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.

For Medical Practitioners

Improving the Appropriate Use of MRI for Lower Back Pain

MRI patient poster (8.5×11)

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

English | French

Lumbar spine imaging screening form

A checklist to help answer if a lower back MRI / CT is recommended or not.

Lower back pain handout

Identifying Low Back Pain, common causes, treatments, preventions and exercises.

Improving Appropriate Testing

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

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

Colonoscopies: More Than a Pain in the Butt

Even a good test can be done too often.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Resources

A Hard Pill to Swallow

A printable patient poster explaining how half of all antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.

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.

English | French

Antibiotics: Three Questions to ask your Health Care Provider

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

English | French

Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People – Patient Information

When you need them–and when you don’t.

English | French

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

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

English | French

Lumbar spine imaging screening form

Both urinary catheters and ulcer drugs are over-used in hospitals. And both increase the risk of infection.

English | French

Lumbar spine imaging screening form

Sinus infections almost always stem from a viral infection, not a bacterial one – and antibiotics don’t work against viruses.

English | French

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

For Patients

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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.

English | French

Treating Lower-Back Pain: How much bed rest is too much?

Staying in bed won’t help you get better faster.

Seeing Lower Back Pain Clearly

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

English | French

Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People – Patient Information

When you need them–and when you don’t.

English | French

For Patients

Preventing Infections in the Hospital – Patient Information

Both urinary catheters and ulcer drugs are over-used in hospitals. And both increase the risk of infection.

English | French

Four Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

Next time you see your health care provider, talk about what you need, and what you don’t.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Antibiotics: Three Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider

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

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

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

Treating Frequent Headaches with Pain Relievers: Don’t take them too often

These headaches need careful treatment, with a focus on prevention.

Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People

Sleeping pills are usually not the best solution.

Antibiotics: Three Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider

When you need them – and when you don’t.

Time to Talk: Serious Illness Conversations

Serious or progressive chronic illnesses can be
stressful for patients and their loved ones.

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Palliative Care: Support at any time During a Serious Illness

These headaches need careful treatment, with a focus on prevention.

Pap Tests: When You Need Them – And When You Don’t

You may receive a regular pap test if you are between the ages of 25 to 69 – but it may not always be necessary.

Avoid Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Department

Talking with a health care provider can help you make the best decision.

Blood Tests In Hospitals

Having them every day may not be necessary.

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Treating Disruptive Behaviour in People with Dementia

Antipsychotic drugs are usually not the best choice.

Treating Breathing Issues: Asthma

Have you been told that you have asthma or prescribed an inhaler (puffer) for asthma, but never been tested?

Treating Migraine Headaches

Some drugs should rarely be used.

Treating Heartburn & Gastro-Esaphogeal Reflux (GERD)

Using Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI) carefully.

Treating Breathing Issues: COPD

Have you been told that you have COPD or prescribed an inhaler (puffer) for COPD, but never been tested?

Treating Blocked Leg Arteries

When you need a procedure and when you don’t.

Pain Medicines

What to do if you have heart problems or kidney disease.

Navigating Cold, Flu, and Kids

Don’t rush to antibiotics.

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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Dr. Sokoro with his CWC Award in 2024
Choosing Wisely Manitoba is proud to announce, Dr. AbdulRazaq Sokoro, PhD, FCACB, FADLM. Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Diagnostic Services, Shared …
Patient sitting and talking with a doctor
Meeting with your healthcare provider can sometimes be stressful and anxiety inducing. Being told you require a test, treatment, surgery, …
Choosing Wisely Talks | Bronchiolitis: Why Less is Best
During the cold and flu season, common viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can lead to bronchiolitis, a lung infection …
Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2023 with Dr. Terry Wuerz
Dr. Terry Wuerz inspires solutions in the realm of healthcare. Serving as an Adult Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine physician …
Manitoba Hospitals Achieve Province-Wide Using Blood Wisely Hospital Designation Status
Hospitals in Manitoba have reached a major milestone in their blood stewardship efforts. Every hospital that performs transfusions in the …
Choosing Wisely Talks - April
Addressing Surgical backlogs in Canada When: April 19 at 12 PM ET Register here Surgical backlogs are causing significant pressures in …
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