POEM titleClinical actions to consider for Choosing Wisely
Monitoring ALT, AST, and CBC after initiation of terbinafine or griseofulvin therapy has very low yield20 In healthy adults treated for dermatophyte infection with terbinafine or griseofulvin, do not obtain baseline or follow-up ALT level, AST level, or CBC.
Behavior therapies are better than drug therapy for urinary incontinence in women21 In women with urge, stress, or mixed urinary incontinence, recommend a trial of a behavior therapy before prescribing an anticholinergic drug. Avoid hormone treatment and injections designed to provide periurethral bulking.
Tramadol is no less likely than other opioids to reduce the risk of long-term use22 In the postoperative period, do not preferentially prescribe tramadol over other short-acting opioids to prevent opioid dependence.
Probiotics are ineffective for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in young children23 In preschool-aged children with acute diarrhea, do not recommend the probiotic lactobacillus GG.
“Augmentation” of antidepressant treatment offers little benefit24 In treatment-resistant depression, consider cognitive behavior therapy; do not prescribe lithium before a trial of aripiprazole (Abilify).