A review highlights the importance of early detection, community-based supports, and caregiver education in caring for seniors with dementia. These interventions have been shown to delay admission to long-term care facilities and reduce caregiver stress.
A recent study published in CMAJ found anticonvulsants to be ineffective for chronic low back pain and lumbar radicular pain, with a higher risk of adverse events.
A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that trauma to both mother and baby during vaginal deliveries, especially forceps deliveries, has increased. The rate of severe perineal tearing accounted for 87% of the cases of obstetric trauma among operative vaginal deliveries.
Researchers found a significant decrease in C. difficile infections across Canada, with the most common virulent strain, NAP1, associated with severe illness and deaths. Improved infection control practices, such as frequent handwashing and better cleaning, may have contributed to this decline.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of patients admitted to Ontario hospitals with hip fractures did not receive surgery within the recommended 24-hour window. Hospital-level improvements are necessary to address these delays, with factors such as patient transfer and preoperative consultations contributing to wait times.
A new study identifies resource availability, communication, and institutional culture as key factors to improve patient transfers from ICU to hospital wards. The research suggests standardized discharge tools, open communication, and coordinated care procedures can reduce breakdowns and errors.
A new Canadian guideline recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people born between 1945 and 1975 due to high rates of infection. The guideline also advocates for curative therapy for all individuals affected by HCV, aiming to prevent premature death.
A study in CMAJ investigated whether HPV vaccination triggers autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The research analyzed data from 290,939 girls aged 12-17 who received the HPV4 vaccine between 2007 and 2013, finding no increased risk of autoimmune disorders.
A randomized controlled trial found that paramedic-run health sessions significantly reduced the number of 911 calls and improved quality of life for seniors living in subsidized housing. The program, known as CP@clinic, offered blood pressure and diabetes assessments, as well as referrals to healthcare and education.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has launched a dedicated research collection in CMAJ Open to advance patient-oriented research. This collection aims to engage patients as partners in research, focusing on their identified priorities and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers must value Indigenous people's knowledge and experiences to conduct meaningful health research. The history of Indigenous health research in Canada involved unethical methods, but guidelines have been implemented to improve the field, including minimum requirements from the Tri-Council Policy Statement.
A study found that including Indigenous elders in primary care improves urban Indigenous people's mental and physical health. Elders provide cultural support and healing, strengthening identity and trust.
A large study published in CMAJ found that gout is not associated with an increased risk of fracture. Researchers from Keele University studied over 31,000 patients with gout and their matched controls, finding a similar rate of fractures in both groups.
The new Canadian guideline recommends against routine screening for visual impairment in older adults living independently, as it does not prevent limitations on daily living. Instead, patients should make their own appointments for regular vision screening or seek help if they suspect visual problems.
A challenge to Canada's Genetic Non-Discrimination Act could lead to widespread genetic discrimination if the law is overturned. The act protects genetic test information from being required in contracts or by employers and insurers.
Researchers found that attempted VBAC is linked to higher relative rates of severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to elective repeat cesarean delivery. This is particularly concerning for women with a history of single previous cesarean section, where predicting successful VBAC can be challenging.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that patients who received home care visits from nurses were more likely to visit the emergency department during the evening on the same day. The likelihood of this occurrence was greater among people with non-urgent issues and those who had not been admitted to hospital.
A study published in CMAJ found that peer reviewers' characteristics, including gender and previous success rates with grants, can introduce bias into grant applications. This bias results in lower scores, making applications less likely to be funded. The researchers suggest that training of reviewers, policy changes, and monitoring ma...
Recent opioid use is associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults and a higher risk of death during hospital stays. Researchers found that patients who had filled an opioid prescription before injury were 2.4 times more likely to have fallen, resulting in injury and higher mortality rates.
Children with regular healthcare are less likely to develop life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of type 1 diabetes. Adolescents with a regular family physician or pediatrician have a significantly reduced risk of DKA, highlighting the importance of primary care for children.
A randomized clinical trial found a smartphone application to have a 94% diagnostic accuracy for assessing blood flow in wrist arteries, surpassing the traditional Allen test. The study highlights the potential of smartphone applications to aid physicians in making decisions at the bedside.
A randomized controlled trial found that varenicline significantly reduced smoking in patients with heart attack over the following year. The study showed that about 40% of participants who received varenicline were not smoking at one year, compared to 29% in the placebo group.
The introduction of tamper-resistant oxycodone in Australia led to a decrease in dispensing rates for higher-strength formulations among people under 65 years old. However, poisonings from injected oxycodone remained unchanged despite this shift.
A Canadian study found that mothers living in households with food insecurity are less likely to breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on breastfeeding duration.
A new study suggests that taxing sugar-sweetened beverages could increase stigma for already-marginalized populations, including those of low socioeconomic status and Aboriginal peoples. The authors argue that taxation policies must consider the potential unintended consequences on these groups.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) is championing the health of vulnerable populations with a special focus. The journal aims to shine a light on vulnerability in healthcare and empower those who are most affected.
A large study found that Métis adults have higher rates of lung, liver, and breast cancers, as well as poorer prostate cancer survival rates. The study also identified lower incidence rates for melanoma and leukemia in Métis adults compared to non-Aboriginal people.
A new study found that patients in primary care networks had significantly fewer emergency department visits and shorter hospital stays. The analysis of data from Alberta, Canada, suggests a province-wide program to promote team-based primary care can effectively reduce ED use.
A new study found that people with dengue fever have a higher risk of stroke, with the incidence being 5.33 per 1000 person-years. The risk of stroke is as high as 2.49 times in the first 2 months following infection.
A new study highlights the need for palliative care support for stroke patients, moving beyond traditional rehabilitation focus. Patients and caregivers reported concerns over grief, anxiety, and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of emotional support in end-of-life care.
The new Canadian guideline recommends opioid agonist treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone as the preferred first-line treatment to reduce risk of overdose and death. It also identifies common practices that should be avoided, such as withdrawal management alone without transition to long-term treatment.
A study published in CMAJ found that older age at immigration and emigration from regions with high TB incidence increase the risk of TB in Canada. Latent TB screening and treatment are suggested as practical solutions to reduce TB incidence in these high-risk groups.
The article reviews airline policies and procedures to help physicians manage in-flight medical emergencies. Key findings include the top five causes of medical emergencies, which are lightheadedness/loss of consciousness, respiratory symptoms, nausea or vomiting, cardiac symptoms, and seizures.
Researchers studied 308 older patients who underwent abdominal surgery, finding that both vulnerable and frail patients were at higher risk of readmission or death within 30 days and 6 months. The degree of frailty predicted increasing risk of readmission or death, with frail patients at greatest risk.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study has found genetic variants associated with diseases and adverse drug reactions in 56 healthy participants. The results suggest that whole genome sequencing can benefit Canada's health care, but also highlight potential pitfalls and the need for careful evaluation.
Research in Canadian Medical Association Journal reveals that teenagers whose mothers had abortions are more likely to have abortions themselves. The study found a 10.1% abortion rate among these teens, compared to 4.2% for those without maternal abortion history.
The Canadian guideline provides comprehensive management guidance for congenital diaphragmatic hernia from pregnancy through the teen years. Long-term observation and management are key recommendations, emphasizing interdisciplinary team care.
A Canadian study found that increased social spending was associated with improved health outcomes, while increased healthcare spending had no similar effect. The researchers suggest that reallocating funds from healthcare to social services could lead to significant improvements in life expectancy and mortality rates.
A new study found that teens who experienced severe bullying as children are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in adolescence. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that early intervention is crucial to prevent severe victimization.
Studies relying on patient self-report screening questionnaires exaggerate the prevalence of depression due to inaccurate assessments. Researchers often opt for these methods because diagnostic interviews are time-consuming and expensive, leading to inflated results that attract more attention.
A commentary argues that Canada should develop a regulated program to distribute pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people at highest risk of overdose. This approach aims to provide safer alternatives to illegal sources of pain relief, reducing the protracted epidemic of overdose deaths.
Repeated influenza vaccination significantly reduced hospital admissions for severe flu in older adults, with consistent effectiveness across seasons and patient age.
A new randomized controlled trial found that using probiotics and xylitol chewing gum has no effect on alleviating sore throat symptoms. Researchers suggest simple over-the-counter treatments may be more effective, enabling self-management and reducing antibiotic use.
Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) is a rare, deadly condition that can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment. A new review provides guidance for pediatricians and doctors on identifying and treating SCID, aiming to save lives and prevent suffering.
Research published in CMAJ found that payment incentives introduced in Ontario in 2011 did not increase access to care for new patients. Despite a 15% premium and $200 annual fee, psychiatrists showed no significant change in the number of monthly visits for those discharged from hospital or with previous suicide attempts.
Research found that female physicians and rural doctors retire 4.1 years and 2.3 years earlier than their male and urban counterparts, respectively. About 40% of physicians reduce practice activity leading up to retirement, posing challenges for healthcare planning.
A new tool, QuoCo, tracks cognitive performance in adults, allowing physicians to identify potential Alzheimer's patients. The tool uses age, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores to plot cognitive performance over time.
A new Canadian guideline recommends using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals. The strategies are estimated to be cost-effective and may increase access to care.
Research in CMAJ found that motorcycle crashes result in 3 times the injuries and 10 times the severity compared to car accidents. Motorcycle accidents also cause 5 times more deaths and 6 times higher medical costs.
A new tool, the Ottawa Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Rule, helps identify high-risk patients with potentially fatal brain aneurysms, reducing wait times and unnecessary testing. The rule has been validated in over 1153 patients, showing it can improve survival rates and save lives.