NPS MedicineWise CEO Steve Morris says Victoria's decision to implement the Choosing Wisely Australia initiative across its hospital network could be a model for other states and territories.
The issue will be discussed at today's national meeting of Choosing Wisely Australia in Melbourne.
The Victorian experience of applying Choosing Wisely in 11 health services will be shared at today's annual event.
“With 30 health services implementing Choosing Wisely to help reduce unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures for the benefit of their patients – to prioritise high-value healthcare – today’s National Meeting will offer valuable learnings on staff engagement, NPS MedicineWise design workshops, resources and evaluation processes,” said Mr Morris.
“Other states and territories have been watching the Victorian approach with interest and we look forward to being able to support future scaling collaborations in other areas of Australia.
“The ultimate goal is to create long-term, sustainable change in our hospitals, within primary care and among consumers in relation to reducing low-value and unnecessary heatlhcare practices.”
The Victorian initiative is being independently evaluated with full results expected by September this year.
According to the Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos, “The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support pioneering projects like Choosing Wisely that improve the way Victorian patients receive world-class care.
“We’re drawing on Victoria’s best and brightest medical minds and partnering with them to roll out new and more effective ways to treat more patients, sooner.
“Every day, medicine is changing, and to make the most of it, we need to keep evolving too.”