Litigation drives investigation

FEAR of litigation and the need to manage patient expectations are the top two reasons why some health professionals are requesting unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures, according to new research from Choosing Wisely Australia.

The ‘Choosing Wisely in Australia 2017 Report’ released today also revealed diagnostic uncertainty and difficulties accessing information from clinicians in other settings as key drivers for low-value interventions requested by GPs, specialists and other health professionals.

The report also called for a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals working in collaboration as one of the five key principles of the Choosing Wisely model.

Other model elements include health professionals taking the lead, rather than bowing to patient demands, an emphasis on quality of care and harm prevention, strong patient-focussed communication, evidence-based decisions with ongoing review and transparency in processes.

NPS Medicine-Wise chief executive Dr Lynn Weekes said, “Choosing Wisely Australia seeks to reduce the incidence of patients not receiving the right care by facilitating a culture shift in how we think about healthcare.

“Intentionally led by the health profession, the initiative provides a platform for both health professionals and consumers to take a leadership role in influencing change.

Since the launch of the program, the organisation can claim 158 recommendations made around “tests, treatments and procedures clinicians and consumers should question”.

“Integrating Choosing Wisely recommendations into NPS Medicine Wise educational programs helps ensure the latest evidence-based advice is reaching primary care and is readily available to consumers,” said Weekes.