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

Description

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 ≫

Description

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 ≫

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 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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Artificial disc arthroplasty (ACDA)

Description

Artificial cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA) is a surgical procedure that may replace cervical fusion in selected patients suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease. The main outcome of... More ≫

Description

Artificial cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA) is a surgical procedure that may replace cervical fusion in selected patients suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease. The main outcome of ACDA that sets it apart from fusion is the preservation of the spine mobility. The aim of this report is to review the literature for evidence of effectiveness and safety of the cervical artificial disks approved by Health Canada.

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Proceedings from the Chronic Pain Initiatives meeting, September 17, 2003

Description

Alberta Health and Wellness hosted a conference on chronic pain on September 17, 2003. Participants shared information and research on recent chronic pain initiatives, and discussed the... More ≫

Description

Alberta Health and Wellness hosted a conference on chronic pain on September 17, 2003. Participants shared information and research on recent chronic pain initiatives, and discussed the opportunities and challenges this area of health research faces. Included in this conference proceedings document are research reports provided in advance to all attendees and a series of presentations made by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Health and Wellness, the University of Calgary, Calgary Chronic Pain Centre, and Lifemark Health Institute Inc. The document concludes with a summary of group discussion, and "next steps" to be taken.

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Maternal risk factors in relationship to birth outcome

Description

This report describes how maternal behaviours such as the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs among Alberta’s women impacts the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight. As well, the... More ≫

Description

This report describes how maternal behaviours such as the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs among Alberta’s women impacts the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight. As well, the report highlights regional variations in maternal and infant characteristics, the understanding of which may be useful in the design and implementation of targeted intervention programs.

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