The inappropriateness of brain MRI prescriptions: a study from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate prescriptions can lead to adverse consequences for patients. It also imposes excessive cost on the patients, payers and health systems. The current study aimed at estimating the rate of inappropriate brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) prescriptions and their financial burden in Iran. METHODS: Using systematic stratified sampling method, this cross-sectional study recruited 385 participants from three public teaching hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Demographic information, questions related to brain MRI prescription and its indications checklist were collected using study-specific data collection tools. The completed indications checklist was compared to the appropriateness status table of indications and scenarios to detect the percent of the appropriateness of prescriptions. RESULTS: About 21 percentage of total brain MRI prescriptions are inappropriate. Previous treatment, number of referrals to physician, having other diagnostic tests and the applicant of MRI (P < 0.01) had significant relationships with prescription appropriateness. The estimated financial burden of inappropriate brain MRIs in Shiraz teaching hospitals was 99,988 US dollar in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-fifth of brains MRIs were inappropriate (i.e. prescriptions without medical indications). It caused 99,988 United States Dollar (USD) financial burden which is 17 times that of Iran's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. To better allocate resources for the provision of MRI services to health system, rationing policies for controlling moral hazard and reducing provider induced demand can be helpful.

Post-bariatric surgery lab tests: are they excessive and redundant?

INTRODUCTION: Following bariatric surgery, ongoing postoperative testing is required to measure nutritional deficiencies; the purpose of this study was to quantify the prevalence of these nutritional deficiencies based on two-year follow-up tests at recommended time points. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A retrospective data analysis was conducted of all laboratory tests for bariatric patients who underwent surgery between May 2016 and January 2018 with available lab data (n = 397). Results for nine different nutritional labs were categorized into six recommended postoperative time periods based on time elapsed since the procedure date. Binary variables were created for each laboratory result to calculate descriptive statistics of abnormalities for each lab test over time and used in the individual GEE logistic regression models. Grouped logistic regression examined the total nutritional deficiencies of the nine combined nutrients considering total available labs. RESULTS: Multiple lab tests indicated a very low frequency of abnormalities (e.g., Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Copper, and Folate). Many of the nine included nutritional labs had an average deficiency of less than 10% across all time points. The grouped logistic model found preoperative nutritional deficiency to be predictive of postoperative nutritional deficiency (OR 3.70, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found the vast majority of routine lab test results to be normal at multiple time points. Current practice can add up to significant lab expenses over time. The frequency of postoperative testing in this population may be redundant and of very little value. Unnecessary follow-up laboratory testing costs the patients and the health care system in both time and resources. Patients with preoperative deficiencies appear to be at higher risk for nutritional deficiencies when compared to bariatric surgery patients that did not have preoperative nutritional deficiencies. Future research should focus on defining cost effective postoperative lab testing guidelines for at risk bariatric patients.

Prevalence and associated factors of inappropriate repeat test.

BACKGROUND: The rate of laboratory test utilisation has been increasing unsustainably. Evaluating inappropriately repeated laboratory tests is promising because objective criteria are available to measure the rates while causes can be manipulated easily. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence, associated factors and financial burden of inappropriate repeat tests. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the results of 26 types of laboratory tests recorded in a laboratory database of a tertiary hospital between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2017. Minimum retest intervals were determined from the literature for each type of tests. If the time interval between the two tests was shorter than the minimum retest interval, then the later test was accepted an inappropriate repeat test. Binary logistic regression was performed after univariate analyses. RESULTS: Of a total of 673 794 tests, 109 370 (16.2%) were inappropriate repeat tests. Male gender, being ≥65 years old, being an inpatient, high-volume test and surgical clinic as the test-requesting clinic were associated with inappropriate repeat tests. Also, it was determined that US$66 761.3 had been wasted on inappropriate repeat tests for 3 years. DISCUSSION: There are several factors that increase the rate of inappropriate repeat tests. They should be considered during health policy making or planning interventions to reduce inappropriate repeat tests.

"Send & hold" clinical decision support rules improvement to reduce unnecessary testing of vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of several "send & hold" clinical decision support rules (CDSRs) within the electronical request system for vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C for all outpatients at a large health department. METHODS: When ordered through electronical request, providers (except for all our primary care physicians who worked as a non-intervention control group) were always asked to answer several compulsory questions regarding main indication, symptomatology, suspected diagnosis, vitamin active treatments, etc., for each vitamin test using a drop-down list format. After samples arrival, tests were later put on hold internally by our laboratory information system (LIS) until review for their appropriateness was made by two staff pathologists according to the provided answers and LIS records (i.e. "send & hold"). The number of tests for each analyte was compared between the 10-month period before and after CDSRs implementation in both groups. RESULTS: After implementation, vitamins test volumes decreased by 40% for vitamin A, 29% for vitamin E, 42% for vitamin K, 37% for vitamin B1, 85% for vitamin B2, 68% for vitamin B3, 65% for vitamin B6 and 59% for vitamin C (all p values 0.03 or lower except for vitamin B3), whereas in control group, the majority increased or remained stable. In patients with rejected vitamins, no new requests and/or adverse clinical outcome comments due to this fact were identified. CONCLUSIONS: "Send & hold" CDSRs are a promising informatics tool that can support in utilization management and enhance the pathologist's leadership role as tests specialist.

Is the Choosing Wisely® campaign model applicable to the management of multiple sclerosis in France? A GRESEP pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Launched in the US in 2012, Choosing Wisely® is a campaign promoted by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation with the goal of improving healthcare effectiveness by avoiding wasteful or unnecessary medical tests, treatments and procedures. It uses concise recommendations produced by national medical societies to start discussions between physicians and patients on the relevance of these services as part of a shared decision-making process. The Multiple Sclerosis Focus Group (Groupe de Reflexion Autour de la Sclérose en Plaques; GRESEP) undertook a pilot study to assess the relevance and feasibility of this approach in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in France. METHODS: Recommendations were developed using the formal consensus method from the guidelines of the French National Health Authority (HAS). A steering committee selected the themes and drafted concise evidence reviews. An independent rating group then assessed these recommendations for clarity, relevance and feasibility. RESULTS: Seven recommendations were accepted: (1) avoid systematic ordering of multimodal evoked potential studies for diagnosing MS; (2) do not treat MS relapses with low-dose oral corticosteroids; (3) when treating MS relapse with high-dose corticosteroids, the systematic use of the intravenous route is unnecessary if the oral route can be used; (4) systematic hospitalization is not necessary for treating MS relapse with high-dose corticosteroid therapy, particularly if the oral route is used, except for the first treated relapse and the presence of exclusion or non-eligibility criteria; (5) in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of urinary infection, avoid systematic screening with urine microscopy and culture before the administration of corticosteroid therapy for MS relapse in patients using intermittent self-catheterization; (6) avoid antibiotic treatment of clinically asymptomatic MS patients using intermittent self-catheterization, even if urine microscopy and culture reveal the presence of microorganisms; and (7) avoid introducing symptomatic drug treatment for MS-related fatigue. CONCLUSION: This pilot study, the first of its kind in France, has demonstrated the relevance and feasibility of adapting the Choosing Wisely® model to MS by practitioners specializing in the disorder. However, the acceptability of these recommendations by other practitioners in other specialist fields as well as their impact on everyday clinical practices now need to be studied.

Second opinion for degenerative spinal conditions: an option or a necessity? A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Second opinions may improve quality of patient care. The primary objective of this study was to determine the concordance between first and second diagnoses and opinions regarding need for spinal surgery among patients with back or neck pain that have been recommended spinal surgery. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of patients who had been recommended for spinal surgery and received a second opinion between May 2011 and May 2012 at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein on the advice of their health insurance company. A physiatrist and orthopaedic surgeon independently performed the second assessment. If both agreed surgery was indicated, or consensus could not be reached, participants attended a spine review panel for a final recommendation. Descriptive analyses compared diagnoses and management plans of the first and second opinions. RESULTS: Of 544 referred patients, 16 (2.9%) did not meet inclusion criteria, 43 (7.9%) refused participation and 485 were included. Diagnoses differed from the first opinion for 290 (59.8%). Diagnoses of cervical and lumbar radiculopathy were concordant in 36/99 (36.4%) and 116/234 (49.6%) respectively. The second opinion was for conservative treatment for 168 (34.6%) participants, 27 (5.6%) were not considered to have a spine condition, and 290 (59.8%) were referred to the review board. 60 participants did not attend the board review and therefore did not receive a final recommendation. Board review was conservative treatment for an additional 67 participants, 20 were not considered to have a spine condition and 143 participants were recommended surgery. Overall, 33.6% received a final opinion of surgery (143/425) although only 66 (15.5%) received the same surgical recommendation, 235 (55.3%) were advised to have conservative treatment, and 47 (11.1%) were not considered to have a spinal diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We found a large discordance between first and second opinions regarding diagnosis and need for spinal surgery. This suggests that obtaining a second opinion could reduce potentially unnecessary surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN07143259 . Registered 21 November 2011.

[Choosing wisely together with the patient]. / Gemeinsam mit dem Patienten klug entscheiden.

Within the framework of the Choosing wisely initiative of the German Society for Internal Medicine, all scientific societies associated with internal medicine were requested to highlight the unnecessary or underused medical tests or procedures out of the 60 defined examples, which are of immediate relevance within the doctor-patient interaction. Each of the 12 scientific internal medicine societies compiled and substantiated 2 recommendations. This resulted in a spectrum of important recommendations covering the entire field of internal medicine. In difficult situations these recommendations should contribute to developing and supporting the dialogue with patients on an evidence-based level.

Can physician laboratory-test requests be influenced by interventions?

BACKGROUND: Laboratory tests affect healthcare costs and unnecessary test requests can thus be a concern. We studied whether it was possible to influence physician laboratory-test requests using four structured interventions: introduction of clinical guidelines, education, feedback, and reminder letters. The interventions occurred at different times at Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland. Akureyri Hospital, northern Iceland, was used as a control, since no formal interventions were introduced there. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six types of laboratory tests were analyzed. The relative risk of a laboratory test being conducted at Landspítali University Hospital compared to Akureyri Hospital was calculated for various points in time, as well as the associated 95% confidence intervals. The primary estimates compare the pre- and post-intervention periods (2007-2009 vs. 2010-2013), but also on a monthly basis in order to observe the trends in greater detail. RESULTS: Interventions at Landspítali University Hospital led to a significant reduction in the average number of laboratory tests (12-52%, p < 0.001) compared with Akureyri Hospital. Relative risk coefficients of laboratory tests at Landspítali University Hospital (LUH) compared to Akureyri Hospital (AH) were calculated pre- and post-guidelines, the relative risk for ASAT, CRP and GGT fell markedly, while ALAT and ALP tests did not show a significant decrease. Relative risk for a blood culture test in the period after the guidelines was statistically significantly increased. CONCLUSION: It is possible to influence physician laboratory-test requests using multifaceted interventions that include continuous monitoring and follow-up.

Computed tomography in patients with abdominal pain and diarrhoea: does the benefit outweigh the drawbacks?

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of abdominal pain is well established. However, concern exists in regard to procedure-related radiation levels, contrast-medium toxicity and costs. We sought to determine whether the use of abdominal CT caused major changes in the management of patients who had abdominal pain and diarrhoea. We reviewed all abdominal CT examinations that were performed at our hospital from October through December 2010. We selected 574 scans that had been performed in patients who presented with or without diarrhoea. We examined the selected medical records to determine whether the CT scan changed patients' management. A scan was considered to be management changing if a decisive intervention occurred on the basis of the scan results. Among 124 scans in patients with diarrhoea and 450 scans in patients without diarrhoea, the scan results changed management in 13 of the patients with diarrhoea (11%) and in 233 of those without diarrhoea (52%) (P < 0.001). When management changed, the changes resulted from findings unrelated to diarrhoea. Despite its defined role in the assessment of abdominal pain, CT of patients that also had diarrhoea seldom caused a major change in management. The probability of CT causing such a change does not outweigh the cost, radiation risk or potential for contrast-induced nephropathy.

Impact of a quality programme on overindication of surgeries for endometriosis and cholecystectomies.

Approximately 45% of patients receive medical services with minimal or no benefit (low-value care). In addition to the increasing costs to the health system, performing invasive procedures without an indication poses a potentially preventable risk to patient safety. This study aimed to determine whether a managed quality improvement programme could prevent cholecystectomy and surgery for endometriosis treatment with minimal or no benefit to patients.This before-and-after study was conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, which has a main medical remuneration model of fee for service. All patients who underwent cholecystectomy or surgery for endometriosis between 1 August 2020 and 31 May 2021 were evaluated.The intervention consisted of allowing the performance of procedures that met previously defined criteria or for which the indications were validated by a board of experts.A total of 430 patients were included in this analysis. The programme prevented the unnecessary performance of 13% of cholecystectomies (p=0.0001) and 22.2% (p=0.0006) of surgeries for the treatment of endometriosis. This resulted in an estimated annual cost reduction to the health system of US$466 094.93.In a hospital with a private practice and fee-for-service medical remuneration, the definition of clear criteria for indicating surgery and the analysis of cases that did not meet these criteria by a board of reputable experts at the institution resulted in a statistically significant reduction in low-value cholecystectomies and endometriosis surgeries.

Patient, hospital and environmental costs of unnecessary bloodwork: capturing the triple bottom line of inappropriate care in general surgery patients.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the extent of unnecessary care in general surgery inpatients using a triple bottom line approach. DESIGN: Patients with uncomplicated acute surgical conditions were retrospectively evaluated for unnecessary bloodwork according to the triple bottom line, quantifying the impacts on patients, healthcare costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint of common laboratory investigations was estimated using PAS2050 methodology, including emissions generated from the production, transport, processing and disposal of consumable goods and reagents. SETTING: Single-centre tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients admitted with acute uncomplicated appendicitis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallstone pancreatitis and adhesive small bowel obstruction were included in the study. 304 patients met inclusion criteria and 83 were randomly selected for in-depth chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In each patient population, the extent of over-investigation was determined by comparing ordered laboratory investigations against previously developed consensus recommendations. The quantity of unnecessary bloodwork was measured by number of phlebotomies, tests and blood volume in addition to healthcare costs and greenhouse gas emissions. RESULTS: 76% (63/83) of evaluated patients underwent unnecessary bloodwork resulting in a mean of 1.84 phlebotomies, 4.4 blood vials, 16.5 tests and 18 mL of blood loss per patient. The hospital and environmental cost of these unnecessary activities was $C5235 and 61 kg CO2e (974 g CO2e per person), respectively. The carbon footprint of a common set of investigations (complete blood count, differential, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium) was 332 g CO2e. Adding a liver panel (liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, international normalised ratio/partial thromboplastin time) resulted in an additional 462 g CO2e. CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable overuse of laboratory investigations among general surgery patients admitted with uncomplicated acute surgical conditions resulting in unnecessary burden to patients, hospitals and the environment. This study identifies an opportunity for resource stewardship and exemplifies a comprehensive approach to quality improvement.

Appropriateness of Head CT Scans at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Background: Overutilization of advanced diagnostic imaging modalities strains health care systems, especially in resource limited setups. The aim of this study is to identify magnitude of inappropriate Head Computed Tomography scans at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Radiology department, among patients getting Head Computed Tomography examinations in the period of August 2018- November 2018. Appropriateness of each scan was assessed using the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. Result: Of the 443 Head Computed Tomography scans assessed, 61.6% were done for male patients and the mean age of patients scanned is 35. Children younger than 14yrs of age constituted 17.2%. No contrast was used in 63.9% of the scans and 64.3% were initial imaging with no prior study for similar indication. Out of the scans evaluated, 11.7% were inappropriate. Headache (38.5%), Seizure (23.1%) and Head trauma (23.1%) were the commonest indications for inappropriate scan. Scans done for cerebrovascular disease were 240 times more likely to be appropriate. Large number of inappropriate scans were requested from central triage (33.3%) and adult emergency (26.2%). Pediatric department requested inapproprieate scans in 11.9% of the cases. Residents requested majority of inappropriate scans (82.3%). Inappropriateness was associated with use of contrast agent and having only incidental outcomes. Conclusion: A large number of inappropriate Head Computed Tomography scans are being done. Mechanisms such as preauthorization by radiologists, increasing awareness by medical students, physicians, radiology residents and radiologists and preparing customized imaging appropriateness guidelines should be implemented.

Implementation effort: Reducing the ordering of inappropriate echocardiograms through a point-of-care decision support tool.

Study objective: Reduce inappropriate transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) using a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement cycles. Design: Three PDSA cycles were designed with the first integrating a previously published decision support tool (DST) into the electronic TTE order, the second tailoring the DST to reflect the most common inappropriately ordered TTEs at our institution, and the third integrating direct clinician education. Setting: Malcom Randall Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA. Participants: Consecutive patients were studied using the database of all TTEs performed at our institution without regard for specific patient characteristics. Interventions: Three PDSA Cycles as described above. Main outcome measure: Reduction in inappropriate TTEs at our institution. Results: After implementing our DST during the first cycle, no difference in inappropriate TTEs was observed (relative risk [RR] 0.71, p = 0.12, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.46-1.09). After the second cycle, we observed a reduction in the proportion of inappropriate TTEs (RR = 0.69, p = 0.014, 95 % CI 0.5-0.94), however two of the four inappropriate TTEs targeted by the DST increased. Feedback gathered from clinicians in the third cycle showed significant knowledge gaps regarding appropriate use criteria for TTE. Conclusions: At our facility, implementation of a DST failed to substantially reduce inappropriate TTEs, even when adapted to facility-specific ordering patterns. Gaps in clinician knowledge about TTEs may have contributed to the inefficacy of our DST.

Diagnostic Performance of Thyroid Core Needle Biopsy Using the Revised Reporting System: Comparison with Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.

BACKGROUND: We aim to validate the diagnostic performance of thyroid core needle biopsy (CNB) for diagnosing malignancy in clinical settings to align with the changes made in recently updated thyroid CNB guidelines. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1,381 thyroid CNB and 2,223 fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples. The FNA and CNB slides were interpreted according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and updated practice guidelines for thyroid CNB, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to FNA, CNB showed lower rates of inconclusive results categories I (2.8% vs. 11.2%) and III (1.2% vs. 6.2%), and higher rates of categories II (60.9% vs. 50.4%) and IV (17.5% vs. 2.0%). The upper and lower bounds of the risk of malignancy (ROM) for category IV of CNB were 43.2% and 26.6%, respectively. The CNB subcategory IVb with nuclear atypia had a higher ROM than the subcategory without nuclear atypia (40%-62% vs. 23%-36%). In histologically confirmed cases, there was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance between CNB and FNA for malignancy. However, neoplastic diseases were more frequently detected by CNB than by FNA (88.8% vs. 77.6%, P=0.046). In category IV, there was no difference in unnecessary surgery rate between CNB and FNA (4.7% vs. 6.9%, P=0.6361). CONCLUSION: Thyroid CNB decreased the rate of inconclusive results and showed a higher category IV diagnostic rate than FNA. The revised guidelines for thyroid CNB proved to be an excellent reporting system for assessing thyroid nodules.

Quantifying Benefits and Harms of Lung Cancer Screening in an Underserved Population: Results From a Prospective Study.

Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose computed tomography reduces lung cancer death by 20-26%. However, potential harms of screening include false-positive results, procedures from false positives, procedural complications and failure to adhere to follow-up recommendations. In diverse, underserved populations, it is unknown if benefits of early lung cancer detection outweigh harms. We conducted a prospective observational study of lung cancer screening participants in an urban, safety-net institution from September 2014 to June 2020. We measured benefits of screening in terms of cancer diagnosis, stage, and treatment. We measured harms of screening by calculating false-positive rate, procedures as a result of false positive screens, procedural complications, and failure to follow-up with recommended care. Of patients with 3-year follow up, we measured these same outcomes in addition to compliance with annual screening. Of 1509 participants, 55.6% were African American, 35.2% White, 8.1% Hispanic, and 0.5% Asian. Screening resulted in cancer detection and treatment in 2.8%. False positive and procedure as a result of a false positive occurred in 9.2% and 0.8% of participants, respectively with no major complications from diagnostic procedures or treatment. Adherence to annual screening was low, 18.7%, 3.7%, and 0.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years after baseline screening respectively. Multidisciplinary lung cancer screening in a safety-net institution can successfully detect and treat lung cancer with few harms of false-positive screens, procedure after false-positive screens and major complications. However, adherence to annual screening is poor.

Taxonomy of effective strategies to reduce unnecessary caesareans: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The increasing trend in unnecessary caesarean sections has caused maternal and neonatal health concerns worldwide. Various medical and non-medical interventions have been designed and implemented to reduce caesarian section overuse. However, their efficacy is questionable. AIMS: This study aimed to identify and classify effective interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarian sections. METHODS: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases for articles, using appropriate search strategies, up to 2 June 2020. Overall, 7951 identified articles were screened and assessed using a valid quality assessment checklist. Finally, 109 eligible studies were included in this review. Thematic content analysis was used to identify and classify the effective interventions. RESULTS: Overall, 188 effective caesarian section reduction measures were identified. They were categorized into 45 actions, 16 intervention groups and 6 WHO building blocks, including "governance and leadership", "financing", "health workforce", "medical products and technologies", "information" and "service delivery". Using qualified and competent staff, intra-partum services, and oversight were the most commonly applied interventions to reduce unnecessary caesarian sections. CONCLUSIONS: A taxonomy of effective strategies to reduce unnecessary caesarian sections was developed in this study. A holistic approach is crucial to addressing the new epidemic of unnecessary caesarian section. Multiple interventions based on the underlying causes of caesarian section overuse should be designed and implemented at local and global levels.

[Implementation of the Choosing Wisely Program in the General Surgery Residency]. / Implementação do Programa Choosing Wisely no Internato de Cirurgia Geral.

INTRODUCTION: The practice of unnecessary conduct and waste in Health is an important topic, not often addressed during undergraduate training. Medical education has a fundamental role in student and doctors' training concerning cost-conscious attitudes for good health care. The aim of this study was to describe and assess the implementation of the Choosing Wisely campaign within a General Surgery residency program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an interventional study involving residency advisors and specialty residents. Recommendations based on three procedures frequently used in clinical practice, with no benefits and involving unnecessary risks for patients were identified by residency advisors with the use of the Delphi method and were grouped by frequency and by nature according to the Choosing Wisely layout. Educational actions such as workshops and banner advertising in addition to training activities regarding cost-conscious healthcare were carried out. This subject was also included in the theoretical evaluation of the residency program. RESULTS: The leading five recommendations were related to (i) computed tomography overuse (versus ultrasound imaging) in patients with suspected acute appendicitis, (ii) multithreaded computed tomography overuse in patients with low-risk trauma, (iii) longer than recommended antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical patients, (iv) longer than recommended preoperative fasting period and (v) upper gastrointestinal endoscopy overuse in surgical patients without an adequate clinical evidence or without the presence of warning signs. Awareness and reflection among participants were improved, leading to high grades in final evaluation. DISCUSSION: Changes in training regarding quality of care and cost awareness should start throughout undergraduate training, within a learning environment focused on a reflective and evidence-based practice. All the benefits and harms to patients were taken into account in the recommendations that emerged from this study. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of this initiative in the General Surgery residency, involving reflective discussions on campaign recommendations regarding procedures frequently used in clinical practice, with no benefits and involving unnecessary risks for patients may lead to more cost-conscious procedures.

Introdução: A prática de condutas desnecessárias e os desperdícios na saúde são temas importantes e ainda pouco abordados no curso de Medicina. A educação médica tem um papel fundamental na formação de estudantes e médicos com atitudes custo-conscientes para uma boa atenção à saúde. O objectivo deste estudo foi descrever e avaliar a implementação do programa Choosing Wisely - Escolhas Criteriosas em Saúde, no internato de Cirurgia Geral.Material e Métodos: Estudo de intervenção envolvendo orientadores de formação e internos. Utilizando a técnica Delphi, os orientadores de formação identificaram três intervenções frequentemente observadas na prática clínica sem benefício e com potenciais riscos desnecessários para o doente, que geraram recomendações, agrupadas e adaptadas ao formato do programa Choosing Wisely. O tema foi incluido na avaliação do internato, tendo sido desenvolvidas ações de formação e de divulgação em banners personalizados, a par de atividades de aprendizagem reflexiva sobre o programa e da integração da temática na avaliação teórica do internato.Resultados: As cinco principais recomendações referem-se (i) à utilização excessiva de tomografia axial computorizada na abordagem da suspeita de apendicite aguda e (ii) de tomografia axial computorizada de vários segmentos do corpo em traumatismos de baixo grau de gravidade, (iii) profilaxia antibiótica mais prolongada do que o recomendado no doente cirúrgico, (iv) jejum mais prolongado do que o recomendado no pré-operatório de todas as cirurgias e (v) utilização excessiva da endoscopia digestiva alta em doentes cirúrgicos sem sinais clínicos de alarme. As ações de formação geraram um incremento da sensibilização e reflexão, traduzido globalmente por um elevado aproveitamento na avaliação final.Discussão: A formação em escolhas criteriosas em saúde, promovendo uma utilização de cuidados de saúde consciente e de qualidade, sugere que as mudanças devem ocorrer ao longo do curso de Medicina, num ambiente de aprendizagem centrado numa prática reflexiva e baseada na evidência. As recomendações produzidas no estudo tiveram em consideração a totalidade dos benefícios e riscos para o doente.Conclusão: A integração da iniciativa Choosing Wisely no programa de formação em Cirurgia Geral deu origem a um conhecimento e discussão mais reflexivos sobre as recomendações relativas à utilização racional e criteriosa de cuidados de saúde, podendo resultar numa prática médica mais sustentável e sensível aos custos que gera.

Physician Compliance to Choosing Wisely® Initiative in Radiographic Imaging of Low Risk Prostate Cancer in an Integrated Health Care System.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the adherence of urologists within an integrated health care system to Choosing Wisely®, an initiative aimed at avoiding unnecessary medical tests. In urology, 2 of the guidelines state bone scans and pelvic computerized tomography scans are unnecessary in low risk prostate cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. All demographics and imaging data were obtained. Patients with symptoms concerning for metastatic disease or with other malignancies were excluded by chart review. Statistical analysis was employed to compare the use of bone scans and computerized tomography scans in this population before and after the Choosing Wisely guidelines were published. RESULTS: Of the 6,996 patients, 121 (1.7%) and 96 (1.4%) underwent a bone scan and computerized tomography scan, respectively. A Cochran-Armitage test showed no change after implementation of the statements. Logistic regression analysis revealed that for every point increase in prostate specific antigen, the odds ratio was 1.09 for ordering both a bone scan and computerized tomography scan. When compared to Whites, the odds ratio of having a bone scan and computerized tomography scan were 0.35 and 0.37 for Blacks, 0.30 and 0.38 for Hispanics, and 0.47 and 0.61 for Asians, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period, there were low rates of inappropriate imaging for low risk prostate cancer. There was no change in trend after publication of the Choosing Wisely. Higher prostate specific antigen levels and White ethnicity were predictors for ordering inappropriate imaging.

How many urinalysis and urine cultures are necessary?

BACKGROUND: Urinalysis and urine culture are two of the most commonly ordered tests. A positive urine test in asymptomatic patients often leads to overtreatment. Antimicrobials for asymptomatic bacteriuria is one of the most common unnecessary treatments. We aimed to explore the current ordering patterns of urinalysis and cultures. METHODS: This is a substudy of the multicentre RICAT-trial, a successful quality improvement project to reduce inappropriate use of intravenous and urinary catheters in seven hospitals in the Netherlands. Adult patients with a (central or peripheral) venous or urinary catheter admitted to internal medicine and non-surgical subspecialty wards were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected every other week during baseline (seven months) and intervention periods (seven months). The primary outcome was the proportion of urine cultures performed following a negative urinalysis, i.e. dipstick and/or microscopic analysis, within 24 h. RESULTS: Between September 2016 and April 2018, we included 3748 patients, of which 3111 (83%) were admitted from the emergency department. Urinalysis and/or urine cultures were obtained in 2610 (70%) of 3748 patients. 626 (23.7%) of 2636 urine cultures and 1351 (55.8%) of 2419 microscopic analysis were unnecessary performed after a negative urinalysis. Cancelling urine testing orders after a negative dipstick would have saved almost € 19.500 during the study period in these seven hospitals. CONCLUSION: Unnecessary urine testing is frequent in non-surgical patients in the Netherlands. We need to take action to reduce unnecessary urinalysis and cultures, and thereby probably reduce overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Evidence-Based Care Reduces Unnecessary Medical Procedures and Healthcare Costs in the Outpatient Setting.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine the number of unnecessary medical procedures and healthcare costs with the use of the educational intervention in Poland. METHODS: Secondary data were collected between 2014 and 2015. Analysis of events and cost per patient revealed significant variability and overutilization of diagnostics and other services by physicians practicing in a network of private outpatient clinics in Poland. To reduce unjustified referrals and costs, a 2-year educational intervention was carried out, which included printed evidence-based practice recommendations and quarterly verification of the results from each of the 617 participating physicians. We analyzed the effects of the intervention on the number of medical events and costs with 17 diagnoses generating the highest costs. RESULTS: After 2 years of the intervention, the number of medical events per patient decreased by over 20% compared to baseline, primarily in orthopedics (by 31%-37%). Moreover, the healthcare costs per patient decreased by about 18% at the end of the intervention. Patient satisfaction remained high during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention based on evidence-based practice reduced both the number of unnecessary medical procedures and healthcare costs in the outpatient setting, while not affecting patient satisfaction.