The ABIM Foundation, a foundation dedicated to advancing medical professionalism in order to improve the healthcare system, has expanded its Choosing Wisely campaign to include non-physician provider organizations. The Choosing Wisely campaign is part of a multiyear effort led by the ABIM Foundation to encourage clinicians and patients to discuss whether certain medical tests and procedures are necessary for their condition. Since April 2012, 60 medical specialty societies have joined the campaign, according to an ABIM Foundation news release.

In addition, the 60 medical societies have joined the campaign and identified more than 250 tests and procedures, which the groups say are overused or inappropriate. The ABIM Foundation news release notes that the campaign will expand to include non-physician provider organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). Later this year, the groups will release lists of medical tests and procedures commonly used in their profession, but the use of which should be questioned.

Richard J. Baron, MD, president and CEO of the ABIM Foundation, states, “Recognizing the critical role that all health care clinicians play in the delivery of care, the ABIM Foundation is pleased to welcome new partners in organizations that represent members of the care team other than physicians.” In order to make a larger impact, Baron explains, “Our health care system is complex. It is interconnected and filled with an incredibly diverse group of professionals who deliver care to patients. We need to expand our work to reach the entire health care community and bring them into the fold.”

The ABIM Foundation news release notes that Consumer Reports will also work with each organization to develop patient-friendly materials based on their lists. Participating specialty societies are working with both the ABIM Foundation and Consumer Reports to share the lists widely with their members and convene discussions about the physician’s role in helping patients make wise choice. For more information about the Choosing Wisely campaign, visit www.choosingwisely.org.

[Source: ABIM Foundation]