The London Choosing Wisely programme is a clinically-led review of evidence for a set of surgical procedures. It looks to ensure they are used consistently across London and their use follows a criteria that ultimately improves the health of patients.
Aim of the review
To make sure people with an equal need, wherever they live in London, have equal access to treatments. A standard approach across London means people will achieve better healthcare and doctors will have better guidance on what should be offered to patients.
Procedures that are being reviewed
Eight procedures will be reviewed by primary and secondary care clinicians, patient representatives, equality and diversity leads and public health experts:
- Surgical removal of benign skin lesions (abnormal growth or abnormal appearance of skin)
- Hip arthroplasty (replacement)
- Knee arthroplasty (replacement)
- Knee arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)
- Interventional treatments for back pain
- Varicose vein procedures
- Shoulder decompression (removing bone spurs and soft tissue through keyhole surgery)
- Cataract surgery (replacing a clouded eye lens with an artificial lens)
Read more – and check back for updates – on the www.healthylondon.org website.
Further information will be published in the resources section as the programme develops.