A study of nearly 1 million Ontario adults found that preoperative laboratory tests were conducted prior to approximately 30% of low-risk surgical procedures. The rate of these tests varied significantly among institutions, with some performing them in over 98% of cases and others in none.
A new treatment model recommends aggressive surgery followed by targeted chemotherapy to achieve a 50% cure rate for women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. This approach differs from current conventional treatments, which often result in a 20% survival rate.
A new study by Dr. Steven Narod finds that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are twice as likely to die from breast cancer compared to the general US population. The study also reveals that black women and those under 35 have a higher risk of mortality.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that antipsychotic medication use during pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, or major blood clots. However, women who took antipsychotics were more likely to require labor induction compared to those who did not take them.
Researchers at Women's College Hospital identified a new breast cancer gene, RECQL, strongly linked to the onset of breast cancer in two populations of Polish and French-Canadian women. The study found that specific mutations in the gene were associated with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
A new study by Women's College Hospital and ICES confirms a strong link between ethnicity and breast cancer stage at diagnosis for Canadian women. South Asian women are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage breast cancer compared to the general population.
A new study by Women's College Hospital found that women with diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. The study analyzed data from over 38,000 women and found that those with diabetes were 14% more likely to present with Stage II or III breast cancer.
A new study by Women's College Hospital found South Asian boys are three times as likely to be overweight compared to their peers. The research measured the heights and weights of over 700 Toronto students between ages 10-12 and tracked physical activity, socio-demographic factors.
Pregnant women with bipolar disorder face a higher risk of premature birth and complications. The study suggests modifying lifestyle and behavioral factors may help reduce this risk.
A new analysis reveals that cardiac clinic trial participants do not accurately represent the broader patient population. The study suggests using broader enrollment criteria and existing patient registries to improve clinical trial participation and generalizability.
A new study by Women's College Hospital evaluates a tool for assessing doctors' communication and soft skills, including CanMEDS competencies, in orthopedic residency programs. The tool, called the objective structure clinical examination (OSCE), is effective in testing multiple soft skills in one examination session.
A new project funded by Women's College Hospital Research Institute aims to assess the risk of sexual assault for women attending mass gatherings like concerts or sporting events. The project is part of 26 innovative research initiatives awarded $15,000 or more through the $15K Challenge.
A recent study found that nearly half of all quality improvement initiatives have little to no impact on quality of care. Effective feedback strategies include delivery from a respected colleague, repeated multiple times with specific goals and action plans.
A study by Women's College Hospital found women with diabetes are 14% less likely to get mammograms, despite higher breast cancer risk. Low socioeconomic status exacerbates this disparity.
A study by Women's College Hospital found that asking patients to audit healthcare professional hand hygiene compliance resulted in high marks. Patients were able to accurately observe and record hand hygiene practices with an 86.7% match rate, leading to increased motivation among providers.
A new study by researchers at Women's College Hospital and ICES found that young girls with mental illness are three times more likely to become teenage parents. The study examined live birth rates from 1999 to 2009 in 4.5 million Ontario girls, aged 15-19, with and without a major mental health illness.
A landmark study by researchers found that women with schizophrenia are nearly twice as likely to experience pre-eclampsia, pre-term birth, and other serious pregnancy and delivery complications. The study also revealed high birth weights, increased rates of hypertension and thromboembolic disease in pregnant women with schizophrenia.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that centenarian numbers increased by 72.3% in Ontario over 15 years, with women making up 85.3% of centenarians. The majority lived independently or received publicly funded home care, highlighting the need for tailored health and social care.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that flu shots reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 36-55% among patients with a history of heart disease. The vaccine's protective effects were greater in those who received a more potent vaccine.
A new Canadian study found that women living in large urban areas are at a significantly higher risk of postpartum depression after five to 14 months of giving birth. The researchers suggest differences in stress, social support and history of depression may contribute to this risk.
Researchers found no association between fertility treatment and long-term cardiovascular disease, contradicting previous theories. Women who received fertility therapy had a lower risk of death and major cardiovascular events compared to those without the treatment.
A new study published in The Lancet found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart disease and death in patients with kidney disease. Patients who took non-calcium based treatments had a lower risk of death compared to those who took calcium supplements, highlighting the potential dangers of long-term use.
Research found that longer initial prescriptions for cardiac medications after hospital discharge are associated with long-term adherence in elderly patients. The study suggests that longer prescriptions are more patient-centered and effective in preventing further cardiac events.
A new study found that metformin, a commonly used diabetes drug, did not improve survival rates in older breast cancer patients with diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes Care, examined 2,361 women aged 66 or older and followed them until death or March 30, 2010.
Only half of patients with hip or knee replacements reported significant improvement in pain and mobility. Patients who had worse joint pain to begin with but fewer general health problems were more likely to report benefits.