REMOVE

Low value care (LVC) is an important financial and ethical problem especially in developed countries. LVC are health care practices that provide minimal or no health benefit to the patient.

In the project REMOVE, we analyze the de-implementation of LVC in three ways: First, we assess the effectiveness of de-implementation strategies applied in different health areas in relation to LVC practice, setting, and stakeholders addressed. Second, we investigate how de-implementation endeavours are planned and carried out. Third, we select and tailor de-implementation strategies for inappropriate urinary tract catheter use in geriatric patients as an example of LVC.

REMOVE contributes to our current understanding of how LVC can successfully and sustainably be reduced. It will first elucidate the application of de-implementation strategies in diverse health areas, and second illuminate the process of how de-implementation trials are planned and carried out. The project will also have an impact on clinical practice as we identify congruent de-implementation strategies for inappropriate use of urinary tract catheters in geriatric patients.

REMOVE is a collaboration between the Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation at the University for Continuing Education Krems and the Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care. The project is funded by the Gesellschaft für Forschungsförderung Niederösterreich.

Contact: Dr. Marie-Therese Schultes