Nine Canadian medical organizations have launched Choosing Wisely Canada by releasing a list of 40 tests, treatments, and procedures that patients may not need, depending on their health.
The lists are based on definitive evidence and have been developed to spur dialogue between doctors and their patients to ensure delivery of high-quality medical care, according to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). For example, Choosing Wisely Canada would not recommend ordering diagnostic imaging for lower-back pain of less than six weeks in duration unless there are red flags.
"Choosing Wisely Canada is about changing the culture that more is always better when it comes to medical tests and procedures," said Dr. Wendy Levinson, founder of Choosing Wisely Canada and faculty member at the University of Toronto. The goal is to provide good care, with patients getting the right tests and treatments and avoiding unnecessary ones, she said.
CMA is a leading partner in the campaign, which is focusing on connecting the best available medical evidence to both physicians and their patients.
