Academy’s Choosing Wisely® List of “Things Patients and Nurses Should Question,” Developed Into Useful Brochures by Consumer Reports
The American Academy of Nursing has partnered with Consumer Reports to translate its new Choosing Wisely list of “Things Nurses and Patients Should Question,” containing health care recommendations developed by nurse leaders, into engaging brochures for consumers to reference for common health practices and treatments. Today, the Academy and Consumer Reports released the first two brochures developed from the Academy’s first set of five recommendations, with plans to continue their creation as other recommendations are added to the Academy’s list.
The Choosing Wisely campaign is an initiative of the ABIM Foundation to encourage conversations between patients and their healthcare professionals about what care is genuinely necessary. The Academy leads the nursing profession’s efforts in the Choosing Wisely campaign through its task force composed of leaders of many national nursing organizations.
“We are proud to partner with the Academy to break out these recommendations into easily understandable information for patients and their families,” said Tara Montgomery, senior director for Health Impact at Consumer Reports. “These brochures will help arm consumers with useful advice in order to have more engaging and impactful conversations with nurses and other health care providers to ensure they are getting the right tests and treatments and avoiding unnecessary care.”
“The Academy is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Consumer Reports to make our recommendations accessible to a broad audience,” said Academy President, Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The information in these brochures will empower patients and their families to approach their providers on these practices that patients and nurses should question, and come to the best health solution.”
The first brochure titled, “Hospital Hazards,” focuses on four practices that can harm older people including bed rest, physical restraints, interrupted sleep and urinary catheters. The second brochure focuses on fetal monitoring, titled, “Monitoring Your Baby’s Heartbeat During Labor,” and includes a section offering advice to women on making their labor and birth easier.
The brochures can be found at www.ConsumerHealthChoices.org/choosing and will be distributed through the Consumer Reports network of partners, which consists of over 50 national, regional and local organizations, consisting of employer groups, unions and healthcare collaborative.
The Choosing Wisely initiative has engaged over 70 national specialty societies, and has identified more than 350 tests and procedures that have been described as overused and inappropriate, and should be discussed with patients. Consumer Reports develops plain-language translations of these topics, including questions to help patients engage their health care provider in meaningful conversations.
