Resources

Content to engage medical practitioners and patients in conversations about medical tests, treatments, and procedures, so they can better understand when they are necessary and right for each patient.

Resources for Medical Practitioners

Improving the Appropriate Use of MRI for Lower Back Pain

A shirtless man holds his lower back in pain.

MRI patient poster 8.5×11

Do MRIs (or X-rays or CT scans) speed up patients’ recovery from lower back pain?
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A man, seen from behind, holds his lower back, as if in pain.

Lumbar spine imaging screening form

A checklist to help answer if a lower back MRI / CT is recommended or not.
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A woman, seen from the side, holds her lower back, as if in pain.

Lower back pain handout

Identifying Low Back Pain, common causes, treatments, preventions and exercises.
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A shirtless man holds his lower back in pain.

MRI patient poster 8.5×11 (FR)

Do MRIs (or X-rays or CT scans) speed up patients’ recovery from lower back pain? (FR)
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Improving Appropriate Testing

A woman gingerly holds her throat, as if it is sore.

If It Ain’t Swollen, Don’t Aspirate It

Unnecessary thyroid testing is leading to overtreatment in the province of Manitoba.
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Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources

A variety of pills are lined up in a row.

A Hard Pill to Swallow

A printable patient poster explaining how half of all antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.
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A doctor wearing a surgical mask holds a small red and white pill capsule out.

Are you Using Antibiotics Wisely?

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to human health worldwide. The overuse of antibiotics is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance and is threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases.
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A smiling nurse consults with an elderly patient.

Antibiotics: Three Questions to ask your Health Care Provider (FR)

A quick assessment that can help reduce the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics, while helping the patient understands their use.
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A graphic of a hand holding a pill capsule.

Colds, Flu, and Other Respiratory Illnesses: Don’t Rush to Antibiotics (FR)

A guide on when to take and when not to take antibiotics if you have a respiratory infection.
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A graphic of a patient lying in a hospital bed, sleeping.

Preventing Infections in the Hospital – Patient Information (EN)

Both urinary catheters and ulcer drugs are over-used in hospitals. And both increase the risk of infection.
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A graphic of a patient lying in a hospital bed, sleeping.

Preventing Infections in the Hospital – Patient Information (FR)

Both urinary catheters and ulcer drugs are over-used in hospitals. And both increase the risk of infection.
View this Resource
A graphic of a box of tissue next to a wire garbage can full of used tissues.

Treating Sinus Infections: Don’t rush to antibiotics (EN)

Sinus infections almost always stem from a viral infection, not a bacterial one - and antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
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A graphic of a box of tissue next to a wire garbage can full of used tissues.

Treating Sinus Infections: Don’t rush to antibiotics (FR)

Sinus infections almost always stem from a viral infection, not a bacterial one - and antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
View this Resource
A smiling nurse consults with an elderly patient.

Antibiotics: Three Questions to ask your Health Care Provider (EN)

A quick assessment that can help reduce the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics, while helping the patient understands their use.
View this Resource

Toolkits

Need change ideas or help with your Choosing Wisely implementation project? Check out Choosing Wisely Canada’s downloadable toolkits developed by clinicians who have successfully implemented Choosing Wisely recommendations in their setting.

See the Toolkits on Choosing Wisely Canada

Resources for Patients

Resources for Patients

lowbackpain

Imaging Tests for Low Back Pain: When you need them- and when you don't

Back pain can be excruciating, but an imaging test may not be the best care option.
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lowbackpain

Imaging Tests for Low Back Pain: When you need them- and when you don't (FR)

Back pain can be excruciating, but an imaging test may not be the best care option.
View this Resource
A graphic of a patient lying in a hospital bed, sleeping.

Preventing Infections in the Hospital – Patient Information (EN)

Both urinary catheters and ulcer drugs are over-used in hospitals. And both increase the risk of infection.
View this Resource
A graphic of a patient lying in a hospital bed, sleeping.

Preventing Infections in the Hospital – Patient Information (FR)

Both urinary catheters and ulcer drugs are over-used in hospitals. And both increase the risk of infection.
View this Resource
CWC-4questions1024_1

Four Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider (EN)

Next time you see your health care provider, talk about what you need, and what you don't.
View This Resource
ColdsFlusRespIll

Colds, Flu, and Other Respiratory Illnessess: Don't Rush to Antibiotics

A guide on when to take and when not to take antibiotics if you have a respiratory infection.
View This Resource
commontests

Common Tests, Treatments and Procedures You May Think You Need.

Lets Think Again.
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labtests

Lab Tests Before Surgery: When you need them- and when you don't

Most healthy people don’t need the tests, especially before low-risk surgery. Find out why.
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Paptest

Pap Tests: When You Need Them and When You Don't

Most women ages 21 to 69 need regular Pap tests. But teenage girls and older women usually don’t need them. Learn why.
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Sinus

Treating Sinus Infections: Don't Rush to Antibiotics

Sinus infections almost always stem from a viral infection, not a bacterial one - and antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
View This Resource
Antibiotics_3Questions

Antibiotics: Three Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider

Do I really need antibiotics? What are the risks? Are there simpler, safer options?
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Opioids

Opioids: When You Need Them and When You Don't

There are many ways to manage pain. Talk to your doctor about the safest option.
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vitamind

Vitamin D Tests: When you need them- and when you don't

Many people don’t have enough vitamin D in their bodies. But many people do not need the test. Find out why.
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checkup800x530

Health Check-Ups: When You Need Them and When You Don't

Do healthy people need annual check-ups? Learn more.
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Patient Pamphlets

Choosing Wisely Patient Pamphlets are meant to help patients learn about the tests, treatments, and procedures to question, when they are necessary and when they are not, and what patients can do to improve their health.

Check out Choosing Wisely Canada’s downloadable Patient materials

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