There are currently many initiatives around the world whose values are deeply aligned with those of Slow Medicine. Although not all of them have a formal relationship with the Slow Medicine movement, we consider them to be important and useful initiatives for the consolidation of a more measurable, respectful and equitable medical practice.
Choosing Wisely
Choosing Wisely is an international initiative to promote conversations between clinicians and patients by helping patients choose care that is:
- Supported by evidence
- Not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received
- Free from harm
- Truly necessary
Beginning in 2012, national organizations representing medical specialists have asked their members to identify tests or procedures commonly used in their field whose necessity should be questioned and discussed. This call to action has resulted in specialty-specific lists of “Things Providers and Patients Should Question.”
To help patients engage their health care provider in these conversations and empower them to ask questions about what tests and procedures are right for them, patient-friendly materials were created based on the specialty societies’ lists of recommendations of tests and treatments that may be unnecessary.
Currently there are Choosing Wisely initiatives in several countries. You can access them by clicking on the icons below.
Less is More Medicine
Dr. Jessica Otte is a young physician and patient advocate who champions a “less is more” approach to prescribing treatment, and seeks to shape a more patient-centred and sustainable system of healthcare.
She started a popular blog to open a discussion around the issues she encounters in health care as both a professional and a patient (she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis in 2013). Her openness is a comfort to other patients and a learning opportunity for her colleagues. A chief concern is that patients often receive medicine and tests that are unnecessary and harmful, yet they are not able to access what they really need.
The goal is to bring the best health outcomes to patients, and in so doing, lay the foundation for a wise and sustainable system for future generations.
The Lown Institute
The Lown Institute is a nonpartisan think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. At its heart, health care is about people taking care of one another. Those who choose healing professions understand this and dedicate their careers to relieving the suffering of others.
The Lown Institute believes that a radically better American health system is possible.Through our bold ideas, we are leading the movement towards this next system for health. We conduct research, convene experts, and spark public debate to bridge the gap between existing public policy solutions and the care that Americans want and need.
Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare
Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare is a nation-wide network of doctors who want to raise voice from within the medical fraternity about malpractices, systemic issues and policies related to healthcare. Their aim is to build critical social demand to bring in Universal Healthcare in India.
Institute for Positive Health
Positive Health is a broader view of health, elaborated in six dimensions. This broader approach contributes to people’s ability to deal with physical, emotional and social challenges in life — and to be in charge of their own affairs, whenever possible.
The IPH foundation was established in the Netherlands by Machteld Huber, the founder of the philosophy, to stimulate, strengthen and accelerate the Positive Health movement. The site offers information about Positive Health philosophy, lectures & workshops, training courses and downloadable materials.