Choosing Wisely Manitoba (CWMB) was formalized in 2014 and is led in partnership by Shared Health and the George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation. CWMB is an initiative to improve health outcomes, patient and provider experiences and create health system efficiencies and sustainability through its partnership with Choosing Wisely Canada. Initial efforts have focused on the information and processes needed to challenge test practices and to move toward a model where tests are more appropriately ordered. This has included extensive engagement and collaboration with clinicians and key stakeholders such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Doctors Manitoba, Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, the University of Manitoba Faculty of Health Sciences, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba and the provincial regional health authorities.

Current and upcoming initiatives include:

• Implementation and utilization of appropriate Fecal Immunochemical Testing
• Improving the appropriate use of MRI for lower back pain
• Appropriate thyroid testing
• Appropriate IVIG utilization
• Blood type and screen guidelines
• Appropriate use of PSA testing
• Pharmacy deprescribing
• Appropriateness of red cell transfusions

Among the change strategies being implemented are:

• Physician education, including continued integration into medical education and practice
• Patient education
• Audit and feedback
• Implementing provincial Clinical Provincial Changes

Previously implemented initiatives:

• Reducing preoperative type & screen testing for patients having uncomplicated arthroplasty surgery
• Appropriate emergency department lab test orders

To get involved contact: admin@choosingwiselymanitoba.ca