Strategies to Reduce Low-Value Cardiovascular Care

Low-value cardiovascular care refers to tests, procedures, and treatments that provide no or minimal benefit to patients. In some cases, low-value care can even cause harm. Low-value care is a problem because it wastes resources and drives up healthcare costs. It can also lead to unnecessary anxiety and distress for patients.

Fortunately, there are steps that providers and patients can take to reduce the amount of low-value cardiovascular care. Below are three strategies that have been shown to be effective.

1. Educate providers about low-value care.
2. Implement clinical decision support tools.
3. Engage patients in shared decision-making.

Educate providers about low-value care.

One way to reduce low-value care is to educate providers about which tests, procedures, and treatments are of little or no value. When providers are aware of the potential harms of low-value care, they are less likely to order it for their patients. Education efforts should target all providers who order cardiovascular tests and procedures, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, and surgeons.

Implement clinical decision support tools.

Clinical decision support tools are computerized systems that help providers make better decisions about patient care. These tools can be used to remind providers about which tests and procedures are likely to be of low value. They can also provide guidance on alternatives to low-value care that may be more effective. Clinical decision support tools have been shown to reduce the ordering of low-value tests and procedures by as much as 50%.

Engage patients in shared decision-making.

Shared decision-making is a process in which patients and providers work together to make treatment decisions. It involves educating patients about their condition and the available treatment options, including the risks and benefits of each option. Patients who participate in shared decision-making are more likely to choose treatments that are right for them and less likely to receive unnecessary care.

Low-value cardiovascular care is a problem because it wastes resources, drives up healthcare costs, and can cause harm to patients. However, there are steps that providers and patients can take to reduce the amount of low-value care. Thus, education, clinical decision support tools, and shared decision-making have all proven to be effective strategies for reducing low-value cardiovascular care.