Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, resulting in increased exposure to hazardous wildfire smoke. Health care practitioners play a crucial role in mitigating the health effects of wildfire smoke by providing guidance and support to vulnerable populations.
A modelling study suggests HPV-based screening could eliminate cervical cancer in British Columbia by 2034, reducing the number of cases from over 90% to zero. The screening method also increases access and uptake, particularly for underscreened populations.
A case study describes a 50-year-old woman with auto-brewery syndrome, experiencing extreme daytime sleepiness, slurred speech, and elevated blood alcohol levels despite not drinking alcohol. Antifungal medication and low-carbohydrate diets are the main treatment for this rare condition.
Older people experiencing homelessness are at risk of premature death, cognitive impairment, and mobility concerns. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between health, long-term care, public health, and housing to provide adequate shelter policies, age-friendly shelters, and supportive housing models.
Research found that over 6.5 million adults in Canada lack regular primary care access, with Quebec and Atlantic provinces showing the largest gaps. Despite this, many patients want alternative healthcare providers within their primary care team, yet only 15% currently receive such support.
New cancer projections highlight progress in reducing incidence rates for common cancers like lung, colorectal, and prostate, but also warn of rising rates for less common types such as liver, kidney, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Research suggests that labelling vulnerable patients in hospital as 'socially admitted' can lead to incorrect assumptions about their medical needs and hinder opportunities to identify treatable issues. The study highlights the need for reform of current structures and hierarchies to improve care for these patients.
A large study found that people with opioid use disorder were less likely to receive palliative care and died at younger ages due to causes unrelated to their condition. The lack of access to palliative care was attributed to challenges in accessing social support, finances, and stable housing.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease that can cause complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and neurologic disorders. The measles vaccine is effective and safe, but individuals with immunocompromised conditions require careful consideration.
A new study found that First Nations patients in Alberta are more likely to leave emergency departments without completing treatment, with 6.8% of visits ending in incomplete care compared to 3.7% for non-First Nations patients. Racism and stereotyping, as well as communication issues, transportation barriers, and wait times, were iden...
Hyperemesis gravidarum can significantly impact maternal health and infant well-being, leading to weight loss and dehydration. Treatment involves relieving symptoms with antiemetics and other medications, while remedies like ginger products may provide some relief.
Opioid-related deaths doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with over 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids. The concentration of harm in younger populations was consistent across provinces and territories.
Researchers analyzed data on 9060 family physicians to find a correlation between those with the largest share of unvaccinated patients, typically serving marginalized communities, who had less support in their practices. These physicians were more likely to be male, older, and work in fee-for-service models than the remaining 90%.
A proposed change in Ontario's alcohol sales policy could lead to higher consumption rates and increased harms. The authors propose policies to mitigate potential harms, including strengthening minimum pricing, mandating warning labels, and increasing access to screening and treatment.
Physician work hours in Canada have decreased over the past three decades, particularly among male and married physicians, with a possible shift towards achieving better work-life balance. The study found no correlation between higher payments and reduced working hours, indicating that other factors may be at play.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study finds that financial distress affects up to 33% of cancer patients in Canada, causing direct, indirect, and emotional costs. The authors suggest supporting home care, improved benefit plans, and pharmacare to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.
A study found that up to 87% of childhood cancer survivors are not following recommended screening guidelines, leaving them vulnerable to late effects such as heart disease and certain cancers. The lack of awareness and barriers to adherence may contribute to this low rate, highlighting the need for improved support and education.
A large study found that people with class I obesity had double the risk of stillbirth at 39 weeks' gestation compared to those with normal BMI. The risk further increased with gestational age, with a more than fourfold risk at 40 weeks. Researchers hope that these findings will improve care for pregnant individuals with obesity.
A new study found that only about half of older adults with a terminal prognosis received palliative home care, highlighting the need for improved detection and support. The researchers developed a tool called RESPECT to help identify frail individuals in need of palliative care.
Researchers found that Inuit residents in Nunavik had shorter survival rates for lung cancer compared to Montreal residents, despite similar disease stages. The study attributes this disparity to chronic under-resourcing of healthcare services and lack of Inuit representation in healthcare provision.
Males with anorexia nervosa have a sixfold higher mortality rate than the general population. Early identification and prompt treatment are essential for effective management of the condition.
According to Dr. Kevin Liang, most postinfectious cough symptoms will improve without medication. The Canadian Medical Association Journal article reassures patients that postinfectious cough is time-limited and resolves on its own.
Xylazine, a veterinary medication, has been found in the illicit opioid supply, rendering naloxone ineffective in treating overdose cases. Specialized addictions care remains crucial in addressing underlying substance use disorders.
Children and young adults with allergies or eczema who experience difficulty swallowing may have eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammatory disease. The condition can cause injury and narrowing of the throat, and its incidence is rising in North America and Europe.
A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that organ donations after medical assistance in dying (MAiD) represented 14% of all deceased organ donations in Quebec in 2022. The majority of donors had neurodegenerative diseases, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis being the most common condition.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 10% of females, causing infertility, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications. Effective management includes weight loss support, hormonal contraceptives, and nonhormonal medication like metformin.
Despite pandemic disruptions, emergency visits, hospital admissions, and intensive care unit stays were lower for children. However, there were delays in new diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, and an increase in diabetic ketoacidosis among children with diabetes. Researchers urge education campaigns to improve future pandemic preparedness.
Only 4.1% of hospital encounters for opioid overdoses led to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) initiation within a week of discharge from hospital, highlighting missed opportunities to prevent future mortality and morbidity related to opioid use disorder. Studies show that prompt OAT initiation in the emergency department is crucial to redu...
Canada faces a crisis in primary care, with 17% of people reporting no regular clinician before COVID-19. OECD countries have designed their systems for universal access to primary care, a lesson Canada can apply.
A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.
Health experts argue that Health Canada's secrecy on pesticide data hinders constructive public debates and allows the agrochemical industry to influence policy. The Canadian Medical Association Journal calls for transparency in data about pesticides, citing a need to address potential health risks and ensure safe use of these products.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that about 1 in 10 prescription drugs has a manufacturer-sponsored patient support program. These programs offer financial, nursing, and educational supports to patients, primarily for expensive and rare disease drugs.
A recent cyberattack in southwestern Ontario highlights the need for clinicians and hospitals to improve their cybersecurity practices. Experts recommend navigating trade-offs between efficiency and risk reduction using the US National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cybersecurity Framework.
A new study found that while most residents in British Columbia had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, older adults remained at highest risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. The researchers estimated that the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 was about 1 in 30 among adults 80 years and older.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found 10 predictors of opioid overdose after prescription for chronic pain, including high-dose opioids, fentanyl prescription, and history of overdose. The risk of fatal and nonfatal overdose increased two- to six-fold with these factors.
The new Canadian guideline aims to reduce harms associated with high-risk drinking and support people's treatment and recovery from AUD. It provides 15 evidence-based recommendations for primary health care providers to implement effective screening and treatment interventions.
Cannabis legalization in Canada has yielded mixed results, with most consumers obtaining their cannabis from legal sources and a significant decrease in arrests and stigma. However, concerns persist about the impact on public health, particularly regarding increased emergency department visits and impaired driving.
The new comprehensive guideline from Osteoporosis Canada provides recommendations for exercise, nutrition, fracture risk assessment, treatment, and more to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures. The guideline recommends screening in men and younger women, reflecting advances in risk assessment and nonpharmacologic and pharmaco...
The study found an increase in eating disorder emergency department visits and hospitalizations among females aged 10-17, 18-26, 27-40, and 41-105 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors such as isolation, social media use, and decreased access to care may have contributed to this surge.
A new Canadian guideline aims to promote health equity among marginalized groups by providing 16 preventive care recommendations. The guidelines focus on removing barriers to healthcare, prioritizing people from disadvantaged groups, and improving access to essential screenings and interventions.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for self-harm and suicidal ideation among adolescents, particularly young female adolescents. The disruptions of the pandemic may have contributed to this trend.
Annual COPD hospital admissions in Canada increased substantially between 2002 and 2017, with a notable rise in females and younger adults. The number of hospital admissions for COPD has rapidly increased since 2010, suggesting that progress may not be being made in improving COPD care and outcomes.
A new study assesses COVID-19's impact on ED visits in BC, revealing a 42% reduction in respiratory issues and 35% drop in mental health concerns during the pandemic. Visits returned to pre-pandemic levels in May 2021, with some areas experiencing higher volumes due to heat-related overdoses.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found significant disparities in healthcare access and use among Indigenous female populations living 'off reserve' in Canada. The research highlights higher morbidity rates and longer wait times for appointments, particularly in rural areas.
A new study reveals that most Canadians now have hybrid immunity against SARS-CoV-2, with infection-acquired seroprevalence rising dramatically after the Omicron variant circulated in Canada. The study found that younger age groups showed faster increases in infection-acquired immunity, reaching over 75% by March 2023.
A commentary suggests that governments should consider publicly funding minimally invasive procedures, such as hair removal and facial injectables, to support transgender and gender diverse individuals. These procedures are already recommended by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care Version 8.
A Canadian woman's high blood lead level was diagnosed after multiple hospital visits for abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. The patient had taken Ayurvedic medicines daily for over a year, leading to the seizure of hundreds of contaminated pills.
Research found no association between oxycodone prescriptions and persistent opioid use after delivery, but those who delivered vaginally were at greater risk. Higher dosages and prescription durations also linked to increased risk of persistent opioid use.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.