The Choosing Wisely RI campaign promotes productive conversations between patients and doctor--conversations that research shows produce the right level of care and go a long way towards eliminating tests, procedures and medications that provide, little, if any benefit. The campaign is organized and promoted by the Rhode Island Business Group on Health (RIBGH) and draws on the expertise of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation. While we provide materials that enable patients to have informed conversations with their doctors and other health care providers, we do not provide any individual medical advice.

Choosing Wisely provides employees free-of-charge access to online tools developed by ABIMF and their 80+ Specialty Society partners.

  • Over 110 online, easy to read, evidence-based materials that can be downloaded and printed.
  • 550+ medical recommendations for tests and procedures to avoid.
  • 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Wallet Cards to remind employees of the important question to ask when being prescribed a test or treatment.

· Choosing Wisely Videos

     

The Choosing Wisely Mobile Phone App for Apple and Android phones gives employees the chance to view the Choosing Wisely materials and recommendations on their phones -  possibly when they are in their physician's office!

Get daily updates from Choosing Wisely RI on our Facebook page!

Join the more than 40 organizations who have already adopted Choosing Wisely. Launching the campaign for Your Employees is Easy!

Getting Started 

1. Schedule a Choosing Wisely Orientation Meeting: Contact Joanne Bilotta, RIBGH Choosing Wisely-RI Campaign Manager, at jbilotta.RIBGH@gmail.com to schedule an orientation meeting and sign the participation agreement.
 
2. Get the Word Out from the Top: Send out a companywide notice from senior leadership supporting the Choosing Wisely campaign to demonstrate the company’s commitment to the health and safety of your employees. 
 
3. Launch the Campaign:
 
a. Start by introducing the 5 Questions. Place the 5 Questions Poster in areas of high visibility throughout your company office(s) and distribute the 5 question cards in new employee orientation kits, open enrollment packages, and at company wellness activity events
 
b. Pick themes throughout the year starting with health issues that matter most to you.
 
c. Distribute the theme matching Choosing Wisely materials utilizing tools such as the Choosing Wisely App and Website, and your internal employee communications.
 
d.  Incorporate Choosing Wisely techniques to help your employees use their health care dollars effectively. 
 
e. Be creative and host fun activities to keep your employees thinking about making better health care choices.
 
f. Track and report your results.
 
4. Keep the Campaign Going:  Incorporate the Choosing Wisely Campaign into your Wellness and Workers Comp programs, activities and budgets so that the campaign will continue.
 

Choosing Wisely RI Materials

Choosing Wisely for Employers and Physicians

Choosing Wisely RI in the News

May: Lupus Awareness Month

May is a time where we can spread awareness about the signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million Americans with 16,000 new cases each year. 

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus that mostly affects woman between the ages of 18 – 45, and can affect many organs in the body. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it inflames healthy tissues and can damage joints, skin, muscles, connective tissue, and many major organs. However, lupus can affect everyone in a different way.  

According to the National Assocation of Chronic Disease Directors, recent studies indicated that incidence rates are almost three times higher in black woman than white women and affect 1 in 537 young African American women. Minority women tend to develop lupus at a younger age, experiences more serious complications, and have higher mortality rates than white woman. 

There are four types of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, Cutaneous lupus, Drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus. The most common, Systemic lupus erythematosus, can make individuals experience symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, rash, fevers. 

Genetics play a large role in the risk of developing lupus and the severity of the autoimmune disease. It is essential those affected by lupus have access to special expertise from doctors that will treat them with proper preventative care, medical care, education, and support to improve quality of life. 

To learn more about Lupus, visit the National Health Initiatives on health.gov and choosingwisely.org 

If you are interested in learning more about adopting Choosing Wisely at your worksite, contact Joanne Bilotta, our Choosing Wisely RI campaign manager at jzbilotta@gmail.com.

This report is for you to use when talking with your health-care provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk.