Patient Resources
Choosing Wisely Canada materials encourage clinicians and patients to start a conversation about the risks, harms, and benefits of tests and treatments. These materials are meant to help patients make smart and effective care choices.
Conversation starters about the risks and benefits of medications.
Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People
When you need them and when you don’t.
Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children
When you need them and when you don’t.
Colds, Flu, and Other Respiratory Infections
Don't rush to antibiotics.
Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People
Sleeping pills are usually not the best solution.
Navigating Colds, Flu, and Kids
Don’t rush to antibiotics.
Opioids
When you need them and when you don’t.
Pain Medicines
What to do if you have heart problems or kidney disease.
Sleeping Pills
Are you on sleeping pills?
Treating Blocked Leg Arteries
When you need a procedure and when you don’t.
Treating Disruptive Behaviour in People with Dementia
Antipsychotic drugs are usually not the best choice
Treating Frequent Headaches with Pain Relievers
Don’t take them too often.
Treating Heartburn and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GERD)
Using Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI) carefully.
Treating Migraine Headaches
Some drugs should rarely be used.
Treating Breathing Issues: Asthma
Have you been told that you have asthma or prescribed an inhaler (puffer) for asthma, but never been tested?
Treating Breathing Issues: COPD
Have you been told that you have COPD or prescribed an inhaler (puffer) for COPD, but never been tested?
Conversation starters about the risks and benefits of tests and treatments.
Blood Transfusions
How much blood do you need?
Blood Tests in Hospitals
Having them every day may not be necessary.
Bronchiolitis
What it means and how you can help your child.
Avoid Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Department
Talking with a health care provider can help you make the best decision.
Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People
When you need them and when you don’t.
Bone Density Tests
When you need them and when you don’t.
Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients
Deciding to stop cancer treatment.
CT Scans for Adults with Head Injuries
When you need one and when you don’t.
CT Scans for Children with Head Injuries
When they need them—and when they don’t
CT Scans to Find a Blood Clot in the Lungs
When you need one and when you don’t.
Chest X-rays Before Surgery
When you need them and when you don’t.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Making hard choices.
Colonoscopy
When you need it and when you don’t.
Common Tests, Treatments, and Procedures You May Think You Need
Let’s think again.
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
When you need it and when you don’t.
Echocardiogram Before Surgery
When you need one and when you don’t.
Feeding Tubes for People with Alzheimer’s Disease
When you need them and when you don’t.
Health Check-ups
When you need them and when you don’t.
Heart Tests Before Surgery
When you need an imaging test and when you don’t.
Imaging Tests for Headaches
When you need them and when you don’t.
Imaging Tests for Lower Back Pain
When you need them and when you don’t.
Lab Tests Before Surgery
When you need them and when you don’t.
Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Don’t rush to get treatment.
Palliative Care
Support at any time during a serious illness.
Pap Tests
When you need them and when you don’t.
Preventing Infections in the Hospital
Watch out for these two practices.
Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
Four questions to ask about the benefits and risks of tests, treatments, and procedures.
Self-Monitoring Blood Sugar for Type 2 Patients with Diabetes not on Insulin
What you need to know.
Serious Illness Conversations
The importance of earlier and better conversations.
Treating Lower Back Pain
How much bed rest is too much?
Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Popular supplements don’t work.
Treatment for Erection Problems
When you need testosterone treatment and when you don’t.
Vitamin D Tests
When you need them and when you don't.
Treating Breathing Issues: Asthma
Have you been told that you have asthma or prescribed an inhaler (puffer) for asthma, but never been tested?
Treating Breathing Issues: COPD
Have you been told that you have COPD or prescribed an inhaler (puffer) for COPD, but never been tested?