All Resources

Alberta congenital anomalies surveillance system annual report

Description

These reports provide updated data on congenital anomalies ascertained in Alberta.

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Review of deaths occurring in Alberta during the 2009 influenza pandemic

Description

In 2009, the World Health Organization declared the first influenza pandemic in 41 years. The new strain was named influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. In 2010, the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness... More ≫

Description

In 2009, the World Health Organization declared the first influenza pandemic in 41 years. The new strain was named influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. In 2010, the Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW) asked the Health Quality Council of Alberta to conduct a comprehensive review of the Alberta response to A(H1N1)pdm09. As part of this review, it was noted that Alberta had a higher mortality rate for than other provinces, but provincial differences in surveillance methods made inter-provincial comparisons difficult to interpret. In response to questions raised through the review, AHW committed to undertake a review of reported deaths to determine the role A(H1N1)pdm09 played in the death. This report presents the findings of the review.

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2011/12 influenza surveillance report

Description

Provides weekly updates on the spread of influenza in Alberta during the 2011/2012 influenza season. Statistics tracked include: outbreaks by region, confirmed cases by week, hospitalizations,... More ≫

Description

Provides weekly updates on the spread of influenza in Alberta during the 2011/2012 influenza season. Statistics tracked include: outbreaks by region, confirmed cases by week, hospitalizations, antiviral prescriptions, and number of cases of influenza-like illnesses. Also includes links to websites with Canadian and international influenza activity statistics.

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Waterpipe smoking in Alberta

Description

Waterpipes, commonly referred to as hookah, shisha and narghile, can have health effects similar to cigarette use and can lead to increased risks from exposure to carbon monoxide, exposure to... More ≫

Description

Waterpipes, commonly referred to as hookah, shisha and narghile, can have health effects similar to cigarette use and can lead to increased risks from exposure to carbon monoxide, exposure to second hand smoke and tobacco addiction. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health looks at the problems associated with waterpipe smoking, trends in the use of waterpipes in Canada, and current actions being taken in Canada and in Alberta. It ends with a recommendation that Alberta begin work on amending the Tobacco Reduction Act to prohibit the use of waterpipe smoking in public places, workplaces and within 5 meters from the doorway, window or air intake to a public place or workplace.

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The state of dental health in Alberta : a brief report

Description

The purpose of this report is to briefly review topics around the potential public health benefits of dental health care. The report was commissioned by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of... More ≫

Description

The purpose of this report is to briefly review topics around the potential public health benefits of dental health care. The report was commissioned by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and prepared by the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Topics covered include: the prevalence and impacts of poor dental health to Canadians at the individual and population level; the dental health practices and insurance coverage of Canadians; policy and program initiatives that have been implemented locally, provincially, and nationally to address the issue of dental health promotion and oral health care coverage; and trends and gaps in knowledge around dental health care.

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Middle ear implants for the treatment of hearing loss : final STE report

Description

Presents a review of the evidence on middle ear implants (MEI) for the treatment of hearing loss. The objectives of the review were to determine the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of... More ≫

Description

Presents a review of the evidence on middle ear implants (MEI) for the treatment of hearing loss. The objectives of the review were to determine the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MEI in comparison to external hearing aids, boneanchored hearing aids (BAHA), or cochlear implants; to identify particular sub-groups of patients who might benefit most from MEI, and to summarize the current criteria for using MEI versus alternative treatments for hearing loss.

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Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) : 2010 Alberta Health and Wellness report

Description

This report provides an overview of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases and rates in Alberta from 2006-2010. MRSA is the term for Staphylococcus aureus (S.A.) bacteria that... More ≫

Description

This report provides an overview of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cases and rates in Alberta from 2006-2010. MRSA is the term for Staphylococcus aureus (S.A.) bacteria that have become resistant to semi-synthetic penicillins such as cloxacillin and methicillin. MRSA infections can be more difficult to treat and drugs commonly used for treatment of other strains of S.A. are not always effective. In rare cases, MRSA can cause severe invasive infections such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections such as septicemia.

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Prescription drug misuse in Alberta : everyone’s problem

Description

The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is harming too many Albertans. Ease of access and affordability of medications such as opioid pain relievers, stimulants, tranquillizers and sedatives,... More ≫

Description

The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is harming too many Albertans. Ease of access and affordability of medications such as opioid pain relievers, stimulants, tranquillizers and sedatives, can quickly and easily lead to addiction. Compounding this ease of accessibility and affordability is the false perception that if a health care practitioner prescribes these medications, they are safe. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health provides statistics on the prevalence of prescription drug use and misuse, outlines the main issues that need to be addressed, and provides four recommended actions to address the problem.

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Photodynamic therapy for skin cancer & pre-cancerous skin conditions : final STE report

Description

Presents a systematic review of the evidence on photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of pre-cancerous skin conditions (i.e. actinic keratosis), and non-melanoma skin cancers. The... More ≫

Description

Presents a systematic review of the evidence on photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of pre-cancerous skin conditions (i.e. actinic keratosis), and non-melanoma skin cancers. The objectives of the review were to determine the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and budget impact of PDT in comparison to other treatments for these conditions; to identify particular sub-groups of patients who might benefit most from PDT; and to summarize current criteria for the use of PDT and alternative treatments for these skin conditions.

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An assessment of sleep disordered breathing diagnosis using Level I versus Level III sleep studies : final report

Description

This assessment considers the evidence on using Level I (in-laboratory polysomnography) versus Level III (ambulatory, in-home) sleep studies for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing and... More ≫

Description

This assessment considers the evidence on using Level I (in-laboratory polysomnography) versus Level III (ambulatory, in-home) sleep studies for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing and specific conditions that fall within this disorder.

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