HEALTH professionals have cited challenges in accessing patient information from other clinicians as a common reason for requesting unnecessary medical tests, treatments or procedures, according to a new report from Choosing Wisely Australia.
In survey findings published today in the 2018 Choosing Wisely Australia Report: Conversations for change, 54% of GPs, 61% of specialists and 36% of health services reported that difficulties accessing information from doctors in other settings, including results, was a key reason for requesting unnecessary healthcare.
Other causes identified included patient expectations, potential for medical litigation and uncertainty of diagnosis as common factors behind low-value healthcare.
NPS MedicineWise CEO Steve Morris said, "The appetite for reducing unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures is strong among Australia's health professional bodies, in primary and specialist care and in our hospitals.
"This year's report showcases perspectives from healthcare providers, consumer health organisations and researchers who are leveraging Choosing Wisely to address the overuse of medical tests and overdiagnosis of health conditions in Australia," Morris explained.
"Improving communication across different care settings and empowering consumers to be active partners in their healthcare can help overcome barriers to optimal care."
Visit choosingwisely.org.au to access the report.
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