about their health