This cold and flu season has brought a surge of viral infections, with COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) circulating at the same time. Some of these viruses can cause bronchiolitis, a common lung infection in children under two. Diagnosis relies on physical exams, but many children undergo unnecessary tests and treatments, potentially causing harm.

Choosing Wisely Canada’s new toolkit Less is Best aims to tackle this issue by providing easy-to-use tools and resources to manage bronchiolitis appropriately. Developed with experts from across the country, this toolkit offers guidance on avoiding commonly overused tests and treatments in primary and emergency care settings.

Targeting prevalent areas of overuse, such as unnecessary chest X-rays and antibiotic prescriptions, the toolkit offers practical guidance to overcome barriers to change. Tools like the pediatric viral prescription pad enable clinicians to share effective symptom management information without the use of an unneeded antibiotic. Additionally, standardized order sets and quality improvement plan templates equip clinicians with tools to streamline processes and identify appropriate interventions. The toolkit also provides valuable information for families and caregivers, including a family info-sheet addressing common questions about managing bronchiolitis symptoms and posters designed for waiting rooms.

With review and support from organizations such as the Canadian Paediatric Society, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Nurse Practitioners Association of Canada, and Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK), this toolkit provides credible information to diverse practice settings that manage bronchiolitis.

By promoting simple changes in practice, the toolkit not only focuses on improving patient care, but eases the workload for clinicians, emphasizing necessary interventions in the management of bronchiolitis.

To learn more about why less is best when it comes to bronchiolitis, visit our website: https://choosingwiselycanada.org/primary-care/bronchiolitis/