A recent commentary in CMAJ highlights that alternative funding models for healthcare in Canada will not reduce costs nor achieve financial sustainability. The majority of healthcare costs are spent on a small proportion of the population, and private healthcare has higher administrative costs.
A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that avoidable hospital readmissions are relatively uncommon and do not accurately reflect hospital care quality. Only 2.2% of discharged patients were deemed avoidably readmitted, suggesting that urgent readmission rates may be an overestimated measure of quality.
A study published in CMAJ found that type of cardiac arrest and underlying medical condition predict long-term survival rate. Patients with pulseless electrical activity or asystolic arrest, longer resuscitation duration, and advanced age are at high risk of death.
Chronic pain affects an estimated 500,000 Canadians aged 12-44 and 38% of seniors living at home, highlighting the need for better care strategies. Experts recommend a broad approach to increase pain management expertise through education, technology, and supported self-care.
A new tool, the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS), predicts mortality risk in overweight and obese individuals with greater accuracy than current methods. The study found that higher EOSS scores were associated with increased mortality risk, even after adjusting for BMI and metabolic syndrome.
Child-centered approaches result in older toilet training ages, with key findings including negative outcomes associated with late start times and punishment-based methods. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends starting toilet training at 18 months of age, with expert opinion guiding physicians for patients unlikely to cause harm.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an effective tool for screening for bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The test was specific for almost 90% of colorectal cancers and adenomas, highlighting its value as a diagnostic tool.
The Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health has developed a new resource for primary care physicians to address the complex health needs of immigrants and refugees. The guidelines cover four areas: infectious diseases, mental health, chronic and noncommunicable diseases, and women's health.
Diabetes rates are higher in Aboriginal adults in Alberta, but the increase is less pronounced compared to the general population. Mortality rates for status Aboriginals with and without diabetes have remained relatively unchanged over 12 years, despite overall improvements in mortality rates among people with diabetes.
A study found that married men seek medical care sooner for heart attacks than their single counterparts. Men in marriage experience faster arrival times at the emergency department, highlighting potential benefits of marriage on health outcomes.
Despite genomics' promise in treating cancer and cardiovascular disease, personalized medicine's complexities limit tailored interventions. The authors advocate for a more holistic approach focusing on the person as a whole, rather than abstract scientific manipulations.
The World Health Organization has stated that alcohol is carcinogenic in both animals and humans. Several studies have linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon-rectum, and breast cancers. New international guidelines are needed to address this issue.
A study published in CMAJ examined the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in patients taking brand-name versus generic amiodarone formulations. The results showed no significant difference in rates of thyroid dysfunction between the two groups, with comparable incidence rates for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
A new study found that varenicline, a commonly used smoking cessation drug, is associated with a 72% increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events. The research suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication for tobacco dependence treatment.
A Dutch study published in CMAJ found that multidisciplinary integrated care in residential care facilities resulted in better quality of care for seniors with complex health needs. The study showed improved functional ability, reduced hospital admissions, and enhanced health-related quality of life among participants.
A public health approach is needed to prevent childhood sports injuries from leading to lifelong disabilities. The annual rate of catastrophic injury in sports is 6.9 per 100,000 participants, with many children and youth under age 21 affected.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that introducing bodychecking at the Pee Wee level reduces injury risk, particularly for Bantam players, with a 33% lower risk of more than seven days' loss from playing time.
Administrative data can identify emerging trends and predictors of health outcomes for young people, including binge drinking and related harms. Routine collection of such data can inform policy interventions and improve understanding of alcohol-related harm.
A recent study found high rates of injection drug use among urban Canadian Aboriginal youth, particularly women, with 70% of hepatitis C virus and 60% of HIV infections attributed to this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for prevention programs tailored to this population, addressing the root causes of substance abuse and its...
Pediatric dosing guidance is scarce due to pharmaceutical companies' reluctance to disclose data to Health Canada, increasing the risk of medication errors and mistreatment. Researchers emphasize the need for international harmonization and strict legislation to protect Canadian children.
The ABCD2 score, used to identify people at risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack, has low sensitivity and limited clinical application. The study found that patients with an ABCD2 score above five had only a low rate of subsequent strokes.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.
A recent Korean survey found that most cancer patients, family members, oncologists, and the general public are receptive to ending futile life-sustaining treatments for terminally ill patients. This positive attitude towards withdrawing such treatments is attributed to patient autonomy and hastening the dying process.
A recent analysis found that genetic predisposition was cited in 468 Canadian legal cases, particularly in workers' compensation cases, which may diminish the impact of other factors. This raises concerns about the interpretation of complex genetic information by non-experts.
A recent study indicates that prolonged sleep deprivation among doctors can result in higher rates of surgical complications. The authors suggest establishing minimum uninterrupted sleep hours as a best practice standard to ensure patient safety.
A Canadian study found Aboriginal children with kidney failure were less likely to receive a kidney transplant compared to white children. The study revealed that Aboriginal children had more immune-mediated kidney diseases and shorter waiting times on dialysis before transplantation, leading to lower rates of successful transplants.
A recent mumps outbreak in Ontario, Canada highlights the importance of two doses of mumps vaccine to prevent outbreaks. Researchers found that people born between 1985 and 1991 are more susceptible to mumps, particularly among males in this age group.
Researchers found improved hypertension control in Canada, with increased awareness and treatment rates among community-dwelling adults. Despite this progress, one-third of Canadians with hypertension still have uncontrolled blood pressure.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal calls for a new agency to investigate research misconduct, addressing conflicts of interest and promoting transparency.
A study of Aboriginal youth in Canada found they use tobacco, illicit drugs, and alcohol at higher rates than non-Aboriginal youth, leading to increased health risks. The research highlights the need for culturally appropriate smoking cessation and substance prevention programs targeting Aboriginal youth.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that Canadian Inuit have similar diabetes levels to the general population, contrary to previous assumptions. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 participants and found that obesity rates were high among Inuit, with 28% being overweight and 35% obese.
A study found that 27% of children in Canada received surgeries after the established six-month target date. Delays can affect physical and cognitive development, particularly in cases like strabismus and scoliosis.
A half-million dollar research grant aimed at relaxing the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood has not been accessed by Canadian researchers. The authors argue that new screening methods can detect HIV and hepatitis B and C early enough to protect the blood supply from infection.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that frailty increases exponentially with age throughout adulthood, not just after 65. Relatively fit individuals had lower mortality rates and used fewer healthcare services than those who were frail.
Overweight children and young adults are on the rise in Canada, with more than 60% of adults being overweight or obese. Legislative approaches, such as taxing junk food and improving nutritional labeling, are proposed to combat obesity.
A lack of national pharmacare in Canada leads to inconsistent coverage and prevents people from accessing necessary medications. The country could save billions by implementing a national formulary and addressing rising drug costs.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal advocates for reforming Canada's outdated food and drugs act to ensure new and old medications are safe and effective. The proposed reforms include increased evidence gathering, monitoring, progressive licensing, and modernizing legislation.
International migrant workers arriving in Canada generally arrive healthy but may face health issues and barriers to healthcare. Common health problems include musculoskeletal injuries, eye and skin problems, and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.
A recent study of NHL concussions over seven seasons found that rates have declined, but the time lag between injury and return to play has increased. The study identified clinical signs and symptoms that predict longer game time losses, emphasizing the need for education and caution in managing concussions.
A recent study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found no clinically significant difference in the risk of gallbladder disease among women using different formulations of oral contraceptives. The study, which followed over 2.7 million women, suggested that reporting bias may contribute to perceived increased risk associ...
Concussions are prevalent in junior hockey leagues, with up to 25% of players sustaining injuries. Banning bodychecking could decrease the risk of concussions, reducing their impact on academic and athletic performance. The proposal aims to break a vicious cycle where young athletes learn to play in a way that causes injury.
Canada's food safety system lacks adequate regulation, allowing preventable contamination to harm many people and potentially lead to deaths. The current system needs improved standards and incentives for industry to prioritize food safety.
A recent study found no association between corticosteroid use during pregnancy and orofacial clefts in infants. However, dermatological corticosteroids were linked to an increased risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate. The study's results add to the safety information for corticosteroids commonly used during pregnancy.
CMAJ states that Canada's federal election should prioritize quality health care delivery over sustainability. The six aspects of high-quality care include safety, effectiveness, patient-centred care, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. A national electronic health record system is vital to ensuring quality care.
A Canadian study found that only a quarter of children's painful procedures had documented pain management, with critical care units experiencing more procedures. The research emphasizes the need for effective pain relief strategies to reduce suffering and healthcare resource use.
A Canadian study of over 10,900 nursing home patients found that conventional antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines carried higher risks of death, femur fractures, and heart failure compared to atypical antipsychotics. The findings suggest a need for caution when prescribing these medications in this population.
A Canadian study published in CMAJ found that avalanche victims buried in Canada died significantly quicker than those buried in Switzerland. The study analyzed data from 301 Canadian and 946 Swiss records of completely buried avalanche victims between 1980 and 2005.
A study published in CMAJ found that elderly patients taking combination ACE inhibitors and ARBs had a higher risk of kidney failure and death. The researchers observed that most patients stopped the combination therapy within three months due to low blood pressure.
The sex ratio at birth is skewed due to son preference and easy access to sex-selective abortions, leading to a significant imbalance between males and females in China, India, and South Korea. The number of males under 20 exceeds the number of females by around 32 million in China.
A Chinese study found that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 24-25.9 had the lowest risk of death. This contradicts the current definitions of overweight and obesity in white populations, where BMI 22.5-24.9 is considered the lowest risk range.