Landspítali seeks to cut unnecessary tests and treatments

Landspítali is asking healthcare staff to identify tests and treatments that offer patients little benefit or may cause harm, mbl.is reports.

Examples include unnecessary daily blood tests and urinary catheters inserted for convenience rather than medical need. The initiative, called Vöndum valið, is Iceland’s adaptation of the international Choosing Wisely campaign, according to the October edition of the hospital publication Spítalapúlsinn.

“Sometimes part of our daily work is done more out of old habit than because of a well-founded suspicion that genuinely serves our patients. That can involve waste and even some danger, and we want to reduce both,” said Helgi Kristinn Sigmundsson, medical director of emergency, internal medicine and rehabilitation services and chair of the project’s working group.

All healthcare professionals at the hospital can suggest changes to patient testing, treatment and monitoring. Suggestions do not need to be fully developed; a brief description of a practice that raises questions is enough.

“Frontline professionals see this best. That is why we want to hear from them,” Helgi said.

The working group will assess proposals in consultation with the relevant medical specialties and healthcare professions. Approved proposals will be assigned a lead and an implementation plan, and their results will be measured.

The proposals are advisory and do not replace healthcare professionals’ assessment of each patient’s needs.