DSS launches campaign for mindful healthcare services

Context

In brief

• New DSS campaign for mindful healthcare services
• 20% of Swiss healthcare costs for low-value services
• Collaboration with ACSI, EOC, FMH, OMCT, and USI

Key facts

• What: Awareness campaign for appropriate healthcare services
• When: Launch in 2026
• Where: Canton Ticino, Switzerland
• Who: DSS, ACSI, EOC, FMH, OMCT, USI
• Amount: Up to 20% of Swiss healthcare costs for low-value services

The DSS has launched a new digital campaign to promote more mindful use of healthcare services. The campaign, inspired by the international Choosing Wisely movement, known in Switzerland as Smarter Medicine - Choosing Wisely Switzerland, focuses on the importance of avoiding unnecessary diagnostic tests or interventions. These can pose health risks, such as radiation exposure or side effects, and divert precious resources from areas where they would be more useful, such as prevention or the management of chronic diseases.

The campaign is realized in collaboration with various actors in the healthcare system and civil society, including the Association of Consumers and Users of Italian Switzerland (ACSI), the Cantonal Hospital Entity (EOC), the Federation of Swiss Physicians (FMH), the Order of Physicians of the Canton of Ticino (OMCT), and the University of Italian Switzerland (USI).

Contents and objectives

Through short videos shared on social media and in-depth online content, doctors active in the territory share concrete experiences from their daily clinical practice. With clear and accessible language, they explain why, in some situations, choosing not to intervene can be the most appropriate decision for patients' health. The content is informative and not prescriptive: it invites citizens to inform themselves, ask questions, and dialogue with their doctors.

Practical implications

The campaign aims to promote a culture of appropriateness, encouraging responsible behaviors and targeted use of healthcare resources. This is particularly relevant in a context characterized by an aging population and increasing demand for care and healthcare costs. According to national estimates, up to 20% of healthcare costs are attributable to low-value services. Reducing treatments, interventions, or exams that do not bring real clinical benefits does not mean limiting access to care but improving its quality, ensuring that every choice is truly useful for the patient.

Vision of sober medicine

At the heart of the campaign is a vision of more sober and attentive medicine, based on the balance between benefits and risks. This vision aims to limit unnecessary diagnostic tests or interventions, which can pose health risks and divert precious resources from areas where they would be more useful, such as prevention or the management of chronic diseases.

Collaborations and partnerships

The campaign is realized in collaboration with various actors in the healthcare system and civil society, including the Association of Consumers and Users of Italian Switzerland (ACSI), the Cantonal Hospital Entity (EOC), the Federation of Swiss Physicians (FMH), the Order of Physicians of the Canton of Ticino (OMCT), and the University of Italian Switzerland (USI).

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The DSS campaign has significant implications for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. They must be aware of appropriate healthcare services and avoid unnecessary treatments. This is particularly important for those using Swiss healthcare facilities, where costs can be high.

Comparisons before and after the campaign

Before the launch of this campaign, many patients, including cross-border workers, could undergo unnecessary treatments or diagnostic tests. This could lead to high costs and health risks. With the new campaign, patients are encouraged to inform themselves better and discuss with their doctors to avoid unnecessary treatments.

Concrete scenarios

Imagine you are a cross-border worker who works in Switzerland and lives in Italy. You have been advised to undergo an expensive diagnostic test. Thanks to the DSS campaign, you can inform yourself better and discuss with your doctor whether the test is really necessary. This allows you to avoid unnecessary costs and protect your health.

Concrete procedures

1. Inform yourself about appropriate healthcare services through the DSS campaign content. 2. Discuss with your doctor whether a treatment or test is really necessary. 3. Avoid unnecessary treatments to protect your health and save on costs.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the campaign, many patients could undergo unnecessary treatments without questioning them. Now, thanks to the campaign, patients are encouraged to inform themselves and discuss with their doctors. This can lead to a reduction in healthcare costs and better quality of care.

Useful resources

For further information, consult the DSS campaign content on social media and online. You can also discuss with your doctor to better understand which treatments are necessary and which can be avoided.

Implications for public health

The DSS campaign has positive implications for public health. By promoting conscious use of healthcare services, the number of unnecessary treatments can be reduced and the quality of care improved. This is particularly important in the context of an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare.

Collaborations and partnerships

The campaign is realized in collaboration with various actors in the healthcare system and civil society, including the Association of Consumers and Consumers of Italian Switzerland (ACSI), the Cantonal Hospital Authority (EOC), the Federation of Swiss Physicians (FMH), the Medical Association of the Canton of Ticino (OMCT), and the University of Italian Switzerland (USI). These collaborations ensure that the campaign is based on scientific evidence and effective in promoting conscious use of healthcare services.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

If you are a cross-border worker employed in Switzerland and residing in Italy, it's crucial that you are aware of appropriate healthcare services. Here are some concrete actions you can take:

1. Inform yourself: Check out the DSS campaign content on social media and online. Learn about appropriate healthcare services and the risks associated with unnecessary treatments. 2. Talk to your doctor: Discuss with your doctor whether a treatment or test is truly necessary. Ask for clear and detailed explanations about the proposed procedures. 3. Avoid unnecessary treatments: If your doctor recommends a treatment or test that you don't consider necessary, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Remember that avoiding unnecessary treatments can protect your health and save costs. 4. Use available resources: Take advantage of the resources provided by the DSS campaign, such as videos and in-depth online content. These materials can help you better understand appropriate healthcare services and make informed decisions. 5. Participate in the campaign: Share the DSS campaign with other cross-border workers and encourage them to inform themselves about appropriate healthcare services. Together, we can promote a conscious use of healthcare resources and improve the quality of care.

Deadlines and procedures

There are no specific deadlines associated with the DSS campaign. However, it's important that you act promptly if you have doubts about a treatment or test proposed by your doctor. Don't hesitate to ask for explanations and seek a second opinion if necessary.

Useful tools

For more information and to participate in the DSS campaign, visit the official DSS website and check out the content available on social media. You can also use the appropriate healthcare services calculator to assess whether a treatment or test is truly necessary.

Conclusion

The DSS campaign for conscious healthcare services is an important initiative that can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of cross-border workers. Inform yourself, dialogue with your doctor, and participate in the campaign to promote a conscious use of healthcare resources. Together, we can improve the quality of care and protect our health.

Source: tio.ch