RACGP Resource to help manage requests for inappropriate treatments
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have launched a new clinical resource for GPs to assist with patients who request unsuitable tests or treatments which may cause harm.
The online resource, called First Do No Harm: a guide to choosing wisely in general practice, was launched at GP22, the RACGP’s annual conference.
First Do No Harm aims to help GPs work with patients to make shared decisions on evidence-based healthcare. It provides both GPs and patients with information on why unsuitable tests and treatments provide little or no benefit or may even cause harm, as well as evidence-based alternatives to suit the patient’s needs.
It provides GPs with QR codes linking to patient-facing information, allowing them to talk through treatments with patients as they access complementary resources, highlighting recommendations through a traffic-light system.
It is designed to be a ‘living’ resource that will be updated with new topics and up-to-date guidance. The first five topics are:
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Imaging in adults with acute low back pain
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Management of subclinical hypothyroidism
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MTHFR gene testing
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Vitamin C infusions
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Vitamin D testing.
You can access the resource here.
