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Choosing Wisely Australia

The Choosing Wisely Australia website is now hosted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care as part of the redesign of the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology program.

The Choosing Wisely website enables clinicians, consumers and healthcare stakeholders to start important conversations about tests, treatments and procedures where evidence shows they provide no benefit, or in some cases, lead to harm. The website challenges the way we think about health care, questioning the notion 'more is always better'.

It brings together Australia’s health professional bodies, health services, clinicians and other healthcare providers, researchers, consumer advocates, consumers and the media in a national dialogue to shift the culture around low-value and unnecessary healthcare.

How Choosing Wisely can help

The Choosing Wisely website supports consumers in choosing healthcare, encouraging them to engage in shared decisions about their care – that is evidence-based, truly necessary, doesn’t duplicate care and avoids harm.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: January 2023

Information from this partner

Found 23 results

Too much medicine? - Choosing wisely

Many Australians are taking more medications than they need - and putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

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Acute short-term low back pain - Choosing wisely

The exact cause of low back pain can be difficult to identify. Download a factsheet about managing back pain.

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Ankle and knee imaging resources for consumers - Choosing wisely

Ankle and knee resources for consumers, including useful links and factsheets.

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5 questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider before you get any test, treatment, or procedure

Use these 5 questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider to make sure you end up with the right amount of care — not too much and not too little.

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Do not routinely prescribe oral antibiotics to children with fever without an identified bacterial infection - Choosing wisely

 

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Patient guide to managing pain and opioid medicines - Choosing wisely

 

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Heartburn and reflux: manage your medicine - Choosing wisely

Heartburn and reflux medicines (proton pump inhibitors) are often only needed for a short time. Download a factsheet about managing heartburn and reflux.

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Communicating with your healthcare provider - Choosing wisely

Good communication between you and your healthcare provider is important. Effective communication between you and your healthcare provider is an essential part of good healthcare. You should feel confident and comfortable in making decisions about your health and managing your condition. However, achieving this is not always easy. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your healthcare appointments.

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What causes bronchitis - Choosing wisely

Bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, including the common cold and flu, but bacteria can sometimes cause it.

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What is a vitamin D test - Choosing wisely

Vitamin D levels are determined by a simple blood test that measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD).

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