Today, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) announced the launch of Choosing Wisely Northwest Territories. It is a campaign to help clinicians and patients in NWT engage in conversations about unnecessary tests and treatments and make smart and effective choices to ensure high-quality care. The campaign calls on health care providers and patients in NWT to question a broad range of tests and treatments that are commonly ordered but not always necessary, especially:

• Antibiotics for viral illness
• Low back imaging for uncomplicated back pain
• Unnecessary lab testing

In 2016, a Choosing Wisely pilot project was launched in NWT to reduce unnecessary use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPI’s are commonly prescribed for short term relief of heartburn, but if used over a long period of time can do more harm than good to patients. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology recommends against long term use of PPIs. This project led to a 20% reduction in PPI use, and demonstrated that implementing Choosing Wisely recommendations can improve patient care.

“Choosing Wisely provides clinicians with the confidence and tools to have richer conversations with patients about unnecessary tests and treatments. The Choosing Wisely Northwest Territories campaign will provide valuable information and support to help patients and clinicians start important conversations about treatment options and make informed choices about their health,” said Dr. Sarah Cook, Co-Clinical Champion, Territorial Medical Director.

“Given our unique population and high quality, engaged practitioners, I am excited to see Choosing Wisely Northwest Territories becoming National leaders of change in improving the quality and appropriateness of health care,” said Dr. Shireen Mansouri, Co-Clinical Champion, Central Area Medical Director.

Dr. Wendy Levinson, Chair of Choosing Wisely Canada says “the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign is proud to partner with the NTHSSA. The committed health care providers in NWT have demonstrated leadership in engaging their colleagues, patients and the public in locally appropriate and focused efforts to reduce harms associated with unnecessary tests and treatments.”

To learn more about Choosing Wisely Northwest Territories, visit www.nthssa.ca.

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority is responsible for the design and delivery of territorial health and social services planning across the Northwest Territories.

Choosing Wisely Canada is a national campaign to help health care providers and clients engage in meaningful conversations about potentially unnecessary tests, treatments, and procedures, and encourage informed decision making to ensure high-quality care. Choosing Wisely Canada is organized by a team of leading Canadian physicians, in partnership with the Northwest Territories.

Choosing Wisely Northwest Territories is a campaign fully affiliated with Choosing Wisely Canada, and supported by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority.