‘Choosing Wisely’ pays off for RMH patients and healthcare providers
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When it comes to testing, physicians and staff at Ross Memorial Hospital believe that the right test at the right time can make all the difference. The team recently received a ‘Level 1’ designation from Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC), a national voice that promotes reducing unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures.
Many forms of testing are no longer evidence-based and over-testing can even put patients at risk. At the very least, unnecessary testing is a strain on a system already facing significant pressures. Hospitals designated as Level 1 must show that they meet the 5 required ‘quick wins’ which include uncoupling common coagulation tests; removing outdated tests; eliminating automatic daily labs, and ordering chest x-rays only as needed in the ICU.
“The CWC Level 1 designation affirms that we have best practices in place, and reflects that rather than ordering many tests as a default, we carefully consider what is best for the individual patient first,” says Dr. Katie O’Reilly, General Pathologist. “It’s a more tailored approach that ultimately benefits the patient and reduces administrative burden on our lab and healthcare system. This designation took the cooperation of multiple disciplines and truly reflects a coordinated team effort and Ross’s mindset of patient-centered care.”
The team continues to look at ways to enhance their testing and procedure practices, working collaboratively with staff from across the hospital.