Choosing Wisely is an international initiative that seeks to promote dialogue on avoiding unnecessary medical tests, treatments, and procedures. In 2019, Island Health made a commitment to join the Becoming a Choosing Wisely Hospital campaign.
In April 2024 Island Health was recognized as a Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) Hospital at the Quality Improvement Status level. This achievement is in recognition of work by all medical, clinical and support staff across all sites at Island Health. The drive to participate in Choosing Wisely came initially from medical staff committed to improving the quality and safety of patient care. This recognition reflects Island Health’s commitment to increasing high value care by taking deliberate actions to reduce overuse of tests and treatments – we are committed to Choosing Wisely together.
Through engagement with medical staff including annual island-wide engagement events and through our commitment to quality improvement the Choosing Wisely movement at Island Health is building momentum. Choosing Wisely aligns with Island Health’s vision to Increase Value and Ensure Sustainability in healthcare.
CWC has over 400 recommendations published across a large number of clinical specialties and has developed many helpful patient resources. There is also an emerging focus on climate change and planetary health as reduction of unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures will contribute to reducing the environmental impact of healthcare.
Opportunity continues to grow for medical staff to engage with Choosing Wisely at Island Health sites and in the community as we work together to reduce unnecessary variation in care. Email MedStaffQI@islandhealth.ca to find out how you can get involved today!
Click on the links below to see how Island Health Chooses Wisely as individuals and teams dedicated to quality patient care, including the three key quality improvement initiatives that contributed to our Quality Improvement Status as a CWC hospital.
Medical Staff and Program Led CWC projects including sustainability initiatives
Resources and Tools for Improvement
Are you looking to make changes in your area? Are you passionate about quality improvement? Expand the headings below to learn more about some resources available to you to expand your quality improvement toolbox.
Do you want to learn more? Visit the External Resources page on the Medical Staff Website to learn about some external funding opportunities facilitated through Island Health and become a champion for change.
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Are you a medical staff member interested in Quality Improvement but are not sure where to start?
Visit the Physician Quality Improvement page to learn more about opportunities to get involved with PQI or email PQI@islandhealth.ca.
Interested in learning about QI at your own pace from a world-class institution? We offer free access for medical staff to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School
Not sure where to start? We recommend Quality Improvement 101-103! Please contact pqi@islandhealth.ca for a complimentary registration code and to find out about opportunities for sessional payments for physicians
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Are you looking for data to support quality improvement Work? Have you visited the Report PORTAL accessible through the Island Health intranet? This resource includes site level data available on the Island Health performance dashboard, organizational priorities, patient flow and more.
The material contained and linked in the Report PORTAL is for internal Island Health use, for work associated with understanding, monitoring, and improving the health system only. Use of this information for research is not permitted. For opportunities related to Research please contact Island Health Research & Capacity
To view measures related to Choosing Wisely:
- Login to the Report PORTAL using your Island Health Login: https://reports.viha.ca/
- Navigate to ‘Quality Improvement’ or bookmark the ‘Quality Improvement’ direct link for easy access.
3. View reports located under the heading ‘Medical Quality’.
Your Island Health Network login is required to access the site.
Please contact DataRequest@islandhealth.ca if you have any questions about Report PORTAL or to access specific reports.
For the most up to date news on Choosing Wisely at Island Health, email MedStaffQI@islandhealth.ca.
Are you involved in work to implement Choosing Wisely recommendations and spread awareness in your area? Do you Choose Wisely as a provider and incorporate recommendations into your every day practice? Spread the word by emailing MedStaffQI@islandhealth.ca and have your efforts highlighted on the website or reach out to learn how you can be involved in Choosing Wisely at Island Health.