Since the completion of the Human Genome Project
in the 1990s, there have been rapid advances of
research in the area of genetics and genomics.(1)
When combined with evolving medical technologies
this has meant that the use of genetic testing and
screening are increasingly common in the health
system. Ge...
Cannabis is currently the world’s most used illicit
psychoactive substance, with 2012 estimates showing
that about 200 million people globally reported using it
at least once.(1) In 2013, despite having been prohibited
since the 1920s, Canada was the highest ranked country
amongst all nations for rates...
More than a third of those over the age of 65 fall
each year, which can lead to devastating physical and
mental health consequences including functional
decline, decline in independence and self-efficacy,
morbidity, quality of life and risk of prolonged
hospitalization.(1) In Canada, falls are the number...
With the Canadian government set to introduce
legislation in the spring of 2017 to legalize the use of
cannabis, there is a need to plan for any health and
social challenges associated with this policy change.(1)
Though the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and
Regulation has produced a report outlinin...
A number of current pressures on the health system,
including an aging population, increased prevalence
of chronic and co-morbid conditions, and increasing
focus on patient self-management and patientcentred care, are driving interest in delivering care in new ways. With technology playing an increasingl...
Improvements in science, technology, nutrition and
social care have meant that with few exceptions,
populations in low-, medium- and high-income
countries are living longer, and this trend is expected to
continue into the future. This increase in life expectancy
has resulted in more people living with ch...
Total expenditure on health and long-term care is rising
across Canada and is predicted to continue rising over the
next decade.(1) The increased need for public resources to
be allocated to this sector is straining government budgets
and represents a major area of public concern.(1) This strain
is felt ...
The number of Canadians aged 65 or older is
expected to double within the next two decades,
and the proportion of those over the age of 80 is
expected to grow from 27.5% in 2012 to 32% in
2036.(1; 2) This trend holds true in British
Columbia (which is where the request came from
for this synthesis) where...
As noted by the Health Council of Canada in 2013, there
are many definitions of quality in healthcare, but a
common conception of it is “the degree to which health
services for individuals and populations increase the
likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent
with current professional kn...
As of last year, nearly two million Ontarians saw their
family physicians for mental health and addictions
concerns. These two conditions account for
approximately 10% of the disease burden in Ontario.(1)
Psychiatric alternate level of care (ALC) days and longstay days represent a significant portion of ...
