Grant aimed to expand efforts to use healthcare wisely

The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) and the Minnesota Health Action Group (The Action Group) are among 21 state medical societies, specialty societies and regional health collaboratives that have received grants from the ABIM Foundation to help physicians engage patients in conversations aimed at reducing unnecessary medical tests and procedures. The grants, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, are meant to extend the reach of the ABIM Foundation's Choosing Wisely campaign.

Launched in April 2012, Choosing Wisely is focused on encouraging physicians and patients to think and talk about medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary, and in some instances can cause harm. Since the campaign launched, 25 medical specialty societies have unveiled lists of over-used or unnecessary tests and procedures.

The Action Group and ICSI partnered on the grant proposal to leverage the unique strengths of each organization. ICSI will take the lead on project work related to physicians and patients, while The Action Group will spearhead communication efforts with employers and their employees. The two organizations will participate in a learning network that the ABIM Foundation will establish for the 21 national grant recipients to allow them to learn from one another and enhance the effectiveness of their programs.

For more about Choosing Wisely, please read "Imaging's don't do list: 17 societies make picks," and "Medical societies target overused exams."