Remember sustainability when identifying low-value clinical care practices in critical care

Abstract

In a recent editorial, Tume and Aitken (1) made the compelling argument to avoid low-value clinical practices, which are characterised by being of little or no benefit to patients (ineffective), not proportional to the cost (inefficient) or posing a risk of harm exceeding the potential benefits (unsafe) (1). Furthermore, Tume and Aitken argue that nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) are responsible for the necessary deimplementation of low value clinical practices in their local ICUs (1). <p>

<p>We agree that ICU nurses are in a central position to identify and address these low-value practices - it is essential for the economic sustainability of healthcare. However, we also see the need for taking a broader sustainability approach when identifying low-value clinical practices, including ecological sustainability, social sustainability, and ethical sustainability.