Authors: Eva Topinková 1,2; Tomáš Richter 1 Authors‘ workplace: Klinika geriatrie a interní medicíny Všeobecné fakultní nemocnice a 1. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Praha 1; Subkatedra geriatrie, Institut postgraduálního vzdělávání ve zdravotnictví 2 Published in: Geriatrie a Gerontologie 2026, 15, č. 1: 23-29 Category: Review Article doi: https://doi.org/10.61568/geri/50-6703/20260311/143073
The Choosing Wisely initiative was established as an international professional platform aimed at reducing low-value, potentially harmful, and insufficiently evidence-based medical care. In the context of population ageing, this concept is of particular relevance, as older adults are especially vulnerable to the adverse consequences of overdiagnosis and overtreatment due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and reduced physiological reserve. The primary objective of the initiative is not cost containment, but rather the promotion of rational, safe, and evidence-based clinical decision-making that respects patients’ preferences and goals of care.
This review article outlines the principles of the Choosing Wisely campaign and discusses their relevance for geriatric practice. It summarizes recommendations issued by the American and Canadian Geriatrics Societies, focusing particularly on medication optimization, avoidance of inappropriate screening, prevention of iatrogenic harm, and the role of deprescribing. Barriers to implementation and the potential risk of misinterpreting the initiative as a tool for rationing care are also addressed.
Choosing Wisely may provide a valuable framework for advancing discussions on appropriateness and safety of care within Czech geriatric practice and for fostering high-quality, patient-centered clinical decision-making.
geriatric medicine – Choosing Wisely campaign – efficient evidence-based care – safe medical treatment – futile care
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