Choosing Wisely Alberta (CWA) started in 2014 and is a provincial campaign to reduce unnecessary care in the province of Alberta. CWA is organized by the Alberta Medical Association, in partnership with the Physician Learning Program, Alberta College of Family Physicians, Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Innovates Health Solutions, Institute of Health Economics, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and patients.

The current areas of focus for CWA are:

• Healthy conversations supports for physicians and patients
• Imaging for low back pain
• Imaging for uncomplicated headaches
• Imaging for minor head trauma
• Red blood cell transfusions
• Vitamin D testing
• Bone density testing
• Preoperative testing prior to low-risk surgeries
• Appropriate use of antipsychotics
• Cervical cancer screening
• Pap smears

Among the change strategies being implemented are:

• Physician education and champion support
• Patient education and champion support
• Audit and feedback
• Process changes
• Quality Improvement

To get involved, contact: choosingwiselyab@ucalgary.ca