Choosing Wisely® Campaign Promotes more Informed Healthcare Decisions

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization applauds new recommendations released as part of the Choosing Wisely^® campaign to promote more informed healthcare decision making. 

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the American Geriatric Society have both developed lists  identifying five specific tests, procedures or medication therapies  that physicians and patients should question – all part of the Choosing Wisely^® campaign.

• Read the AAHPM Recommendations
• Read the AGS Recommendations

NHPCO encourages physicians to review this new information, particularly in areas that are relevant to people coping with serious and life-limiting illnesses, specifically:

• Don’t recommend feeding tubes for patients with advanced dementia; instead offer to assist with feeding.
• Don’t delay palliative care for a patient with serious illness who has physical, psychological, social or spiritual distress because they are pursuing disease-directed treatment.
• Don’t leave an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) activated when it is inconsistent with the patient/family goals of care.

NHPCO has been a strong advocate for earlier access to hospice palliative care services. Additionally, the organization has a position statement on the Care of Hospice Patients with Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (PDF) available online.

 Choosing Wisely^® is a national campaign launched in April by the ABIM Foundation and Consumer Reports that promotes conversations between physicians and patients about utilizing the most appropriate tests and treatments and avoiding unnecessary care.

For more information on Choosing Wisely, visit:

• http://consumerhealthchoices.org/campaigns/choosing-wisely/
• or choosingwisely.org.

For information on advance directives, and helpful information on end-of-life care, visit NHPCO’s consumer website, Caring Connections at: www.caringinfo.org.