Media release

From: Australian Science Media Centre

NEWS BRIEFING: Choosing Wisely - the medical tests, treatments and procedures Australia should rethink

The latest list of medical tests, treatments and procedures that should be questioned by patients and doctors has been released by Choosing Wisely Australia, an initiative that aims to identify practices that may not be necessary for patients and may even cause harm. The recommendations, developed by Australian medical colleges and societies, suggest we rethink unnecessary X-rays for children, over-medication among older Australians and certifying patients as unfit for work, among others. Choosing Wisely Australia is health profession-led and facilitated by NPS MedicineWise, with the speciality colleges and societies releasing lists including:

• Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Paediatrics & Child Health Division (PCHD)
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM)
• Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG)
• Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ)
• Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ)

Join us for this online briefing, when experts will discuss which practices we should rethink, and why.

This briefing is funded by NPS MedicineWise, facilitator of Choosing Wisely Australia.

Speakers:

• Dr Robyn Lindner is Client Relationships Manager at NPS MedicineWise
• Associate Professor Peter Connaughton is President of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environment Medicine
• Dr Robert Pickles is President of the Internal Medicine Society of Australian and New Zealand

Date: Fri 22 Sep 2017
Start Time: 11:00am AEST
Duration: Approx 45 min
Venue: Online

JOINING ONLINE:
Journalists can follow the briefing online via audio and video streaming.  Each presenter will speak for 5-7 minutes followed by questions. Journalists will have the opportunity to ask questions online.
1. Go to the briefing web portal by clicking here 5 minutes before the start time or anytime during the briefing.
2. Enter your name and email address
3. Click "Join".
If you are having difficulties logging in, we suggest you try pasting the link into a different browser.
(System requirements: You will need a broadband connection and speakers/headphones to hear the event. Allow 1-2 mins for your computer to be configured correctly, install ActiveX, if asked)

PHONE ONLY ACCESS:
1. For phone only access please call: 02 8518 1927.
2. Enter access code 571 817 622#.
Radio stations can also record the briefing over a phone line. If you would like to make sure that you can connect, please contact us to arrange a quick test before the day.
If you have any problems joining the briefing online, phone Webex on 1800 493 239 quoting event number 571 817 622.
Audio files will be posted here as soon as possible after the event.
For further information, please contact the AusSMC on 08 7120 8666 or email info@smc.org.au.