A Canadian study compared outcomes for patients with elevated cardiac markers who received a home health nurse-delivered disease management program versus those without. The results showed significant reductions in hospitalization days for congestive heart failure and angina. A commentary highlighted the need for a national program to ...
A Canadian study found that 96% of substantiated child abuse cases did not result in serious physical harm, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of investigative procedures and risk assessments. The study's findings also raise concerns about the emphasis on rapid intervention over longer-term service needs.
A new drug injection facility in Vancouver is struggling with low user adoption, primarily due to Health Canada guidelines restricting sharing of drugs and helping other users. Researchers warn that these restrictions may need to be readdressed to ensure the facility's success.
A comparative cross-sectional survey found an unsavoury link between DTCA and the number of prescriptions. The authors warn that unregulated advertising could lead to increased drug sales and costs for the medicare program. Canadian Medical Association Journal editors highlight the need for strengthened regulation.
The authors conclude that bodychecking should be banned in hockey until players are at least age 17 or 18 years old due to increased concussion and injury risks. Most physical growth occurs during this period, making it a critical time for protecting young athletes.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal investigated the effects of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement on immune function and influenza vaccination. The results showed no significant increase in antibody response to the flu vaccine overall, although some increase was seen in participants aged 50 to 55.
A study found that HIV treatment costs increased significantly between 1995 and 2001, driven by the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite this, overall medical care costs remained relatively stable during the same period.
New guidelines improve pregnancy, labour, and delivery care for HIV-positive women. These updated recommendations allow for longer, healthier pregnancies and increased chances of healthy, HIV-free offspring.
A study found that people with diabetes in Saskatchewan accounted for $134.3 million in health care expenditures, with major comorbidities contributing to 36.4% of these costs. Targeted strategies to prevent diabetes could produce substantial savings and improved health outcomes.
The medical publishing industry has seen a significant acceleration in its pace of production, driven by technological advancements and innovative strategies. This shift is expected to have a positive impact on the quality and timeliness of medical research and knowledge dissemination.
A study of 14 healthcare workers with SARS reveals lingering after effects and psychosocial impacts. The research highlights the challenges of discharging patients and provides valuable insights into treatment regimens and disease progression.
A large Canadian study found no significant difference in postoperative mortality between high- and low-volume hospitals for complex surgical procedures. The authors suggest that volume-based regionalization may have good reasons, but the main benefit of reduced mortality rates may be overstated.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a comprehensive review of peanut allergy prevalence, highlighting its severity and early onset. Self-injectable epinephrine remains a cornerstone of peanut allergy management, while new therapies are being developed to address this condition.
A study evaluated online resources for breast cancer clinical trials in Canada, finding that only 29% were listed. The US National Cancer Institute's PDQ Clinical Trials Database identified 86% of trials globally.
A study by Alan Cassels and colleagues analyzed newspaper coverage of 5 different prescription drugs in 24 Canadian newspapers. The findings showed that a majority of articles failed to mention potential side effects or harms, while only a small minority provided quantitative information on benefits and harms.
A survey of international medical graduates who applied to the CaRMS match found that almost half (49.2%) would prefer to practice in communities with a population of less than 100,000 people. However, only 7.8% would choose rural areas with populations under 10,000.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports on the hospital's experience managing the outbreak and reorganizing care. Dr. David Patrick of the BCCDC discusses why BC's case numbers are low, despite being a hotspot for travel from Asia.
A cohort study found that medical students' ethical skills levelled out over time, suggesting an earlier maturation of ethical abilities than anticipated. Peter Singer suggests ways to strengthen the role of ethics in medical education.
A randomized controlled trial found no change in prescribing patterns among primary care physicians despite enhanced information on benzodiazepine use. Inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing remains a significant concern due to its impact on elderly patients.
A survey of low-income single mothers in Atlantic Canada found that 78% experienced food insecurity and reported poorer nutrition than their children. The study highlights the need for policy reforms to address income inequality and ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of dropping out of school, losing jobs, and experiencing marital problems due to poor social skills and increased anxiety and depression. Reliable diagnosis and treatment options, such as stimulant medications and new psychotherapeutic approaches, can help manage the condition.
A study in Alberta found that mandatory reporting of HIV infection did not significantly impact testing rates among the general population. However, an opt-out prenatal screening policy resulted in a dramatic increase in female tests, suggesting that fear of receiving a positive test may be a more significant deterrent to testing.
The number of ramipril prescriptions for elderly Ontario residents increased significantly after the release of HOPE's results, peaking at 304/100 000 in May 2000. This surge in prescribing was attributed to widespread media coverage of the study's success.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that 15% of Ontario students with driver's licenses reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and 20% admitted to driving after using cannabis. These findings are particularly concerning given the high incidence of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions among adolescents.
Researchers found that plasma glucose levels were poorly correlated with birth weight, and factors like smoking, pregnancy weight, and weight gain during pregnancy were more important predictors. The authors also questioned the historic link between gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates.
A study by Shortt and Shaw found no correlation between socioeconomic status and waiting times for elective surgical procedures. The authors suggest that health reforms should track trends in service delivery to vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for equity in healthcare.
Patients who leave hospital against medical advice (AMA) are at a higher risk of being readmitted, with 21% likelihood compared to 3% for routine discharges. Readmissions often occur within the first 15 days after discharge.
A study examining ambulance transport data in Toronto found that diversion can cause important delays for critically ill patients. The researchers used data from 3609 patients with chest pain in 1997 and 1999 to show a 28.4% increase in transport intervals during periods of high overcrowding.
A Canadian study analyzing 47,000 Ontario patients reveals a strong correlation between wealth and access to angiography procedures. The findings suggest that disparities in healthcare are unlikely to be resolved by increasing the overall availability of these procedures.
In Nova Scotia, a 52% increase in out-of-hospital cancer deaths between 1992 and 1997 was observed. This trend poses challenges for the healthcare system, particularly palliative care.
A recent Canadian Medical Association Journal investigation found that a massive heroin seizure had no impact on drug prices or overdose rates. Heroin prices actually decreased after the shipment was intercepted, raising questions about the effectiveness of supply-side interventions in controlling Canada's illicit drug epidemic.
A study of Canadian children with shaken baby syndrome found nearly 20% died, 55% suffered lasting neurologic injuries, and 65% experienced visual impairment. The authors estimate at least 40 cases occur annually, calling for further research on prevention strategies.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients waiting for cardiac catheterization experienced a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. The study documented 109 cases of major cardiac events among 8030 patients, resulting in 50 deaths during a median wait time of 27 days.
The study found that COX-2 inhibitors led to a substantial increase in NSAID prescriptions and expenditures among elderly patients in Ontario. The listing of these medications had an immediate impact, accounting for 48% of prescriptions and 66% of expenditures for NSAIDs.
A study examining causes of death among people in custody in Ontario between 1990-1999 revealed that violent deaths were significantly higher in federal and provincial inmate populations compared to the general male population. Natural causes, such as cardiovascular disease, accounted for a majority of the deaths.
Researchers found that patients who left hospital against medical advice were more likely to be readmitted with the same diagnosis. Brief interventions addressing underlying conditions and direct communication of reasons for continuing hospital stay may help prevent discharges.
A team-based approach to care significantly reduces hospital stays and the risk of blood clots in patients with stroke. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found a $2.1 million annual savings per 1000 patients treated.
A review of medical savings accounts (MSAs) suggests they are unlikely to reduce healthcare spending while maintaining access to services for all Canadians. MSAs were assessed using data from Manitoba residents, and the results showed an increase in government spending on healthcare if the threshold was used as MSA entitlement.
A study by van Walraven and Bell found that patients released on Fridays are more likely to die or be readmitted within 30 days. The authors suggest that delays in social services or incomplete discharge information may contribute to this increased risk.
A systematic review of studies found private for-profit hospitals in the US had a higher risk of death compared to not-for-profit institutions. This new evidence has sparked debate about the relevance of for-profit care and the importance of a universal healthcare system with public accountability.
Research ethics boards involved in industry-sponsored pharmaceutical trials are under investigation due to concerns of secrecy and lack of transparency. Industry sponsorship can create conflicts of interest, compromising the integrity of clinical trials and patient safety.
A Canadian study divided physicians into low-, medium- and high-volume groups and found no significant differences in maternal complications or newborn outcomes. Family physicians in lower volumes were more likely to consult obstetricians and perform inductions.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that journals' practices for accelerating publication may be inconsistent. General internists rated articles from The Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine, finding case articles scored higher on importance, ease of applicability, and health outcomes than contr...
A study by Jeff Kwong and colleagues found that tuition fee increases in Ontario are disproportionately affecting lower-income students, with fewer from these backgrounds enrolling in medical school. The researchers also noted that first-year Ontario students expect higher debt loads at graduation than their peers in other provinces.
A study found that Canadian medical students are more likely to be from visible minorities, but underrepresented from certain minority groups like black and Aboriginal. Medical students also tend to come from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and less rural areas compared to the general Canadian population.
A retrospective review of 6 cases involving HIV-positive infants whose mothers did not know their own HIV status revealed incomplete application of guidelines. The authors recommend universal HIV testing and counselling to prevent perinatal transmission, while a commentary discusses 5 critical steps needed for prevention.
A Canadian study found that heavy marijuana use is associated with decreased IQ scores, but light and former use are linked to modest gains. The research, which followed 70 subjects over several years, suggests that the effects of marijuana on intelligence may be more complex than previously thought.
A study found that female injection drug users in Vancouver with high-risk behaviors like daily cocaine use and unsafe sex were more likely to convert to HIV. The authors emphasize the need for sex-specific prevention initiatives due to alarming rates of HIV infection among Aboriginal women, twice as high as in non-Aboriginal populations.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a significant increase in wildlife vehicle collisions across Canada. The research highlights the growing concern of these accidents, which can result in serious injuries and fatalities.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that reference-based pricing in British Columbia led to a significant reduction in the number of patients prescribed certain ACE inhibitors. The experiment aimed to reduce healthcare costs by tying medication prices to patient need, but its effectiveness remains unclear.