All Resources

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

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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 ≫

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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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“You are what you eat” : preventing the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children

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Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages that targets children and families is having a harmful effect on the health of these populations. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical... More ≫

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Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages that targets children and families is having a harmful effect on the health of these populations. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health outlines why this should be of concern to Albertans, why action should be taken now, and possible steps that could be taken to address the problem.

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Let’s talk about the early years : early childhood development

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Current research has shown the strong connection between the early childhood years and life-long health, well-being, learning and behavior. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer... More ≫

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Current research has shown the strong connection between the early childhood years and life-long health, well-being, learning and behavior. This report from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health looks at the current state of research on early childhood development, discusses the roles of the family, the community and society in supporting early childhood development, calls for a focus on collecting appropriate data to help appropriately measure and improve initiatives to support childhood development, and ends with a look at possible next steps.

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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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The Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy : improving stroke care across Alberta : interim evaluation report

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This is the first evaluation report describing the progress and outcomes of the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy. The intent is to help health care providers provide better care and to provide... More ≫

Description

This is the first evaluation report describing the progress and outcomes of the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy. The intent is to help health care providers provide better care and to provide policy makers with the information they need to ensure quality services for Albertans. The report is organized around five themes: educating Albertans about stroke; reducing stroke occurrence and mortality; improving access to best care; improving health care system efficiency; and improving satisfaction with care.

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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 ≫

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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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STE report : transarterial radioembolization for the treatment of hepatic neoplasia : final STE report

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The report reviews the use of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for the treatment of primary and secondary hepatic neoplasia for the purpose of considering its potential as a publically... More ≫

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The report reviews the use of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for the treatment of primary and secondary hepatic neoplasia for the purpose of considering its potential as a publically funded health service in Alberta.

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Vitamin D testing : rapid literature review

Description

The clinical utility of testing individuals deemed at average risk for vitamin D deficiency has received the attention of the medical community in recent years. The objectives of this literature... More ≫

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The clinical utility of testing individuals deemed at average risk for vitamin D deficiency has received the attention of the medical community in recent years. The objectives of this literature review were: to outline the specific indications for vitamin D testing as reflected in the literature; to identify the number and type of studies for each indication; to review the abstracts of vitamin D randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses; and to review the Health Technology Assessment reports available.

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Point-of-care testing for oral anticoagulant management with portable prothrombin time systems

Description

Atrial fibrillation, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism are common diseases which require oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT). The current gold-standard method for monitoring the international... More ≫

Description

Atrial fibrillation, venous thrombosis and thromboembolism are common diseases which require oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT). The current gold-standard method for monitoring the international normalized ratio (INR) is laboratory testing of blood obtained by venepuncture. However, patients may find testing to be time consuming and inconvenient. With the development of portable coagulometers it is now possible to measure INR outside the laboratory setting. This review looks at the effectiveness of patient self-management (PSM), patient self-testing (PST) and point-of-care testing (POCT) by health care practitioners using portable coagulometers, compared to conventional laboratory testing.

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