Choosing Wisely Austria – Gemeinsam gut entscheiden is an Austrian initiative that supports patients, family members, and healthcare professionals in making informed, shared medical decisions. At its core, the initiative provides recommendations on tests and treatments that are often overused, offer no meaningful benefit, or may even cause harm. The aim is to raise awareness that more medicine does not automatically mean better medicine, in line with the international Choosing Wisely movement.

The initiative was launched in 2017 by the Department for Epidemiology and Evaluation at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Cochrane Austria and the Institute of General Practice at the Medical University of Graz, in close collaboration with Austrian medical societies. Based on current scientific evidence, Top‑5 recommendations are developed for various medical specialties. These are presented in clear, accessible language to support both clinical consultations and everyday decision‑making by patients.

All recommendations are freely available at www.gemeinsam‑gut‑entscheiden.at as brochures, posters, and educational materials. They help patients critically reflect on offered medical services, strengthen communication between patients and clinicians, and reduce unnecessary or potentially harmful interventions. The focus is on clarity, transparency, and shared decision‑making—so that health and well‑being remain at the centre.