Overuse of Tests and Treatments: Has Canada Made Progress?

Overuse of healthcare services is a complex issue. Also known as low-value care, these are tests, treatments and procedures that are commonly ordered despite clear evidence that they do not help with patient care and may even cause harm. National clinician societies have developed over 450 Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) recommendations to spur conversation about what is appropriate and necessary treatment. The latest report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and CWC measured the trends and variation in the use over time of tests and treatments related to 12 CWC recommendations (CIHI 2022). Reductions in overuse were observed in eight of the 12 tests and treatments examined; findings for two of these measures – chronic benzodiazepine use and red blood cell transfusions – are highlighted. Despite some progress on reducing overuse, there remains considerable room for improvement in the appropriate and judicious use of tests and treatments in Canada.
Source: Healthcare Quarterly - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research