Choosing Wisely Canada recently designated Island Health as a Level 1 Choosing Wisely Canada Hospital system. This designation symbolizes Island Health's commitment to Choosing Wisely Canada and reducing unnecessary testing and treatments by implementing the five 'quick wins' found in the Diving into Overuse in Hospitals Starter Kit. The quick wins are:
- • Uncouple PT/INR and aPTT tests and revise ED order panels
- • Eliminate CK testing if troponin is available
- • Remove “daily lab" options from order sets
- • Remove folate testing from your hospital's ordering systems
- • Stop ordering routine chest X-rays in the ICU, except to answer specific clinical questions
Choosing Wisely is an international organization dedicated to an evidence-based approach to reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in health care through conversations between clinicians and patients. By completing the level one designation, Island Health has joined a national movement to reduce overuse in hospitals. The principles of Choosing Wisely Canada are clinician-led, patient-focused, multi-professional, evidence-based with openness and executive support.
Upon hearing the news of Island Health's designation, Kathy MacNeil said “The Choosing Wisely designation shows Island Health's commitment to reducing unnecessary testing and treatments and overuse in hospitals. Thank you to the team for leaning into this work with purpose and commitment"
Island Health medical director, Dr. Adele Harrison led the Choosing Wisely designation work and said she looks forward to engaging further with medical staff and their multidisciplinary teams in improvement projects aligned with Choosing Wisely recommendations. Next step - level 2 designation!