AMDA adds 5 guidelines to Choosing Wisely campaign

AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has released five additional medical tests and procedures that may be of questionable value to older Americans. The recommendations are issued to encourage discussion among physicians, patients and other healthcare providers on the best course of action for the individual.

The five practices, announced at tis week's released from AMDA’s 2015 annual conference:

1. Don’t place an indwelling urinary catheter to manage urinary incontinence.

2. Don’t recommend screening for breast, colorectal or prostate cancer if life expectancy is less than 10 years.

3. Don’t obtain a C. difficile toxin test to confirm "cure" if symptoms have resolved.

4. Don’t recommend aggressive or hospital-level care for a frail elder without a clear understanding of the individual’s goals of care and the possible benefits and burdens.

5. Don’t initiate antihypertensive treatment in individuals ages 60 and older for systolic blood pressure less than 150 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg.

Read the entire list here.

AMDA is a partner of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation's Choosing Wisely campaign, which provides communication education modules to assist providers in engaging in conversation with their patients. Since the campaign began in 2012, more than 70 specialty societies have joined the initiative. New lists will be published throughout the year.

Related story:

Choosing Wisely releases physical therapy recommendations

5 tests to avoid in long-term care settings

5 tests or treatments to consider carefully in seniors

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.