A study published in CMAJ found that telemedicine, including text messaging and web portals, can effectively manage diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels and motivating patients. The use of interactive formats such as web portals or text messaging was most effective in controlling HbA1C levels.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that a new health accord for Canada should enable wholesale change in the federal-provincial relationship. The journal calls for flexible approach to allow for health system innovation and federal funding to improve the overall healthcare system without prespecified targets.
The article argues that Canada's public health care system has deteriorated, with private clinics filling gaps. CMAJ calls for government action to improve the system, including cutting wait lists, focusing on innovation, and ensuring universal access.
A Canadian study found that patients with hip fractures have higher mortality rates at smaller hospitals compared to teaching hospitals. The risk of death after surgery was also higher at medium community hospitals, possibly due to limited resources.
A new study published in CMAJ found no correlation between the day of the week elective surgery is performed and patient risk of death. The researchers analyzed data from 402,899 procedures over 10 years, including variations in surgeon experience and post-surgical care on weekends.
A Taiwanese study of almost 1.4 million births found that pregnant women with maternal chronic diseases have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with severe congenital heart disease. The study also found a slightly increased risk of mild congenital heart disease in offspring of mothers with diabetes and other chronic conditions.
A new Belgian study shows an increase in euthanasia cases since legalization, with notable rises among people with non-cancer diagnoses and those over 80. Thorough evaluation and monitoring are crucial in these complex situations.
Canada's high youth and indigenous suicide rates warrant a comprehensive national strategy. The World Health Organization has seen declines in countries with government-led programs, suggesting a similar approach could work here.
A new review provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and managing food allergies in children and adults. The study highlights the importance of clinical history, diagnostic testing, and supervised oral food challenges to accurately diagnose and treat food allergies.
A commentary in CMAJ cautions against tobacco industry influence on Canada's plain packaging consultation. The authors advocate for media vigilance and government requirements to disclose conflicts of interest and ensure submissions are backed by peer-reviewed evidence.
A recent analysis calls for broader support for patients with serious chronic illnesses, moving away from end-of-life focus and expanding medical education. Canada ranks 18th worldwide in palliative care availability and must develop more strategies to promote care to patients with non-cancerous illnesses.
A Canadian study found that a $240 million incentive program aimed at improving primary care for patients with complex health conditions had no measurable impact on access to physicians, hospital admissions or healthcare costs. The researchers concluded that other strategies are needed to improve care for this patient group.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that provinces allowing pharmacists to administer influenza vaccines had slightly higher vaccine uptake rates compared to those without such policies. The study analyzed data from over 481,000 people aged 12 and above across seven years.
A new study found that flu vaccination in people with type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced rates of hospital admission for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The vaccine was linked to a 19% reduction in heart attacks, 30% lower risk of stroke, and 22% decrease in heart failure hospitalizations.
Canada's northern indigenous communities are at risk of mercury exposure due to high fish and marine animal consumption. The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance on managing mercury exposure in patients with diets high in fish and marine animals.
A study found that the novelty factor is a key motivator for e-cigarette use among adolescents, with nearly 70% having heard about e-cigarettes and over 10% using them. E-cigarette use was more common among male respondents who were already using cigarettes and other tobacco products.
A randomized controlled trial found that nasal irrigation improved symptoms of chronic sinus congestion in patients, while steam inhalation did not alleviate symptoms. Nasal irrigation was also associated with reduced use of over-the-counter medications and fewer doctor visits.
A systematic review of 30 studies found that axillary lymph node dissection increases the risk of chronic pain by 21%. Younger age, radiation therapy, and acute pain after surgery were also associated with chronic pain. The study calls for more research into risk factors and techniques to reduce pain.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that HPV vaccination programs can reduce cervical cell anomalies in young women. The study showed that 3-dose HPV vaccination has demonstrated early benefits against high-grade cervical abnormalities, which are more likely to progress to cervical cancer.
A new Canadian Syncope Risk Score tool can predict the risk of patients experiencing a serious adverse event after a fainting episode. The eight-factor screening tool helps identify low-risk patients who can be quickly and safely discharged from hospital, reducing emergency room wait times.
A commentary in CMAJ warns that offering medical assistance in dying to people with psychiatric illnesses could lead to premature deaths and stigmatization of vulnerable groups. The authors highlight the need for a clear policy framework to address these challenges.
A systematic review of 40 studies found a weak correlation between signs, symptoms, and testosterone levels in ageing men. The authors suggest that it is difficult to extrapolate the diagnosis of pathologic hypogonadism from younger men to older men with age-related testosterone declines.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests creating a list of essential medicines to ensure availability, citing global shortages and the need for national pharmacare. This could help governments plan for contingencies and mitigate drug shortages.
Creating a confidential reporting system in Canada about organ transplant tourism could help reduce the practice and disrupt international networks. Physicians can discourage transplant tourism by discussing risks with patients and providing continued care pre- and postoperatively.
A randomized controlled trial found that electroacupuncture combined with nighttime splinting improved symptoms of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. The treatment provided small improvements in disability, function, and pinch strength among patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
New research suggests that next-generation gene sequencing can rapidly diagnose rare diseases in newborns, providing timely molecular diagnoses and potentially life-saving interventions. The technique has shown diagnostic success rates of up to 40% in a pilot study of 20 infants with complex medical issues.
A new study found that Canadian military personnel have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared to civilians. However, they are also more likely to access mental health support.
Canada's plan to legalize marijuana contravenes its obligations to the UN's international drug-control conventions. The Canadian government should seek a reservation or renegotiate treaties if possible, but may need to withdraw from them altogether to avoid undermining international law.
In June 2016, over 120 patients were evacuated as unpredictable forest fires raged in Alberta, Canada. The emergency team turned an empty space into a makeshift field hospital to care for patients, including the elderly, new mothers, and psychiatric patients.
New research shows a significant decrease in childhood overweight and obesity rates in Canada from 2004 to 2013, with weight and body mass index trends also improving. The study suggests that the introduction of BMI growth charts and public awareness campaigns may have contributed to this decline.
A new study published in CMAJ found that the UK Health Check program had a modest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, with limited success in meeting national and international targets. The program resulted in increased diagnoses of vascular diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes among participants.
HPV vaccination programs in Canada are currently limited, leaving men vulnerable to HPV-related diseases. The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends expanding the programs to include males and negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to decrease costs.
A new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that only 25% of women taking isotretinoin (Accutane) filled birth control prescriptions during treatment, resulting in a high risk of miscarriage or medical termination. The program's poor adherence rates represent a failure to prevent pregnancies instead of terminating them.
A new study finds that patients with advanced cancer often view palliative care as a stigma due to its association with death. Experts suggest that education and rebranding could help break down this stigma, promoting a more positive view of the service.
A large study in CMAJ found that Indian-born women living in Ontario, Canada, who already have two daughters are more likely to have a boy. The likelihood of male births increases if women had an induced abortion before the birth. Birth ratios fell within natural ranges for Canadian-born and immigrant women from most other countries.
A recent study found that 74% of fentanyl patch prescriptions were not safe due to insufficient prior opioid exposure. The prescribing guidelines for the 50 µg/h dose are often not followed, especially among patients over 65, who are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has updated its guideline, recommending against the use of screening tools to identify developmental delay in healthy young children with no apparent signs or parental concerns. Developmental surveillance is now advised instead, where clinicians regularly monitor a child's development and consid...
Canada's nutrition label regulations are set to undergo a significant overhaul, with added sugars to be included in the new design. The move aims to help Canadians better manage their sugar intake and align with US standards.
A how-to guide provides easy-to-use exercise prescriptions for specific chronic diseases, including knee osteoarthritis and COPD. The guide lists exercises by disease type, materials needed, benefits, and contraindications.
Adults aged 55-74 with a history of current or former smoking and 30+ pack-years are advised to undergo annual low-dose CT scans up to three times. This guideline aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing serious illness and death. Screening should be conducted in healthcare settings with expertise in diagnosing lung cancer.
A systematic review of 25 years of studies found no significant difference in risk of laboratory-confirmed respiratory infection between N95 respirators and surgical masks. The authors recommend RCTs to evaluate N95 respirator effectiveness in clinical environments due to human behavior factors.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges that public health be involved in the upcoming inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The root causes of interpersonal violence and health disparities are linked to a legacy of colonization, cultural genocide, and societal neglect, Dr. Kirsten Patrick explains.
Men with low-grade prostate cancer are increasingly opting for active surveillance, a management strategy that monitors the cancer's progression without immediate treatment. The study found that about 59% of patients managed by active surveillance remained on this approach after five years.
A new Canadian guideline recommends fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) every two years or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years for routine screening of colorectal cancer in asymptomatic, low-risk adults aged 50-74. The guideline also recommends against colonoscopy as a primary screening tool, citing lack of direct evidence.
A study of over 600,000 adults found that macrolide antibiotics were associated with a similar 30-day risk of ventricular arrhythmia as nonmacrolide antibiotics, and slightly lower risk of all-cause mortality. The findings are reassuring for healthcare providers who prescribe these antibiotics to patients at low risk of adverse events.
Canada's high road fatalities during winters can be decreased by implementing stringent maintenance standards, government oversight, mandatory winter tires, seasonal speed limits, and public education about safe driving. Lowering complacency and exercising caution by drivers are also essential.
A new study finds that concussions significantly increase the risk of suicide in adults, with a three-fold risk compared to the general population. The risk is further elevated if the concussion occurred on a weekend, and can be prevented with greater attention from healthcare providers.
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Physicians should be aware of symptoms in travelers returning from affected regions and consider Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly as potential complications.
A lack of national standards and training programs for coroners and medical examiners in Canada has significant implications for accurate cause of death determination. Creating a similar body to the UK's would improve investigation outcomes and enhance public health.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that residents of high-rise buildings living on lower floors had better survival rates from cardiac arrests. Notably, survival was negligible for people living above the 16th floor. The researchers suggest several solutions to improve time to patient contact and increa...