Recent years have been characterised by an increased awareness in the fact that a high number of overused diagnostic imaging, medications and procedures provide no benefit to patients and may even cause harm. Moreover, many studies have addressed the problem of the correct approach and implementation of the concepts of appropriateness and inappropriateness in daily medical practice. All health workers, as well as patients and the public, should know the consequences of inappropriate use of tests, procedures and treatments, such as damage due to radiation exposure, adverse drug reactions and complications due to diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
