More is not always better when it comes to healthcare.
Clinical Director of Medicine and Older Persons Dr Zaheer Bhikoo, Service Improvement Officer Bethany Arbuckle, and Caboolture Hospital Pathology lead David Lacey are rolling out the Choosing Wisely campaign and promoting its message that ‘more is not always better’.
The Choose Wisely campaign highlights issues around unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures and aims to create a culture shift away from unnecessary use of health services.
The campaign explores the issues associated with unnecessary care, including how it can lead to more frequent and invasive investigations that can expose patients to undue risk of harm, emotional stress and financial cost.
The team want healthcare providers, patients and stakeholders to start having conversations about tests, treatments and procedures where evidence shows they provide minimal benefit and, in some cases, lead to harm – challenging the notion that ‘more is always better’ when it comes to healthcare.
These are the five key questions we’re encouraging patients to ask their treating team:
- Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?
- What are the risks?
- Are there simpler, safer options?
- What happens if I don’t do anything?
- What are the costs?
For more information on the Choose Wisely campaign here at Caboolture, email ChoosingWiselyCAB@health.qld.gov.au