Recommendations and resources

The Council of Medical Colleges (CMC) previously facilitated the Choosing Wisely campaign in New Zealand, as part of its commitment to improving the quality of care for all consumers.

This information is not being actively updated. For information on the history of the campaign please contact enquiries@cmc.org.nz

For consumers

Just because tests and treatments are available, doesn’t mean we should always use them.

Tests, treatments and procedures have side-effects and some may even cause harm. For example, CT scans and x-rays expose you to radiation; overuse of antibiotics leads to them becoming less effective; a false positive test may lead to painful and stressful further investigation.

In this section you will find lists and questions relating to specific problems and concerns – and the questions to ask before agreeing to a medical intervention or test.

As each situation is unique, health care professionals and patients should have a conversation to work out an appropriate health care plan together.

For clinicians

This section provides recommendations about tests, treatments, and procedures developed by Australasian and New Zealand Colleges and specialist societies that healthcare professionals and patients and consumers should question. Each recommendation is based on the best available evidence. Some also give resources to assist health professionals.

They are not prescriptive but are intended as guidance to start a conversation about what is appropriate and necessary. As each situation is unique, healthcare professionals and patients should use the recommendations to collaboratively formulate their own appropriate healthcare plan together. In the patient section of the website there are resources that may be helpful for your patients.

Choosing Wisely New Zealand resources

These resources and information can help you implement a Choosing Wisely campaign in your organisation or service.