There are often diagnostic approaches and treatment options that result in the same clinical outcome but are less invasive. Examples include the use of ultrasound instead of computed tomography (CT) scanning to diagnose acute appendicitis in children, or the use of an oral antibiotic that has similar oral bioavailability as its intravenous counterpart. Taking time to consider the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of less invasive tests or the therapeutic effectiveness of less invasive treatments can minimize unnecessary patient exposure to harmful side effects of more invasive tests or treatments.
Sources:
Adibe OO, et al. An evidence-based clinical protocol for diagnosis of acute appendicitis decreased the use of computed tomography in children. J Pediatr Surg. 2011 Jan;46(1):192-6. PMID: 21238665.
Choosing Wisely Canada. Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada: Five things physicians and patients should question [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2017 Jun 5].
Choosing Wisely Canada. Canadian Association of Radiologists: Five things physicians and patients should question [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2017 Jun 5].
Dellit TH, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America guidelines for developing an institutional program to enhance antimicrobial stewardship. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Jan 15;44(2):159-77. PMID: 17173212.