70% of clinicians concerned about unnecessary interventions
Survey finds nearly 70 percent of clinicians
concerned about unnecessary medical
interventions
19 December
2018
A survey of around 800 doctors and nurses has found that nearly 70 percent consider the provision of unnecessary tests, procedures or treatments an issue for New Zealand health care.
The survey was recently undertaken by the Choosing Wisely campaign in September and October 2018, working with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS), the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA), and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).
Choosing Wisely, coordinated by the Council of Medical Colleges, supports reducing unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures in health care.
Choosing Wisely Chair Dr Derek Sherwood says more isn’t always better when it comes to medical tests, treatments and procedures.
“Unnecessary
interventions are stressful, and potentially expose patients
to harm, leading to more testing to investigate false
positives.”
Choosing Wisely
encourages consumers to ask health professionals four
questions:
• Do I really need to have this
test, treatment or procedure?
• What are the
risks?
• Are there simpler, safer
options?
• What happens if I do nothing?
Health professionals are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits of tests, treatments and procedures with consumers, so an informed choice can be made.
The survey found that the percentage of respondents who considered the provision of unnecessary tests, procedures or treatments a somewhat serious or very serious issue for New Zealand had risen from 62 percent in 2016 to 68 percent in 2018.
Other findings included:
• An
increase in the percentage of health professionals advising
against a particular test, procedure or treatment and not
providing it (77 percent to 84 percent)
• A decrease in
the percentage of health professionals advising against a
test but providing it anyway (14 percent to 9
percent)
• A large increase in the percentage of
clinicians surveyed who had knowledge of Choosing
Wisely (41 percent to 80 percent in 2018).
Dr Sherwood says it is encouraging to see the high levels of understanding among clinicians about the need to consider whether a test, procedure or treatment is really necessary, before recommending it to a consumer.
“The key is to have a really good discussion with consumers about the pros and cons of interventions, so a decision about going ahead can be made together.”