Bersama Kita Sehat - : Hospital & Clinic

Patient portal messages, EHR chat: How much time do docs spend?

Edusehat — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:00:08 +0700

Two new studies look at how patient portal messages and secure chat in the EHR are eating away at physicians’ time, with one finding that female hospitalists are spending more time on digital communication than their male counterparts.

A JAMA research letter found that the number of messages sent through patient portals jumped from 0.99 per patient per year in 2020 to 2.50 in 2025. During that time, patients who used portals to communicate with clinicians went from sending 2.2 messages to 5.4 messages per year.

The authors of the report claim it’s the first scientific look at how many messages patients are sending health care providers through portals.

The research letter looked at data from more than 2,000 hospitals and nearly 50,000 clinics encompassing 1.34 billion messages from patients. Researchers also examined patterns in 1.59 billion phone calls and 146 million telehealth encounters between patients and clinicians.

A MedPage Today analysis on the study reported that telephone encounters during the same period fell slightly, from 2.33 per patient per year to 2.20. Researchers also found a 17% increase in patient visits, from 2.37 visits per patient per year to 2.77.

A separate study of digital communication in the inpatient setting didn’t look at the growth of secure chat, but it did look at differences in the amount of time physicians spend on secure messaging based on gender.

The study, published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, found that while female hospitalists in an academic hospital worked similar hours as men, women spent more time in the hospital’s EHR: 248 minutes per day vs. 222 for male hospitalists. That’s a difference of about 12%.

Researchers found that female hospitalists spent more time on secure chat than their male colleagues (38 vs. 34 minutes per day). Women hospitalists also exchanged more messages, sending 62 vs. 53 messages per day and receiving 56 vs. 48 messages per day.

The study looked at activity from July 2023 to June 2024 of just over 200 hospitalists. The group included a mix of adult and pediatric hospitalists and attendings and residents.

Trends in digital communication were similar in residents and attendings. And even when a new scheduling model that had physicians work less hours was implemented, the researchers found that gender differences in digital communication remained.

The authors warned that while digital communication technology was supposed to increase efficiency, “these tools may contribute to unequal digital workloads.” They said their data “underscore the need for equity-informed strategies” to reduce the burden of digital communications in the inpatient setting.

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Igniting Discovery: Cardiac research with a personal touch

Edusehat — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:05:13 +0700

HN Summary

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre researchers are advancing personalized cardiac care through international clinical trials evaluating new minimally invasive procedures, medications and lifestyle interventions for heart disease.

• Recent studies found that a device-based procedure to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation can provide an effective alternative to long-term blood thinners, while another trial challenged the belief that coffee worsens irregular heart rhythms.

• Researchers say expanding treatment options and tailoring care to individual patient needs could improve outcomes, particularly for older adults and those with complex health conditions.

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in North America. Healthy habits like eating well, staying active, and managing risk factors are important, and new tests and treatments are also helping people live longer and healthier lives.

In recent years, researchers at Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Program have been driving a shift toward more personalized and precise cardiac care, leading some of the largest randomized international clinical trials, and pioneering innovative approaches to treating heart disease and damaged blood vessels.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating heart conditions,” says Dr. Christopher Cheung, a cardiologist and director of the Schulich Heart Program’s clinical trials unit at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI).

“We need to personalize treatment options according to a patient’s health condition and also expand access to our treatments to those that may benefit. By expanding options for patients – including those traditionally considered higher risk due to age or other health conditions – we can better tailor care to each individual, helping them not only to live longer, but live better.”

Clinical trials testing interventional procedures

New waves of less-invasive and device-based cardiac procedures – being tested in clinical trials – are showing increasing promise as alternatives to open-heart surgery or long-term drug therapy, particularly for those with complex or multiple medical conditions, or elderly and frail patients that may not tolerate a traditional procedure or surgery.

Current and recent studies have spanned a number of cardiac procedures, addressing valve defects with minimally invasive techniques, to ablation of abnormal heart rhythms, to new treatments for heart attacks. One recent example, published in The New England Journal of Medicine in March 2026, adds to a growing body of innovation in cardiology research; with more advances on the horizon.

Led locally by Sunnybrook investigator Dr. Sheldon Singh, the CHAMPION-AF clinical trial enrolled patients across North America, Europe and beyond to evaluate whether a device-based procedure to prevent stroke in patients with irregular heart rhythm could perform as well as standard long-term blood-thinning therapy, while reducing bleeding risk.

The findings showed that left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) can offer comparable protection against serious cardiovascular events, while significantly lowering the risk of bleeding. This approach may provide an important alternative for patients who cannot tolerate blood-thinning medications, as well as for those with bleeding complications relating to blood thinners. The study authors emphasize treatment decisions should always consider individual patient risk factors and preferences.

CHAMPION-AF is one of many international clinical trials facilitated by the Schulich Heart Program clinical trials unit, many of which are focused on catheter-based interventions compared to standard care. These procedures involve guiding thin flexible tubes and wires (“catheters”) through blood vessels in the groin, arm or neck to the heart using real-time X-ray imaging.

Clinical trials studying the role and impact of lifestyle factors and modifications

In addition to a wide range of interventional therapies, the Schulich Heart Program’s Clinical Trials Unit also studies the role and impact of lifestyle factors and modifications one can make to improve their cardiac health.

The aptly-named DECAF study, for example, led by Dr. Cheung, sought out to test a long-standing belief that many doctors and patients have that coffee – especially caffeinated coffee – could trigger or worsen arrythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), or atrial fibrillation (a specific, common type of irregular heart rhythm or arrythmia).

Presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in November 2025 and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the DECAF trial found that coffee drinkers who continued drinking coffee had less arrhythmias compared to those who stopped drinking coffee.

While the researchers outline the limitations of the study, the bottom line is that for most people with atrial fibrillation, the routine advice to completely avoid coffee may no longer make sense for many patients, say the authors. They do, however, stress there are always exceptions to the rule and individual reactions still matter, as some people may still notice caffeine triggers their atrial fibrillation and need to maintain close communication with their physician.

“Whether it’s lifestyle and medication management, minimally invasive procedures, techniques to correct heart rhythms, or open-heart surgery—there has never been more choice in cardiology,” says Dr. Cheung, co-lead author of the DECAF study, and a cardiac electrophysiologist (a specialist in heart rhythms). “It represents a meaningful shift toward more tailored care and precision medicine, which has been the goal of our research.”

“These newer options may be especially beneficial for select groups of patients—for example, older individuals in their seventies and beyond, or those with complex health conditions where surgery may be too risky or long-term therapies may pose challenges. In many cases, it ultimately comes down to patient preference—whether that’s a procedure, surgery, or drug therapy.”

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Pressure increases on health employers to invest in stabilizing BC’s health-care system

Edusehat — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:35:09 +0700

Beginning on Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 a.m. PT, BC nurses will escalate job action with picket line at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), while maintaining essential service levels to protect patient safety. The announcement comes one day after a province-wide non-nursing ban and restriction on overtime for Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) members.

“Nurses do not want to be on picket lines,” says BCNU President Adriane Gear. “We are in this profession to care for patients. But the provincial government and health employers can no longer ignore the demands of our health-care system, nor can they disregard the incredible pressure nurses face day in and day out. Even now, health employers are attempting to undermine nurses’ rights to take lawful job action by threatening discipline against those who are holding the line.”

In addition to the VGH picket line planned for July 7, NBA members across the province will continue to refuse non-nursing duties and restrict overtime. Nurses are set to be back at the bargaining table with health employers on Monday afternoon.

“The provincial government must come back to the table with an offer that respects nurses and recognizes their value in our health-care system,” says BCNU CEO Jim Gould. “This government is not going to solve the nursing shortage without making serious improvements to nurses’ working conditions. The union will also not tolerate any attempts by the employer to threaten or intimidate our members who are participating in lawful job action.”

The current job action follows an historic strike vote in which 50,850 nurses participated, with 98.2 per cent voting in favour of job action. Members later rejected a tentative agreement by 67 percent, signalling that the government’s bargaining mandate failed to address nurses’ core concerns, including a meaningful general wage increase and solutions that improve nurse retention and workplace safety

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Where AI is making the biggest impacts in healthcare

Edusehat — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 03:40:11 +0700

Highlights from the e‑Health Conference 2026

HN Summary

• AI is improving healthcare efficiency by reducing physician burnout, streamlining documentation and enhancing patient care through tools such as medical scribes and AI-assisted treatment planning.

• Healthcare organizations across Canada are using AI to improve system performance, including reducing long-term care wait times, enhancing mental health monitoring and streamlining patient referrals.

• Speakers emphasized that AI investments must deliver measurable clinical and financial value to help healthcare systems maximize limited resources.

s healthcare leaders from across Canada and abroad gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the 2026 e-Health Conference, one topic dominated the conversation: the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

Throughout the conference, speakers shared compelling examples of how AI is improving efficiency across the healthcare system while emphasizing that successful implementation requires careful planning, evaluation and strategic investment.

During the opening plenary session, three healthcare leaders discussed what they described as the “low-hanging fruit” of AI—solutions that are relatively easy to implement while delivering significant benefits. Among the most promising are AI medical scribes and documentation tools that listen to or analyze patient consultations and automatically generate structured clinical notes, referral letters and treatment plans.

“The evidence is no longer refutable that this is a technology that should be in every clinician’s hands,” said Tej Shah, Managing Director at Accenture.

Shah shared data showing that, at some organizations, AI scribes have reduced physician burnout by 20 per cent while decreasing time spent on documentation by approximately 10 per cent. That additional time, he said, allows clinicians to focus on what matters most—caring for patients.

AI is also transforming patient care in other ways. Dr. Andy Smith, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, highlighted how AI integrated with radiation therapy systems is reducing the number of treatments many cancer patients require.

“If instead of coming in [for treatment] 30 times, you only have to come five times, that is a profound leap forward in terms of the positive patient experience,” said Smith.

Despite its potential, AI adoption presents challenges. With countless new technologies entering the market, choosing the right solutions can be overwhelming. At the same time, healthcare organizations continue to operate under significant financial pressures and must carefully prioritize investments.

Karen Oldfield, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Health, stressed that return on investment must remain a key consideration.

“The bottom line for any healthcare system is that the benefits of AI also need to deliver monetary value,” she told attendees, noting that every dollar saved through greater efficiency can be reinvested into patient care.

Throughout the remainder of the conference, presenters explored real-world examples demonstrating how AI is improving efficiency while generating measurable savings.

Increasing long-term care capacity in Nova Scotia

During one session, Glenda Keenan, Senior Director of Continuing Care at Nova Scotia Health, described the province’s partnership with Strata Health to implement real-time scheduling software for long-term care beds.

The platform tracks every long-term care bed across Nova Scotia, identifies the types of patients each bed can accommodate and continuously analyzes waitlists to prioritize placements.

Peter Smith, President of Strata Health VitalHub Corp., said the software has significantly improved system capacity.

“You’re literally creating thousands of days of capacity in the system,” said Smith.

Keenan explained that Continuing Care Nova Scotia coordinated more than 3,400 long-term care beds last year. Before implementing the platform, staff managed placements manually using phone calls, fax machines and email.

“We had no line of sight on what was happening at the provincial, local or zone level, so it was imperative that we move forward with a better solution,” she said.

Since introducing the system in 2022, the median time required to fill a vacant bed has dropped from 10.7 days to six days—a 43 per cent improvement. Keenan estimates the economic value of the initiative at approximately $845,000.

She added that the system has improved not only coordination, but also strategic planning by providing better access to data.

“It has supported our ability, as well as the government’s, to make informed decisions because we now have much better insight,” she said.

Real-time mental health monitoring at CAMH

Another presentation highlighted how the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has implemented Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications to create a centralized operations management system.

David Rotenberg, Chief Analytics Officer and Operations Director at the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics at CAMH, said the platform enables clinicians to monitor patient progress with unprecedented precision.

“We have dashboards embedded directly into patient charts that show whether people are getting better or not,” he said.

The dashboards support approximately 50 different care pathways, including psychosis, dementia and depression.

“You name it, we have a pathway for it.”

Rotenberg said the real-time insights help clinicians identify when patients require additional support and allow for earlier, more timely interventions.

Reducing wait times and improving patient experience in British Columbia

Natasha Kumari, Growth and Marketing Specialist at Thrive Health, described how her company has helped streamline referral and intake processes for healthcare organizations across British Columbia.

Through interviews and workflow assessments, Thrive identified several common challenges, including incomplete referrals, missing patient information and time-consuming follow-up calls.

“Some of the things we found were that there are a lot of incomplete referrals and information coming into the clinic, which leads to follow-up calls, chasing information and spending valuable appointment time collecting medical history that could have been provided beforehand,” Kumari said.

To address these challenges, Thrive implemented its Thrive Clinical platform at an ENT clinic in British Columbia.

The platform automates much of the information traditionally entered manually. Patients complete their medical history before arriving for their appointment, and the system generates additional questions based on individual responses while automatically sending reminders for incomplete forms.

“Because patients present with different diagnoses and conditions, the system can trigger additional follow-up questions depending on the patient’s responses,” Kumari explained.

Previously, clinicians spent an hour with every new patient simply reviewing medical history. According to Kumari, those sessions have now been virtually eliminated.

The platform also supports patients while they wait for specialist appointments by providing referral updates, personalized recommendations for managing their condition and opportunities to report changes in their health status.

Rather than relying on a static waitlist, Thrive Clinical creates a dynamic triage system that keeps information current for both patients and care providers.

“The idea is to automate the small, manual tasks that take up so much time, provide the right information to the right person at the right time, and help patients move through care faster,” Kumari said.

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Emergency department wait times in Canada: Insights from a health system perspective

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:25:10 +0700

How gaps in the system show up in emergency department wait times

Emergency department (ED) wait times are rising across Canada. It’s a shared reality felt by both patients seeking care and health care workers trying to deliver it. And yet, it would be a misdiagnosis to frame this issue as an ED problem.

According to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Emergency department wait times in Canada: Insights from a health system perspective, the reality is that the ED is often where symptoms of a strained system become visible, not where they begin. Wait times are driven by both increasing patient complexity and a system that is struggling to manage the demand. When Canadians can’t access timely community care, can’t be admitted to hospital beds, and can’t be discharged to home care or long-term care (LTC), those unmet needs show up in ED wait times.

Patient flow through the ED

Unlike a linear queue, patient flow through the ED is dynamic. When a patient presents to the ED, the wait is not one queue, but rather several that overlap and are spread across triage, admission and discharge. Each phase is measured as a separate wait time and can involve its own potential delay. Patients may see a crowded waiting room and assume it’s a busy day, but the data reveals that in most cases, the waits are systemic, not simply the result of a busy day.

When patients present to the ED, care is prioritized by urgency rather than arrival time, meaning the sickest patients are seen first. In 2024–2025, half of ED patients in Canada waited just under 2 hours to be assessed by an ED physician, while 1 in 10 patients waited more than 6 hours.

While the delays in the ED waiting room may feel the most immediately visible to a patient, the most significant bottlenecks affecting flow through the ED occur after the decision to admit the patient is made. For the 1 in 10 ED patients who are admitted to acute care, waiting for an inpatient bed accounts for nearly two-thirds of a patient’s total ED stay. And if a patient can’t be moved elsewhere, the ED becomes the buffer and is forced to absorb the overflow.

From a patient’s perspective, this can feel like being stuck. They know they are sick enough to be admitted, but without a clear sense of where they will go or when they will move, there is little sense of clarity about how their care plan may progress.

From a staffing perspective, this bottleneck creates a domino effect throughout the hospital. Patients who are admitted and waiting for a bed still require monitoring, treatment and nursing care. This means that ED staff are caring for admitted patients while simultaneously trying to attend to new emergencies.

A system under strain

Dr. Paul Parks — an emergency medicine physician in Medicine Hat, Alberta — describes what is happening in EDs across Canada as a national crisis of the health system. “We’ve optimized everything. We’ve taken all the elasticity out of the system, but the tap is still flowing,” he said. “There’s a crisis: insufficient connected community resources, and little continuing care and long-term care.”

Dr. Parks’ metaphor points to an overextended health system that was designed for different pressures than the ones it faces today. The bottlenecks in the ED are not isolated; they are a result of co-existing and compounding pressures driven both upstream and downstream of hospitals themselves.

Within the hospital, on the downstream side, beds are not available because of patients waiting to access other services such as LTC or home care. These patients, designated as alternate level of care, are medically ready to be discharged but can remain in the hospital a median of 44 days while waiting for community supports. This limits the hospital’s ability to admit new patients from the ED.

Outside of the hospital, on the upstream side, patients presenting to the ED are increasingly older and have more medically complex conditions. In Canada, adults age 55 and older are among the most frequent ED patients. In 2024–2025, nearly one-third of ED visits involved patients with multiple comorbidities, meaning they required more complex assessment, testing and care coordination.

While some of this stems from an aging population, it also reflects gaps in access to primary and community care. Without access to these supports, people may turn to the ED as their entry point into the health system.

In some instances, patients present with conditions that could have been managed in the community if timely care had been available; in others, lack of access to primary care means those conditions become more complex and difficult to treat by the time patients arrive in the ED. This is particularly true for people living in the lowest-income neighbourhoods, who account for nearly half of all ED visits and often face greater barriers to accessing community care — often relying on the ED to fill the gap.

Together, these upstream and downstream factors cause unmet needs throughout the system to show up in ED wait times.

The ED as a warning signal

The ED serves as a sign of how the wider health system is performing. It becomes the face where the effects of insufficient community care and delayed discharge pathways are most immediately seen, not because the ED is the source of these pressures, but because it’s where these pressures converge in real time.

Improving ED wait times means looking beyond the ED itself, and instead to the broader health system within which it operates.

Canadian Institute for Health Information. How gaps in the system show up in emergency department wait times.

Emergency department wait times reflect pressures across Canada’s entire healthcare system

Emergency department (ED) wait times have become one of the most visible indicators of the challenges facing Canada’s healthcare system. But according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the causes of long waits extend far beyond the walls of the emergency department itself.

Rather than viewing emergency department overcrowding as an isolated issue, the report highlights how patient flow through the ED reflects the performance of the entire healthcare system—from access to primary care and diagnostic imaging to the availability of hospital beds, home care and long-term care.

In 2024–2025, Canadian emergency departments recorded approximately 16.1 million visits, representing about 89 per cent of all ED visits across the country. While most patients were treated and discharged home, nearly 12 per cent required admission to hospital, placing additional pressure on already strained inpatient units.

Perhaps most concerning, more than 1.2 million emergency department visits ended before patients were ever assessed by a physician. Although these cases were not included in the report’s analysis, they serve as an important indicator of overcrowding and prolonged wait times.

Understanding where delays occur

The report examines patient flow through three key stages of an emergency department visit: triage and registration, time under clinical care and disposition, when patients are discharged, transferred or admitted to hospital.

Each stage offers insight into different system pressures.

Patients are first assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which prioritizes care based on the severity and urgency of their condition. Once under care, they may require physician assessment, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing or consultations with specialists before a treatment decision can be made.

For many patients, the longest delay occurs after the decision has already been made to admit them to hospital. When inpatient beds are unavailable, admitted patients remain in the emergency department, continuing to require nursing care, monitoring and treatment while occupying valuable clinical space. This creates a ripple effect throughout the department, slowing care for newly arriving patients.

The pressures begin long before patients arrive

The report emphasizes that many emergency department visits are driven by limited access to healthcare services elsewhere in the system.

Nearly one in five Canadian adults does not have a regular primary care provider. Even among those who do, timely access remains challenging. Only about one-quarter report being able to see their provider the same or next day, while evening and weekend appointments remain difficult to obtain.

Access to specialist consultations and diagnostic imaging also contributes to emergency department demand. Many patients face months-long waits for MRI or CT scans, while others experience lengthy delays accessing home care or community services. As health conditions worsen, the emergency department often becomes the only available option.

An aging population further compounds these challenges. Older adults are more likely to live with multiple chronic illnesses requiring urgent assessment, symptom management and diagnostic testing that may not be readily available outside hospital settings.

As emergency physician Dr. Simon Berthelot notes in the report, strong primary care can prevent many chronic conditions from deteriorating to the point where emergency care or hospitalization becomes necessary.

Solving emergency department overcrowding requires system-wide solutions

While emergency departments continue to introduce new models of care and improve internal processes, the report suggests meaningful improvements in wait times will depend on broader health system capacity.

Increasing access to family physicians, specialists, diagnostic imaging, home care and long-term care could reduce avoidable emergency visits while helping patients receive care earlier in their illness.

At the same time, improving hospital capacity and patient flow beyond the emergency department would allow admitted patients to move to inpatient units more quickly, freeing emergency resources for incoming patients.

Patient partner Cristyana Aloysious, whose perspective is included in the report, says the current system can be particularly challenging for people living with chronic illnesses who repeatedly return to the emergency department because they lack coordinated, ongoing care.

The report concludes that emergency department wait times should not simply be viewed as an emergency medicine issue. Instead, they provide a window into how effectively the healthcare system functions as a whole. Addressing delays will require coordinated investments across the entire continuum of care—from community-based services and primary care to hospital capacity and post-acute supports.

As Canada’s healthcare system continues to evolve, improving patient flow throughout the system—not just within emergency departments—may prove to be one of the most important steps toward reducing wait times and improving access to care for all Canadians.

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Gene therapy is changing how we treat disease

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Gene therapy is shifting medicine from treating symptoms to targeting disease at its genetic source, offering new hope for conditions such as Huntington’s disease, sickle cell disease and inherited neurological disorders.

• Advances in viral delivery systems and gene-editing technologies like CRISPR are accelerating the development of therapies that could slow or even prevent disease progression.

• Canadian researchers and biotechnology companies are playing a leading role in advancing gene therapy research, manufacturing and clinical innovation, with the potential to transform treatment for both rare and common diseases.

Gene therapy aims to target illness at its genetic source rather than manage symptoms. Here’s how the science works, and why researchers think it could transform medicine.

The neurosurgeon has no visual field. There is only a catheter, fed into the skull through a hole, no bigger than the tip of a crayon, and a set of coordinates that correspond to a target deep within the brain. A trajectory has been plotted from MRI scans taken with a stereotactic frame bolted to the patient’s head, a reference system that turns the brain’s interior into a 3D grid.

The catheter advances along a pre-plotted line toward its destination: the striatum — specifically, the subcortical structures key to movement and thought, and among the first destroyed by Huntington’s disease. Once there, a solution of engineered viruses called AMT-130 is infused in a continuous trickle over roughly 12 hours. On an MRI monitor, the surgical team watches the liquid bloom through the brain in real time.

All that — the catheter through functioning brain tissue, the hours-long neurosurgery, the viral solution — is just the delivery system. The real therapeutic payload is what that viral solution is carrying: a scrap of synthetic genetic material that promises, for the first time, a way to actually slow one of the most confounding neurological diseases. It also represents a proof of concept for gene therapy, an entirely different way of thinking about medicine.

So what is gene therapy, exactly?

Most conventional drugs are small molecules that circulate through the body and interfere with a protein or process that’s causing problems. Gene therapy works further upstream. Instead of dealing with the mess created by a faulty gene, it tries to intervene in the genetic instructions themselves, by delivering a healthy copy of a gene, silencing one that’s causing harm or, in more aggressive approaches, editing the DNA sequence directly, explains Rachel Harding, a molecular biologist and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto in the department of pharmacology and toxicology.

Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in a single gene. That mutation produces a toxic protein called huntingtin, which accumulates inside neurons and gradually kills them. The result is a crushing progression of symptoms — involuntary movements, trouble speaking and swallowing, cognitive impairment and psychiatric disturbances — that typically emerge in midlife and worsen over time. “There’s never a competition over which disease is the worst,” says Harding, whose work mapping the structure of huntingtin earned her the 2024 Nancy S. Wexler Young Investigator Prize. “But most neurologists agree that Huntington’s is one of the most devastating.”

Until recently, every existing treatment managed what Huntington’s does to a person, but nothing tackled the root cause or the underlying neurodegeneration. Then last fall, uniQure, a Dutch biotech company, released preliminary results from its AMT-130 trial. The therapy uses a viral vector to deliver DNA instructions into neurons, prompting cells to produce something called microRNA — basically, benign interlopers that piggyback on and interfere with the RNA molecules responsible for producing huntingtin.

Three years after treatment, patients showed a 75 percent deceleration in disease progression. Researchers also reported declines in a biomarker associated with neurodegeneration, which suggests the therapy may not just be masking symptoms but actually delaying the death of brain cells.

Wait — what’s a viral vector? Is that a virus?

Basically, yes. The delivery problem is one of the central challenges in gene therapy. We can’t just inject DNA and RNA into the bloodstream and expect them to slip inside the right cells — our immune systems are designed to detect and destroy foreign genetic material. So scientists often repurpose modified viruses as delivery vehicles, exploiting their natural ability to weasel their way into cells and deposit genetic instructions.

The most common are adeno-associated viruses, or AAVs, engineered to carry genetic cargo without causing disease. Different versions target different tissues. The AAV5 vector used in AMT-130, for instance, is particularly good at infecting neurons in the striatum.

Why are we suddenly hearing so much about gene therapy?

The idea for gene therapy has been around for decades: What if, instead of treating symptoms, doctors could fix disease at its genetic source? Early experiments in the 1980s and ’90s proved the concept was possible, including a landmark 1990 trial that treated a four-year-old girl born with a severe immune disorder. But the field was rocked in 1999, when 18-year-old Jesse Gelsinger, who had a rare metabolic liver condition, died after suffering a severe immune reaction during an experimental gene therapy trial. Research ground to a halt for years.

Then came a series of breakthroughs. The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 gave scientists, for the first time, a full map of human DNA. Less than a decade later, researchers Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier revealed the gene-editing capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9, a bacterial defense mechanism they showed could be reprogrammed to locate and cut specific sequences in any genome with unprecedented precision. Faster, cheaper and easier to use than earlier technologies, it transformed the field almost overnight, and won the pair the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.

What kinds of diseases can be treated with this technology?

According to Janet Rothberg, a senior director with the Toronto not-for-profit Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine, gene therapy is most powerful for diseases caused by a single identifiable mutation — one broken gene, one clean target. There are roughly 7,000 such diseases that affect more than 400 million people worldwide. These include inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell and hemophilia, as well as a range of neuromuscular, neurological and rare pediatric disorders, from immune deficiencies to various forms of vision and hearing loss.

Is gene therapy the same as cell therapy?

“Not quite,” says Rothberg. “In gene therapy, we’re trying to deliver something that fixes the person’s own cells. In cell therapy, we’re actually giving them new cells.” Those cells, either modified or grown in a lab, are themselves the treatment. They’re meant to perform a job that can no longer be performed by the patient’s body.

CAR-T cancer therapy, for example, involves removing a patient’s immune cells, genetically engineering them to recognize cancer, and infusing them back into the body. That’s where the lines get blurry — many modern cell therapies also rely on genetic engineering. And both rely on genomics, the science of reading and mapping the genome, to identify their targets.

Why does gene therapy cost so much?

These therapies are extraordinarily expensive to produce, as each one is essentially handcrafted from biological material rather than synthesized in bulk. Manufacturing is heavily manual, R&D costs are enormous and patient populations for rare diseases are small, meaning costs can’t be spread across millions of prescriptions the way those for a common drug can. The first CRISPR-based gene therapy, a sickle cell treatment called Casgevy, costs U.S.$2.2 million per patient.

CCRM, which operates OmniaBio, Canada’s largest cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility in Hamilton, Ontario, is actively working to automate the manufacturing process to help drive costs down. “The power of these therapies can’t be limited to certain people,” says Rothberg.

What role is Canada playing in all this?

From research to manufacturing to clinical application, Canada has built a meaningful presence across the cell and gene therapy pipeline. Specific Biologics, a Toronto company spun out of Western University research, is focused on one of the central limitations of first-generation gene editing: many tools can effectively break genes, but are less good at repairing them precisely. Its platform, called Dualase, uses a two-cut editing system designed to remove and replace errant bits of code more accurately. In diseases caused by repeated stretches of faulty DNA, like Huntington’s, those paired cuts can excise the harmful repetitions entirely. “Gene-editing therapies that restore a genetic sequence precisely have been described as the ‘holy grail’ of gene therapies,” says Specific Biologics CEO Brent Stead.

Other Canadian companies are tackling different problems. Montreal-based Jenthera Therapeutics is developing a CRISPR platform that skips viral delivery systems entirely. The approach, which targets cancer, is designed with the aim of mitigating challenges related to both manufacturing complexity and adverse immune system responses in patients. Toronto’s Mediphage Bioceuticals, meanwhile, is working on synthetic DNA molecules that are easier to redose, a major hurdle with virus-based therapies, which typically can’t be readministered once the immune system recognizes the viral vector.

What happens next?

AMT-130 hasn’t been approved yet, and the trial is small. But the implications may extend far beyond Huntington’s. If scientists can safely deliver genetic instructions deep into the brain and silence a disease-causing gene, the same platform could potentially be adapted for a range of neurological disorders, including ALS and Parkinson’s. Many of these conditions have been hard to treat because the underlying proteins can’t be reached by conventional drugs — either they’re too structurally elusive for traditional pharmaceuticals to latch onto, or they’re tucked behind the blood-brain barrier. Gene therapy offers a possible workaround by targeting the genetic instructions upstream instead.

“It opens up the opportunity to drug the undruggable,” says Harding. “We could be in for an explosion of therapies, of new ways we can treat diseases.”

The pharmaceutical industry is watching closely. Gene therapy has largely targeted rare diseases, but the tools that made AMT-130 possible are now being pointed at some of the most common conditions in medicine.

In May, researchers published the preliminary results of a trial led by Verve Therapeutics, a biotech focused on applying gene editing to cardiovascular disease that was acquired last year by Eli Lilly for more than $1 billion. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed that a single infusion of a gene-editing treatment reduced levels of LDL cholesterol — the bad kind — by as much as 62 per cent in patients with genetically high cholesterol, with effects that appear to persist over time.

Researchers hope the approach could eventually extend to anyone at risk of heart disease, which kills nearly 20 million people around the world each year. A one-and-done treatment for the leading cause of death globally would shift gene therapy from niche medicine to something much larger. nH

Caitlyn Walsh Miller writes about technology for MaRS. Hospital News has partnered with MaRS to highlight Canadian innovations in health.

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Global clinical trial reveals safest, most effective antibiotics for staphylococcal bloodstream infections

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:08 +0700

HN Summary

• An international clinical trial led by researchers including the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre found that cefazolin and benzylpenicillin are safer and as effective as cloxacillin for treating serious staphylococcal bloodstream infections.

• The findings, published in the The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet, showed the alternative antibiotics were associated with lower rates of kidney injury and, in some cases, lower mortality.

• Researchers say the results are expected to change international treatment guidelines and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening bloodstream infections.

A landmark international clinical trial has identified the optimal antibiotics for staphylococcal bloodstream infections, a breakthrough that is set to reshape treatment for the life-threatening condition. The SNAP Trial found that the standard antibiotic, cloxacillin (called flucloxacillin in many countries), should no longer be the drug of choice to treat the infection, revealing that cefazolin and benzylpenicillin offer safer and equally effective alternatives to patients.

The Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform Trial (SNAP Trial), led by researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) and the University of Newcastle in Australia, is the largest international clinical trial ever conducted for Staphylococcus aureus infections involving more than 150 hospitals across more than 14 countries. The multi-centre trial rapidly evaluates different antibiotics and treatment strategies to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes. In Canada, the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) coordinated the trial across six provinces and 32 hospitals.

Staphylococcal infections cause over one million deaths per year. The most serious form of infection is when it enters the bloodstream, with a mortality rate of 15 to 25 per cent. While there are effective antibiotics to treat the bloodstream infections, uncertainty has remained over which treatments lead to the best patient outcomes.

Findings from the SNAP Trial, published simultaneously on June 17 in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and The Lancet, challenge the long-held assumption that cloxacillin should remain the default treatment and provide important new evidence to guide treatment strategy.

“For decades, we have not known the best way to treat this serious infection which affects hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. We were taught that cloxacillin was better based on expert opinion and in vitro data. So it is critical that we now have randomized data that teaches us this thinking was not correct,” says Dr. Todd Lee, co-lead investigator on both papers, a scientist in The Institute’s Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH) Program, infectious diseases and internal medicine physician at the McGill University Health Centre and Professor at McGill University. “International trials like SNAP help ensure that the results are reliable, broadly applicable and capable of changing care on a global scale.”

The NEJM study—Comparing cefazolin and cloxacillin

In the study published in the NEJM, researchers compared antibiotics used to treat methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections. They found that cefazolin is at least as effective as cloxacillin, but associated with fewer side effects and a lower risk of kidney injury.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Professor Steven Tong, an infectious diseases physician at the Doherty Institute and global co-lead investigator of the SNAP Trial, says the results provide clear evidence that cefazolin should be considered the first-line option to treat MSSA bloodstream infections.

“In the treatment of MSSA infections, there is an 89 per cent probability that cefazolin is associated with lower mortality,” says Prof. Tong. “Patients treated with cefazolin fare better, with fewer deaths within 90 days (15 per cent compared to 17 per cent for those who received flucloxacillin). Cefazolin was also associated with fewer cases of acute kidney injury, at 14 per cent, compared to 20 per cent with flucloxacillin.”

“The results are sufficiently compelling that I immediately made the switch in my own clinical practice,” he adds.

The Lancet study—Comparing benzylpenicillin and cloxacillin

In the paper published in The Lancet, the study evaluated whether benzylpenicillin could be used to treat penicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (PSSA) infections where laboratory testing confirmed the susceptibility to penicillin.

Dr. Lee, first author of the NEJM study and senior author of The Lancet study, who led the recruitment of hundreds of patients across Canada, says benzylpenicillin was as effective as cloxacillin and likely safer.

“Patients treated with benzylpenicillin experienced less kidney damage, and mortality was also lower at 14 per cent compared with 22 per cent in the cloxacillin group,” says Dr. Lee.

A shift away from cloxacillin

Researchers say these results mark a turning point in the treatment of MSSA and PSSA bloodstream infections, signalling a shift in clinical practice.

Penicillin was once widely used to treat Staphylococcus aureus, but antibiotic resistance led clinicians to adopt cloxacillin as the standard treatment for MSSA and PSSA infections. In recent years, researchers like Dr. Matthew Cheng at The Institute have described the reemergence of penicillin susceptibility.

The findings support moving away from cloxacillin as the default treatment for MSSA and PSSA infections, given safer and equally effective alternatives are available.

Professor Joshua Davis, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and global co-lead investigator of the SNAP Trial, says some strains are once again susceptible to penicillin, renewing interest in carefully reintroducing older antibiotics.

“These findings show clinicians can confidently use penicillin susceptibility results to guide treatment where laboratory testing is available,” says Prof. Davis.

Lyn Whiteway, a sepsis survivor and patient partner on both trials, welcome the findings.

“The SNAP Trial shows what is possible when patients are truly at the centre of research. These findings will save lives and spare people from unnecessary harm,” says Ms. Whiteway.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Canadian patients who participated in SNAP. Clinical trials are only possible because individuals are willing to contribute to research at a vulnerable moment in their lives. Their participation has generated evidence that will improve care for patients with serious Staph aureus infections today and for many years to come,” says Dr. Emily McDonald, a scientist in The Institute’s IDIGH Program and co-principal investigator of the studies.

The next challenge: translating the findings

Researchers say the next challenge will be translating the findings into routine clinical practice.

While cefazolin availability may need to increase in some countries, researchers say implementation will ultimately depend on hospitals, laboratories and guideline groups incorporating the findings into clinical care.

“By bringing together patients, researchers and hospitals from around the world, we can answer important questions more quickly and with greater confidence than any single centre could on its own,” says Dr. Lee. “Trials generate the evidence, but the next step is making sure that evidence changes practice.”

About the SNAP Trial

• The SNAP Trial is a major Australia-led global clinical study investigating the most effective treatments for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections across all age groups.

• This trial is the world’s largest study ever undertaken to improve treatment for Staphylococcus aureus infections.

• So far in the overarching SNAP Trial, participants have been enrolled in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The trial will continue testing new approaches to improve outcomes for patients facing this serious infection.

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Major international study on respiratory support in critical illness

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:08 +0700

HN Summary

• A major international study led by Scarborough Health Network found that CPAP, high-flow nasal cannula and bilevel non-invasive ventilation can reduce the need for invasive ventilation in critically ill patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.

• The analysis of 44 clinical trials involving more than 9,700 patients also found that CPAP and high-flow nasal cannula may improve survival compared with standard oxygen therapy.

• Researchers say the findings provide stronger evidence to guide critical care decisions and support the early use of non-invasive respiratory therapies to improve patient outcomes.

A new international study led by Dr. Christopher Yarnell, an intensive care physician at Scarborough Health Network (SHN), is helping answer an important question in critical care: what is the most effective way to support patients who are struggling to breathe without needing to use a ventilator?

Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the study is among the most comprehensive analyses to date on non-invasive respiratory support. Drawing on data from 44 clinical trials and more than 9,700 patients worldwide, Dr. Yarnell’s and his co-authors’ research provides valuable clarity for clinicians treating some of the sickest patients in hospital. The study’s first author was Kevin Lee, a medical student at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Peter Reardon and nurse Thecla Kattakkayam from SHN were also co-authors.

Understanding a common and serious condition

The study focuses on acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF), a condition in which the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen to the body. This is a common reason patients are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), accounting for up to 15 per cent of ICU admissions.

Patients with AHRF often need help breathing. In severe cases, this involves invasive ventilation, where a breathing tube is inserted into the airway and connected to a machine to provide oxygen to the lungs when the patient cannot do so adequately on their own. While potentially lifesaving, this approach can come with risks such as infections, physical distress, and longer recovery times.

Whenever possible, clinicians aim to use non-invasive respiratory support, which helps patients breathe using masks or nasal devices. These methods can reduce complications and improve patient comfort, but until now, it has not been entirely clear which non-invasive approach is the most effective for more severe cases.

Dr. Yarnell and his colleagues examined four commonly used non-invasive methods:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which delivers steady air pressure via a tight-fitting face-mask to keep airways open;

• High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), which provides warm, humid oxygen through the nose at high flow rates;

• Bilevel non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), which alternates between higher and lower pressures via a tight-fitting facemask to assist breathing;

• And standard oxygen therapy, where oxygen is delivered at low flows by a loose-fitting mask or nasal prongs.

The findings showed that CPAP, HFNC, and bilevel NIPPV all reduce the need for invasive ventilation compared with standard oxygen therapy. Another finding was that CPAP and HFNC may improve survival. Results were the same in comparable studies that used both specific criteria and case-by-case judgment for switching to invasive ventilation. This means the results apply to real-world critical care contexts.

“Our results show that these therapies are consistently helpful for patients with major breathing problems, regardless of whether intubation decisions are guided by judgment or specific criteria,” shared Dr. Yarnell. “This is very exciting, because it validates the approach we take at SHN. We use CPAP, HFNC, and bilevel NIPPV to try and avoid invasive ventilation while supporting patients during their illness.”

By strengthening confidence in these approaches, the study helps support safer, more effective treatment decisions for critically ill patients.

“This study reinforces what we see at the bedside every day—that thoughtful use of non-invasive respiratory support can meaningfully change a patient’s care journey,” said Dr. Martin Betts, Chief of Critical Care.

“It can give healthcare professionals greater confidence to act early and avoid invasive ventilation when possible, while also reflecting the kind of practice-led research at SHN that is directly shaping how critical care is delivered.”

Building better care through discovery

Dr. Yarnell is a clinician-scientist in SHN’s Department of Critical Care and a researcher with the SHN Research Institute. He is also affiliated with the University of Toronto’s Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine. This latest publication highlights SHN’s growing impact in high-quality clinical research with global reach.

“This work demonstrates how our physicians are contributing to international conversations in critical care,” shared Dr. Samir Grover, Executive Vice President of Academics at SHN. “Dr. Yarnell’s work helps ensure that the care we provide is grounded in the best available evidence, ultimately improving outcomes for patients both here in Scarborough and around the world.”

In addition to its key findings, the study points to areas for future research, including the importance of learning more about whether and when to use invasive ventilation in patients with AHRF. Another observational study led by Dr. Yarnell, currently recruiting patients at all 3 SHN hospitals, aims to address that exact problem.

As SHN continues to expand its research programs, studies like this reflect a broader commitment to advancing patient-centred care through rigorous, impactful science.

By helping clinicians better understand how to support breathing in critically ill patients, Dr. Yarnell is contributing to safer, more effective care for some of the most vulnerable people in the health system, and reinforcing SHN’s role as a leader in research and innovation.

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Helping people breathe easier in a changing climate

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:08 +0700

HN Summary

• In response to the growing challenges from climate change, VCHRI researchers conducted a quality improvement project to develop a Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat Action Plan.

• Project lead Dr. Emily Brigham’s goal was to give people the tools and knowledge needed to protect themselves in extreme heat events.

• The action plan was developed collaboratively with patient partners, CREs, KT specialists and PH experts.

• The team also created a provider guide with evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians.

As wildfires and extreme heat become more frequent, a new action plan helps people with chronic respiratory conditions stay safe and better manage their lung health.

With climate change intensifying, British Columbia is experiencing longer wildfire seasons and more frequent heat waves. These weather events pose serious health risks, particularly for people living with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The 2021 heat dome, which sparked catastrophic wildfires and led to a sharp rise in heat-related hospitalizations and deaths, underscored the urgency of these risks.

To respond to this growing challenge, researchers at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute conducted a quality improvement project developing and testing a written Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat Action Plan. This simple, one-page tool is designed to help people prepare for and respond to smoke or heat events with clear, practical steps.

“As health care providers, we see the impacts of climate change in our practice,” says Dr. Emily Brigham, the project’s lead. “Our goal was to give people the knowledge and tools to protect themselves when smoke and extreme heat threaten their lungs.”

The action plan was developed collaboratively, with input from patient partners, certified respiratory educators (CREs), knowledge translation specialists and public health experts. Patient partners shared lived experience to ensure the tools reflect real-world needs, while CREs — respiratory therapists who support people with chronic lung disease — provided clinical expertise. Together, they helped shape the resource that is available online and has been shared with providers nationally and internationally.

Putting preparedness into practice

Action plans are widely used in the care of patients with asthma or COPD to help individuals living with these diseases recognize symptom changes and respond appropriately, including adjusting medications or seeking care. This new action plan builds on that model by addressing environmental risks.

Patient partners and CREs emphasized the importance of addressing extreme heat alongside wildfire smoke in the plan, noting these events often occur together. They also highlighted the need for accessible formats, leading to the development of both a printable plan and a forthcoming digital version.

“It was important for us to engage patient partners and end users early on,” explains Brigham. “Their perspectives helped make this tool more practical and relevant for everyday use.”

Early feedback has been encouraging. Participants who responded to the team’s survey reported a better understanding of climate-related health risks and increased confidence in taking preventive action. CREs involved in focus groups noted the provider guide was particularly helpful in completing the tool and provided insightful feedback on ways to further optimize the tool and its dissemination for greatest effect on preparedness.

Building climate-ready health care systems

The project highlights the importance of embedding climate preparedness into routine care. By consolidating established evidence into a one-stop resource, the action plan is designed to support people in protecting their health. It also acknowledges that not all recommendations can be implemented by everyone, emphasizing that even small actions can make a meaningful difference.

“Readiness looks different for everyone,” notes Brigham. “We want patients to leave their appointments feeling more prepared than when they arrived.”

The team continues to grow through collaboration, and is continuing to refine the tool and is engaging with organizations including the BC Lung Foundation, Canadian Thoracic Society, Asthma Canada and COPD Canada. Efforts are also underway to adapt the plan to a digital platform, and to consider unique needs and preferences of rural and Indigenous communities.

The action plan is part of a broader effort to integrate climate preparedness into health care delivery. Since its initial pilot in B.C., the team has connected with new partners in British Columbia, and across Canada, the U.S. and Australia, contributing to a growing global effort to address climate-related health risks.

“Climate change is a shared challenge we are all facing, and no one can address it in isolation,” says Brigham. “Our team’s goal is to contribute to solutions that make a positive impact for patients.”

This work was made possible through the contributions of past and present Action Plan project team members, including participants, trainees, patient partners and co investigators. The research team also acknowledges the valuable support of partners involved in the Digital and Indigenous Action Plan projects: Drs. Samir Gupta, Stacey Butler, Femke Hoekstra, Sameh Mortazhejri, Pat Camp and Briony Gray; clinical research educators Jacqueline Turvey and Jerome Beaupre; and Carrier Sekani Family Services.

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One chord at a time: Ukulele program builds connection for people living with dementia

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Researchers at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute found that a 12-week community ukulele program helped people living with dementia build confidence, social connections and a greater sense of belonging.

• Unlike traditional music therapy, the Uke Connect program focused on actively learning a new skill, encouraging participants to play the ukulele, build friendships and work toward a shared public performance.

• Researchers say community-based music programs can help reduce social isolation, challenge stigma and support a better quality of life for people living with dementia.

Over 700,000 people currently live with a neurocognitive disorder or dementia in Canada. With 61% of them living in a community setting, there is a growing need for equitable, person-centred engagement and accessible community programs that challenge stigma and foster inclusion.

A new Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Lillian Hung and University of British Columbia (UBC) biomedical engineering student Jason Fu found that learning music together may help build confidence, social connection and improve quality of life of people living with dementia in the community.

The study reviewed the development and delivery of the 12-week Uke Connect, a community music program launched in partnership with UBC and Burnaby Neighbourhood House. The program provided a supportive learning environment that brought together 15 people living with dementia and three care partners for weekly Uke Connect gatherings. Participants learned how to play the ukulele, practicing simple chords, learning songs and building confidence and relationships with others.

“Music connects people. It is universal,” says Hung. “Music is not and should not be a luxury — it needs to be accessible.”

A program shaped by lived experience

The Uke Connect program welcomed participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and varying cognitive abilities, creating an environment where everyone could participate regardless of musical experience.

Unlike many music programs designed for dementia care in long-term care homes — which often focus on listening or sing-along activities — Uke Connect emphasized active learning. Participants picked up the instrument themselves and learned in real time how to play, showing how learning a new skill can stimulate creativity, coordination and cognitive engagement while strengthening social connection.

The study was based on a co-leadership model, where researchers and people with lived experience work together to test ideas and continually refine programs based on participant feedback. Hung and Fu partnered with Mario Gregorio, a long-time patient partner who lives with dementia, to guide program priorities and decisions related to accessibility, participation and inclusion.

Gregorio challenged traditional assumptions about how research programs engage people living with dementia.

“Mario taught us that participants were not only there to join the program. They should be actively engaged partners in the project,” says Hung.

Many participants arrived unsure whether they could learn an instrument, Hung shares.

“People living with dementia are often hesitant to go out on their own,” she says. “This can lead to social isolation, which is a significant barrier to achieving quality of life for this population.”

But, after attending the first Uke Connect class, many participants kept returning.

Music as a pathway to belonging

Through study feedback, participants reported a shift in how they saw themselves: as active members of a community. And this extended outside of the classroom. Participants encouraged one another to attend Uke Connect each week, calling other participants, who had now become friends, with reminders and invitations.

“Having a sense of agency is powerful,” says Hung. “And not just individual agency, relational agency grown from mutual support.”

The group also worked toward a shared goal of performing together in public. At the end of the program, participants performed in a public space at Metrotown Skytrain Station, sharing their music with passersby in a celebration of connection and visibility.

For Hung, the experience highlights the importance of expanding how dementia research defines success.

“In traditional research, we often measure success by clinical outcomes,” she says. “But participants in the program emphasized different outcomes, which can be equally as important, especially for a group where loneliness has a significant impact on quality of life.”

“Connection, joy and belonging are clear markers that made this project so impactful.”

Hung hopes programs like Uke Connect will further inspire communities to rethink how they support people living with dementia.

“These kinds of programs can build age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities and strengthen intergenerational engagement,” she says. “People living with dementia can still live a very good life. They can learn. They’re important members of society. They belong.”

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Canada should stop the expansion of MAID for mental illness – once and for all

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:07 +0700

What began as a narrowly framed end-of-life exception evolved into a system that places disability at the centre of eligibility debates.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister and federal Ministers of Justice and Health, more than 90 disability and mental health organizations called on Parliament to permanently halt the planned expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAID) for people whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness.

Now, the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying has aligned with that position. The task before MPs and Senators is clear: follow through on the committee’s advice and end the planned expansion permanently.

Over the past decade, Canada’s MAID framework has undergone continual expansion beyond the narrow circumstances originally contemplated by the Supreme Court of Canada in Carter v. Canada. What was presented to Canadians in 2015 as a tightly safeguarded end-of-life exception has steadily broadened through legislative and judicial decisions into a framework where disability and mental illness have become increasingly central to eligibility debates.

In Carter, the Supreme Court struck down the blanket prohibition on assisted dying for competent adults experiencing grievous and irremediable suffering. Parliament’s response through Bill C-14 limited MAID to situations where natural death was “reasonably foreseeable,” reflecting an attempt to balance autonomy with safeguards for vulnerable persons.

That balance shifted following the 2019 Truchon decision, when the reasonably foreseeable death requirement was struck down and the federal government chose not to appeal. Bill C-7 followed in 2021, creating Track 2 MAID for people who are not nearing the end of life. A Senate amendment then added the future expansion of MAID to individuals whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness.

Bill C-7 marked a profound shift in Canada’s MAID framework. What began as a narrowly framed end-of-life exception evolved into a system that increasingly places disability at the centre of eligibility debates.

Critics, including these disability organizations, argue that Track 2 MAID created a separate

legal pathway tied to disability status by allowing eligibility based largely on suffering associated with disability, even where death is not reasonably foreseeable. In practice, the framework creates differential treatment on the basis of disability and singles out disability as a basis for eligibility in ways that continue to raise serious equality-rights concerns under the Charter.

These concerns are intensified by the reality that many disabled Canadians still face major barriers to housing, mental-health care, income security, employment and community supports. Canada should not continue expanding pathways to assisted death while core commitments to disability inclusion remain inadequately implemented.

This concern is particularly significant for many Autistic people and families.

Autism is not classified as a mental illness under the DSM. It is a neurodevelopmental condition. However, many Autistic people experience co-occurring mental-health conditions, often shaped by chronic exclusion, poverty, bullying, isolation and inadequate supports.

Autistic people experience disproportionately high rates of depression and suicidality, while continuing to face barriers to timely mental health care, disability supports, housing and employment. The concern is that broad psychiatric eligibility categories could indirectly place some Autistic people at increased risk within a system that still fails to provide adequate supports for living.

Importantly, Canada’s existing MAID framework already permits access for individuals who may experience mental illness alongside other qualifying medical conditions. The current debate is about something fundamentally different: whether mental illness alone should become sufficient grounds for eligibility.

A country that cannot consistently provide accessible and adequate support cannot conclude that suffering is irremediable.

The government should demonstrate meaningful implementation of the commitments they have already made to disabled Canadians. That includes fully implementing Canada’s Autism Strategy, advancing the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, strengthening community mental-health services and addressing the broader social determinants of health and well-being.

The Special Joint Committee has now done its work. Its recommendation reflects years of testimony from disability organizations, mental health advocates, clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience. MAID for mental illness is not a temporary implementation problem waiting to be solved. It raises fundamental questions about equality, disability rights and how Canada responds to suffering.

The immediate task for Parliamentarians is clear: stop this expansion from becoming law.

The answer to unmet needs, isolation and system failure cannot be assisted death. It must be the supports, care and inclusion that allow people to live with dignity. nH

Jonathan Lai, PhD, is the Executive Director of Autism Alliance of Canada.

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Supporting teens and young adults living with cancer

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:07 +0700

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with and beyond cancer have unique needs and perspectives that clinicians should be aware of when providing health care. A practice article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) provides easy-reference guidance on how to support this demographic of people aged 15 to 39 years.

1. Disrupted milestones — As cancer disrupts milestones in life for adolescents and young adults, clinicians should try to address their unique needs and the effect of disruptions in various stages of development. This should include addressing topics such as fertility, sexual health, and advance care planning.

2. Mental health impacts — Cancer has a mental health impact on all patients. As adolescents and young adults are especially at risk of anxiety and depression, clinicians should regularly screen for mental health challenges and support patients with counselling, referrals, and appropriate medications if relevant.

3. Patient-centred language — Avoid language that might minimize the effect of being diagnosed with cancer and use terms preferred by the patient.

4. Post-treatment support — As most AYAs will live 50 to 60 years after initial treatment, ongoing guideline-aligned follow-up in collaboration with specialists is necessary. Patients may have long-term physical impacts, including potential cancer recurrence.

5. Intersectional identities — Adolescents and young adults have varied identities beyond age, and clinicians should ask about preferred names, pronouns, and other aspects of identity.

“Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer are navigating far more than a diagnosis; they are often managing facing significant life transitions at the same time,” says coauthor Dr. Perri Tutelman, a clinician psychologist and assistant professor, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta. “Clinicians can make a meaningful difference by delivering care that is responsive to each patient’s unique needs, priorities, and identities, and tailored to their stage of development. In this article we explore practical ways that clinicians can do this based on our personal and professional lived experiences.”

CMAJ recently published 2026 cancer trends in Canada and research on the risk of later cancers in people treated for cancer as adolescents and young adults.

“Adolescents and young adults living with and beyond cancer” is published June 22, 2026.

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Female patients with traumatic brain injury less likely to be admitted to trauma centres

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:07 +0700

Female patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are 26% less likely to be admitted to a specialized trauma centre than males, according to a study on data from Ontario published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). This difference persisted even after the researchers accounted for factors such as age, severity of injury, other health conditions, and socioeconomic circumstances.

Traumatic brain injuries, often from falls, are the leading cause of trauma-related death and disability globally.

In this study based on ICES data of 55 606 patients admitted to hospital for TBI in Ontario between April 2009 and March 2020, 39% (21 719) were female. From this total, 18 650 patients were admitted to a specialized trauma centre, with 26% (5666) of females and 38% (12 984) of males admitted. Female patients were much older (median age 78 years) than males (median age 67 years) and were more likely to have dementia and hypertension. By contrast, male patients had higher rates of severe head trauma (33%) than females (25%).

Several factors may contribute to these variations in admission rates.

“First, injuries in female patients are more often associated with lower-energy mechanisms, such as ground-level falls, that may attract less attention and may lead to lower prehospital priority,” writes Dr. Natalia Angeloni, a critical care physician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and PhD student at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, with coauthors. “Second, unconscious (implicit) sex-related bias may contribute to differential recognition of severity of injury.”

As well, smaller numbers of female patients with TBI in research studies may contribute to a narrow understanding of the way trauma presents in females.

The authors suggest more research is needed to understand sex-based discrepancies in trauma care.

“In Ontario, triage performance is suboptimal, with high rates of both overtriage and undertriage, suggesting variability in decision-making, even when standardized guidelines are in place,” say the authors. “Understanding how this variability interacts with sex and gender is critical. The role, if any, of conscious and unconscious bias in clinical decision-making in care of patients with TBI should be explored, as has been done for other clinical conditions; results should guide targeted interventions to reduce the disparities we have identified.”

“Differences in admission to trauma centres by sex among adults with traumatic brain injury: a population-based cohort study” is published June 15, 2026.

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Hantavirus and Ebola virus disease: 10 things to know

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:07 +0700

Two deadly infectious diseases, Ebola and hantavirus, have made headlines in recent weeks as they pose serious threats to public health. They both require rigorous infection and prevention control (IPAC) practices and often present with similar early symptoms.

Two succinct articles in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) provide information about each disease for clinicians.

Hantavirus:

1. A nationally notifiable disease in Canada — In Canada, 4 to 5 cases are confirmed every year and must be reported. These are usually acquired from rodents in agricultural settings in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. The Andes strain is unique as it can be transmitted from person to person.

2. Causes 2 clinical symptoms — Strains in the Americas, which include the Andes virus featured recently in the news, cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. The European and Asian strains cause hemorrhagic fever and kidney dysfunction. Both forms take about 2 to 4 weeks to incubate, and symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and abdominal pain.

3. Serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are diagnostic — The National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg performs these tests.

4. Supportive treatment — As there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus, treatment is supportive to help alleviate symptoms.

5. IPAC protocols are essential — Patients with suspected Andes strain infection must be isolated with airborne, droplet, and contact precautions, with infectious diseases experts involved and public health notified.

Ebola virus disease:

1. Sporadic outbreaks have occurred in Central and West Africa since 1976 — There are 3 main viruses that can infect humans, and evidence suggests they come from fruit bats. Ebola virus is spread via person-to-person contact through bodily fluids like vomit, sperm, diarrhea, and blood, as well as by touching infected surfaces or objects. The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is Bundibugyo ebolavirus, with a fatality rate of 30% to 50%.

2. Fewer than 50% of patients have hemorrhagic symptoms — Symptoms include fever of 38°C or higher, fatigue, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal distress. Incubation is 2 to 21 days, and diagnosis is made with PCR testing.

3. People with potential symptoms and exposure risk should be tested — People who have travelled to countries with Ebola virus disease or who have been in close contact with infected people or bats, primates, or game from the affected areas should be tested.

4. Stringent IPAC must be used for suspected cases — Health Canada has a detailed process for screening, assessment, and IPAC precautions, which must include a fit-tested N95 respirator, face shield, gloves, and fluid-impermeable gear for full protection.

5. Important advances in prevention and management of the disease have been made — Vaccines to prevent Zaire ebolavirus are very effective, and 2 antivirals can reduce mortality from 50% to 35%. However, there are no current vaccines or medications to prevent or treat Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which supportive care is the main approach.

“Hantavirus” and “Ebola virus disease”were published June 22, 2026.

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To curb overprescribing for seniors, researchers urge annual prescription checkups

Edusehat — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:40:07 +0700

To address the growing problem of overprescribing for seniors, a new Canadian guideline is calling for routine medication reviews.

In Canada, roughly two in three adults age 65 or older take five or more medications. While often necessary, complex drug regimens can increase the risk of side effects and affect quality of life.

The study underpinning the guideline – co-led by researchers at McGill University and the University of Toronto and developed by an interdisciplinary panel of experts – aligns with federal legislation calling for a strategy on appropriate medication use.

“We have a significant issue with overprescribing in Canada and globally. Patients taking 10, 15 or even 20 medications are not uncommon” said co-lead author Dr. Emily McDonald, Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine.

Complex drug combinations are rarely studied together and can interact in unpredictable ways, contributing to falls, confusion, bleeding complications and other effects that are often mistaken for normal aging.

As there has been little guidance for clinicians, medication reviews often happen only after a complication arises, she added.

Drawing on evidence from more than 100 clinical trials, the guideline recommends annual medication reviews for adults 65 or older, particularly those taking five or more medications. The goal is to catch unnecessary or potentially harmful prescriptions and, where appropriate, safely reduce or stop them.

The authors also highlight the need for government support to help make these checkups more widely available through physicians, pharmacists and nurse practitioners.

Patients don’t need to wait for their health care provider to initiate a prescription checkup, said McDonald. Seniors taking multiple medications are encouraged to ask for one, using five key questions to guide the discussion.

“Patients should understand their medications and feel empowered to ask whether non-drug options are possible,” said McDonald, who also directs the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network.

The network’s Medication Review Service Finder can help users find publicly funded medication review services in their area.

“Screening for potentially inappropriate prescribing in primary care” by Emily McDonald, Nav Persaud and Aine Workentin et al., was published in Canadian Family Physician. nH

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Hospitalist-led procedure service: A model for community hospitals

Edusehat — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:45:06 +0700

A hospitalist-led procedure service in a community-hospital setting delivered procedures to inpatients faster than specialist-led teams, reducing length of stay without hurting safety—or breaking the bank.

A study in the Journal of Hospital Medicine looked at a hospitalist-led procedure service in two community hospitals in Grand Rapids, Mich. Researchers examined results among patients who received ultrasound-guided paracentesis and thoracentesis between April 2021 and May 2023, comparing procedures performed by an interventional radiology-led team and a hospitalist-led team.

The study found not only that the hospitalist-led team cut delays in the procedures, but they uncovered data about how delays affected length of stay. Here’s an overview of the findings and the effectiveness of the hospitalist-led procedure service in a community hospital setting.

How the service works

Before launching the hospitalist-led procedure service, the two hospitals in the study trained 13 hospitalists over 16 weeks to perform ultrasound-guided paracentesis and thoracentesis. Each hospital is now staffed by a single hospitalist credentialed in procedures who carries roughly one-half of a standard inpatient census while performing procedures. Those hospitalists perform most of the two procedures.

Nearly one-third of the hospitalists on the procedure service reported they had no ultrasound experience. About 40% had ultrasound training or procedural experience during residency, but no experience as attendings.

Length-of-stay reductions

The JHM study found that procedures performed by the hospitalist-led team were associated with a LOS reduction of nearly one day, or 14.8%. The study also found that the delay between when services were ordered and completed dropped from about 34 hours for the specialist-led procedure service to about 13 hours for the hospitalist-led team.

After looking at the data, researchers concluded that the length-of-stay reduction had more to do with the timing of procedures than who was performing the procedures. For every hour between when a procedure was ordered and performed, for example, the data showed a 0.36% increase in LOS.

That meant a 24-hour delay in performing a procedure was associated with an 8.6% increase in LOS. Because the hospitalist-led procedure service was able to reduce turnaround times by about 21 hours, it was able to shave off about one day of LOS in those patients.

The JHM study identified a key factor that likely increased the delay of procedures performed by the interventional radiology-led team: The specialists used a stricter policy for anticoagulation washout for patients on anticoagulant therapies. Researchers said that “clinical holds” created by those strict policies likely created a bottleneck in procedures among the specialist-led team.

The hospitalist-led service, by comparison, used anticoagulation washout guidelines from the Society of Interventional Radiology to determine timing of procedures.

Patient safety and complications

Researchers found that procedures performed by the hospitalist-led team were just as safe as those performed by interventional radiologists. Complication rates were low in both cohorts, the study found, and “consistent with published norms.”

Researchers looked at procedural complications including pneumothorax, major bleeding (defined as the need for red blood cell transfusion within 24 hours of the procedure), transfusion of fresh frozen plasma or platelets, ICU transfer within 24 hours after the procedure, and mortality both at 48 hours and during hospitalization.

Financial impact of a hospitalist-led procedure service

Most previous studies have looked at hospitalist-led procedure services in academic centers staffed by hospitalists with previous experience in procedures. The JHM study, by comparison, looked at a new service with freshly-trained hospitalists working at two community hospitals.

The study concluded that the hospitalist-led unit may be financially feasible for community hospitals because the hospitalists performing procedures retain a half-time patient load. That model could be ideal for community hospitals that don’t have enough demand to justify a full-time proceduralist but have too much demand for a subspecialist team.

Researchers concluded that for community hospitals that can’t afford dedicated proceduralists, “training existing hospitalists to perform procedures and round on hospitalized patients may be the most scalable and cost-effective solution.”

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Pet visits bring “a small moment of home” to long-term care, study finds

Edusehat — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:10 +0700

Nursing researcher identifies mental health benefits for both residents and staff.

Residents in an Edmonton long-term care home are getting regular visits from therapy dogs this summer, thanks to a pilot project designed by University of Alberta nursing researcher Brittany DeGraves.

The project builds on DeGraves’ recently-published research on the feasibility of using animal-assisted programs to benefit both residents and staff.

“Bringing even a small moment of home for the individuals in care homes is addressing not only mental health but also social isolation,” DeGraves says. “No matter what age or what conditions we have, we all deserve to live a life with joy. And I think that’s something that is often missing in long-term care.”

DeGraves cites research that shows 69 per cent of residents in Canadian long-term care homes have dementia and 87 per cent have some form of cognitive impairment.

For her feasibility study, she interviewed 14 long-term care staff, two long-term care residents and two community members, one an animal therapy volunteer and one a person living with dementia.

They agreed that bringing pets into long-term care settings can improve the social isolation, mental health, and well-being of the older adults living there.

“More rigorous research into this potentially important non-pharmacological intervention is urgently needed,” concludes DeGraves, who is a PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr. Carole Estabrooks, principal investigator for the Translating Research in Elder Care Team.

This summer’s pilot project will take a rigorous clinical trial approach, starting in one care home and continuing in another in the fall. Volunteers and their dogs from the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program will visit some residents on a regular basis over six weeks. They will be compared with a group that receives human-only visitation and a usual care group.

“I’ll be looking at the trends in resident outcomes including perceived benefits and measures such as residents’ quality of life from pre- to post-intervention,” she says. “Then hopefully building this into a much larger project with standardized guidance for how these programs should be delivered.”

This is where these older adults are going to live, most of them for the rest of their days. So, let’s make those days enjoyable. Brittany DeGraves

DeGraves, a lifelong “dog person”, first became interested in pet therapy when her grandfather had a stroke. He could no longer recognize his spouse, children or grandchildren. But he lit up when a therapy dog visited his hospital room.

“This was something that reminded him of himself and let us see the man he used to be,” she remembers. “It was a reminder that he was still that person and he deserved to have that little source of happiness, however short it may have been.”

DeGraves saw the impact of pets again when she did a placement in long-term care as a student nurse.

“There were some residents who didn’t really open up to the staff or students, but when the animals came around, their faces just lit up and they finally talked,” she says. “It was so interesting to see that something so small could mean so much.”

She did a term at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, studying Green Care Farms, innovative dementia care facilities where residents participate in daily activities such as cooking, cleaning and animal care as much as they can.

“They had sheep, cows, rabbits and dogs and it was just an eye-opening experience to see not only how happy the residents were, but how independent they felt,” DeGraves says.

DeGraves’ research identifies some barriers to pet therapy programs in long-term care, including some residents’ fear of animals, allergies, and concern about potential injury or infection.

In order to overcome these barriers, she suggests good communication with the residents, their families and staff in advance of visits, making sure the visits are regularly scheduled and carried out on a one-to-one basis, and ensuring that pets and volunteers are well-screened.

DeGraves’ ultimate goal is to see pet therapy as part of standard care for residents of long-term care homes in Canada.

“Let’s recognize that these individuals had a life before this, so what can we bring that reminds them of their life, that brings them into the present, and that gives them consistent moments of joy?” she asks.

“This is where these older adults are going to live, most of them for the rest of their days. So, let’s make those days enjoyable.”

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Southlake Health opens new outdoor patio for mental health patients

Edusehat — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:10 +0700

Patients will be able to safely access fresh air, natural light and nature as part of their care journey.

Southlake Health has officially opened a new outdoor patio designed specifically for patients receiving inpatient mental health care, creating a safe and therapeutic environment that promotes comfort, connection and access to nature.

“Access to outdoor space plays an important role in the healing experience,” said Mahdi Memarpour, MD, Chief of Psychiatry at Southlake Health. “Southlake’s new patio gives patients the opportunity to step outside in a safe and therapeutic setting that supports their care journey and overall mental wellness.”

Located on the third floor of Southlake’s West Building, the 2,900-square-foot seasonal patio provides patients with safe, direct access to fresh air, natural light, and the outdoors. The thoughtfully designed patio features a variety of seating areas for quiet reflection and social connection, along with planters filled with seasonal flowers and greenery that bring nature into this new healing environment. With a primarily southern exposure and open views through glass safety partitions, the space offers patients a welcoming outdoor setting, while maintaining necessary safety measures.

“More than 1,500 patients who receive inpatient mental health care at Southlake each year will benefit from the new therapeutic patio,” said Katrina Scott, Director, Mental Health Program at Southlake Health. “This important enhancement reflects Southlake’s commitment to continually improving the patient experience and advancing mental health care.”

The patio was made possible through the generosity of donors who supported Southlake Health Foundation’s Better Begins Today Mental Health Campaign. Community support helped fund more than $7.5 million in purpose-built, healing spaces for Southlake’s Mental Health Program, providing privacy, dignity and support when patients need it most. Southlake Health Foundation extends special gratitude to Michael and Sharon Croxon for their long-standing philanthropic leadership and meaningful support of the Better Begins Today Campaign to help empower Southlake to make these transformative upgrades.

“Since the initial launch of the Better Begins Today Campaign, through to this final piece of vital expansion, our generous and thoughtful donor community has helped to transform the patient experience in our Mental Health Program,” said Jennifer Ritter, President and CEO of Southlake Health Foundation. “Every patient who walks through our doors seeking hope and healing in their most vulnerable moments feels the impact of donor generosity in the spaces they have helped create. From the NewRoads Automotive Group Emergent Mental Health Assessment Unit to our expanded Adult Inpatient Mental Health Unit, to the creation of this new outdoor patio space, I hope every person in our communities who generously supported this Campaign feels great pride in the impact they have made for our loved ones, friends, and neighbours.”

Over the next decade, Southlake will transform into a Distributed Health Network (DHN) that includes a redeveloped Davis Drive campus in Newmarket. Updates like the new patio help Southlake continue to deliver leading edge care, close to home, while planning for the DHN is ongoing.

QUICK FACTS

Southlake’s experienced team of psychiatrists, nurses, child and youth counselors and other allied health providers care for more than 2,000 patients each year, supporting their recovery and mental wellness.
In 2023, Southlake opened a new 12-bed adult inpatient mental health unit, increasing mental health capacity to support more patients. With special furnishing, the units are tailored to meet the unique needs of mental health patients.

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Ricoh Canada referral management technology to be implemented in Ontario

Edusehat — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:50:09 +0700

Ricoh Canada Inc. has entered into an agreement to support Ontario Health’s Central Intake implementation across multiple regions of the province.

Central intake models, sometimes referred to as single point of access models, are designed to receive, triage and route referrals centrally to the appropriate clinical setting. In Ontario Health’s, Ricoh’s referral management technology will support this model through centralized intake hubs.

Ricoh’s referral management technology supports digital workflows for referral intake, information capture, data validation and workflow visibility.

“Ricoh is pleased to support Ontario Health’s Central Intake implementation across multiple regions,” said Kartik Rajan, VP, Digital Services, Ricoh Canada Inc.
Modernizing referral management across Ontario

Referral management has often relied on manual processes and multiple hand-offs between referring providers, hospitals, and specialty clinics.
Central Intake is intended to support more consistent receipt, processing, and routing of referrals.
Ricoh’s referral management technology supports intake and routing workflows by capturing and directing referral documentation to the appropriate systems and teams.
Ricoh’s role in Central Intake is part of its broader healthcare services portfolio, which includes workflow automation, enterprise content management, IT services and managed services.

“Central Intake is one example of the use of digital workflow tools in healthcare operations,” added Kartik.

For 90 years since our founding, Ricoh has upheld its mission and vision of empowering individuals to find Fulfillment through Work—and that commitment continues today. By understanding and transforming how people work, we unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future.

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

Ricoh is a global integrator in workplace transformation, operating in approximately 200 countries and regions and headquartered in Tokyo. Supporting customers’ value creation, Ricoh offers workplace services and solutions that empower organizations to work smarter through advanced technologies—including AI— together with long-standing expertise rooted in printing. Ricoh also operates commercial and industrial printing businesses and delivers new solutions leveraging inkjet technology. In the financial year ended March 2026, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,608 billion yen (approx. 16.4 billion USD).

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Largest gift in University of Alberta’s history continues historic partnership transforming women’s and children’s health

Edusehat — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:55:09 +0700

A $93.5-million commitment and 30-year collaboration is advancing research shaped by patients and improving care for families.

WCHRI member Samina Ali, professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at the U of A, is working with a parents’ advisory board to inform pain management protocols for child patients. (Photo: Laughing Dog Photography)

Kayla Sinnamon knew her newborn daughter was in pain — she just didn’t know how to help her.

Sinnamon’s daughter, Natalie, was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid to build up inside the brain. Natalie underwent surgery at eight days old to have a shunt installed, but the procedure cascaded into a complication-ridden seven-week stay at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. Every day, Sinnamon watched her daughter’s tiny body writhe, and eventually seize, with the discomfort of each new needle.

Sinnamon knew the needles were necessary, but she wondered: “How can we do it in a way that’s better for her?”

She didn’t know it at the time, but researchers at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) and the hospital’s medical team were already finding answers to her question.

Kayla Sinnamon (second right) and her family have seen the positive difference health research through WCHRI can make since Kayla’s daughter Natalie (centre) underwent complicated surgery as a baby. (Photo: Hello Public)

Based at the University of Alberta, WCHRI is Canada’s only research institute dedicated to investigating women’s, children’s and perinatal health. It operates through a partnership with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation and Alberta Health Services.

Today, that partnership is making history. The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation announced a landmark gift of $93.5 million to WCHRI over the next 10 years — the largest gift in the U of A’s history. This commitment marks the third consecutive decade of the collaboration, adding to the foundations’ combined support of more than $112 million since 2006.

WCHRI executive director Sandra Davidge says the renewed partnership reflects the organizations’ goals of bringing research-driven change to patients.

“It reinforces that children and women’s health is not a niche interest but a top-tier academic and clinical priority,” Davidge says.

Sandra Davidge, executive director of WCHRI (left), with trainee Angie Stokes. Davidge says the landmark commitment from the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation will support work for women and children traditionally overlooked in health research. (Photo: Katrina Grey)

U of A president and vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan notes that the university has the research expertise, infrastructure and talent necessary to translate scientific discovery into improved care for patients and families. Such transformational progress, he says, does not happen in isolation.

“It is built through strong, sustained partnerships,” Flanagan says. “Together, we are advancing a future where health is more than the absence of illness. It is the opportunity for every woman and child to thrive. Supported by this historic gift, we are shaping the wellness of generations to come.”

The partnership has supported the research of clinician-scientists such as Samina Ali, a pediatric emergency physician at the Stollery Children’s Hospital whose research focuses on reducing children’s pain and distress in the hospital. In 2025, under Ali’s leadership, the Stollery became certified by ChildKind International — a distinction shared by only 20 others worldwide that recognizes the hospital’s use of evidence-informed practices to alleviate pain in its young patients. Following Natalie’s hospital stay, Ali recruited Sinnamon to a parents’ advisory board that helps inform the hospital’s new pain management protocols.

Natalie is now a thriving six-year-old, and Sinnamon, now a peer-support volunteer at the hospital, sees the tangible difference this research has made. Children can now inhale nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during painful procedures, for instance, and mothers can choose to breastfeed while their babies have blood drawn.

Seeing the real-life impact of such research breakthroughs motivated the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation’s most recent $70-million commitment to WCHRI.

“Through WCHRI, we’re able to support clinicians and researchers who are pushing the boundaries of children’s health and turning bold ideas into real breakthroughs,” says Karen Faulkner, president and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Sharlene Rutherford, president and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, has witnessed the partnership generate powerful results far beyond the province, and is proud to support a $23.5-million commitment over the next 10 years.

“The gap in women’s health is a national concern, but we can be the generation that closes it,” Rutherford says, sharing a striking statistic: Only seven per cent of health research in Canada is specific to women’s conditions and diseases. As a result, women are often left with more questions than answers about their health.

Sarah Chambers knows this feeling too well. After the Edmonton resident was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), her family doctor didn’t have much medical advice to share beyond what would be useful if she were trying to have a baby.

Sarah Chambers says taking part in a clinical trial helped her manage her PCOS and finally feel she had control over her body. She went on to help WCHRI researcher Donna Vine develop two information resources now being used by doctors and patients in more than 30 countries. (Photo: Hello Public)

WCHRI researcher Donna Vine, however, has upended the misconception that PCOS is mainly a reproductive condition. After finding that women with PCOS are three times more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Vine is now operating clinical trials with patients from the Lois Hole Hospital for Women to establish methods of detecting and treating these diseases.

Chambers finally came to understand the steps she can take to manage her PCOS after enrolling in one of Vine’s clinical trials. Later, Vine consulted Chambers as she developed two resources: one guiding doctors in diagnosing and treating the condition, the other explaining the process to PCOS patients. Today, these resources are being used in more than 30 countries. Chambers says the experience helped her finally feel she had control over her body.

As WCHRI’s Davidge says, Sinnamon’s and Chambers’ experiences are just two examples of how this landmark gift will enable the U of A and its partners to continue empowering women and children traditionally overlooked by health research.

“With our strategic funding partners, researchers and health-care teams, we aren’t just closing these gaps — we’re creating limitless potential for the future of children’s and women’s health around the world.”

Learn more about how WCHRI is transforming lives to help women and children thrive

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World-first burn treatment with “absolutely remarkable” results performed at leading Canadian hospital

Edusehat — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:20:11 +0700

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) burn experts are the first in the world to use a novel biological treatment to save the face of a young woman who was severely burned in a London, Ontario house fire last December.

The treatment used exosomes – tiny particles released by cells that carry signals from one cell to another to help coordinate rapid healing and tissue repair and reduce inflammation. The particles are collected, typically from lab-grown cells, and injected into the injured areas to accelerate healing – much more so than the current standard of skin grafting, which can leave scarring and a patch-like appearance.

Exosomes have been studied for years as part of burn research, but not yet in humans. Clinical trials involving humans have used exosomes for other types of wound healing, with promising results.

Exosome Burn Procedure – Dr. Marc Jeschke & Kaitlin Jeffrey – HGH

Western University student Kaitlin Jeffrey, 18, of Toronto, received the innovative treatment and healed faster, and with better results, than another young student whose burns from that same fire were serious, but not as severe. The other student wasn’t a candidate for exosome treatment because their injuries did not require skin grafting.

“My vision for Kaitlin was to avoid skin graft surgery to her face and neck at any cost,” says Dr. Marc Jeschke, vice president of research and innovation at HHS, burn surgeon and researcher, and a global authority on burns, who performed Jeffrey’s surgery. Dr. Jeschke is also a professor of surgery at McMaster University, HHS’s key academic partner.

Dr. Jeschke is also the medical director of the regional burn program at HHS’ Hamilton General Hospital – one of Ontario’s two regional burn centres where the most seriously injured patients in the province are treated. Co-located on the Hamilton General Hospital campus is HHS’ Centre for Burn Research, where teams are leading medical advancements and research into burn treatment, including exosome therapy.

After getting the green light from Jeffrey and her parents, Jeschke sent an urgent application to Health Canada to try exosome therapy on compassionate grounds. Receiving no objection, Jeschke and his HHS team became the first in the world to perform this treatment on a burn patient. Jeffrey’s two treatments, which took place several days apart, used one trillion exosomes sourced from the United States.

“You can do the best graft on the planet, but you won’t return the skin to normal. And, for a young person, a skin graft to the face and neck can be absolutely devastating,” he says.

“It’s honestly a miracle,” Jeffrey says of results with respect to her face. “Being injured in the fire has also had deep impact on my mental health, and it’s something I’m continuing to deal with. But having such good results, particularly to my face, is helping me move forward.”

Jeffrey and her family are extremely grateful to Dr. Jeschke and the entire burn centre team. With further research, Jeschke hopes the world-first treatment will become the new standard of care for burn patients in Canada and beyond.

“Like Dr. Jeschke, my family and I would love to see exosome therapy become the standard of care for patients like myself in Canada, so that when horrific things happen, it doesn’t change people’s lives forever,” says Jeffrey.

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Is nursing job satisfaction falling (again)?

Edusehat — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:05:07 +0700

Key Takeaways

A 2026 survey found that job satisfaction among nurses dropped for the first time since the pandemic.
Contributing to a drop in satisfaction, more than half of nurses experienced verbal threats or aggressive language in the past year.
Nearly half of nurses—41%—said “financial necessity” kept them on the job and in the specialty.

After nursing job satisfaction reached a low during the pandemic before rebounding, nurses are once again raising alarm bells in a survey on their attitudes toward the profession.

The data come from the 2026 State of Nursing Survey, which is conducted by Nurse.org. This year’s survey found that after three consecutive years of gains on most metrics, growth in satisfaction levels among nurses has stalled or reversed.

The number of nurses who said they’re likely to leave the bedside has grown, for example, and the number of nurses who say they are likely to leave the profession entirely jumped by nearly 50% in the last year.

Here’s a look at the main findings from the 2026 State of Nursing Survey.

Nursing job satisfaction

In 2025, the survey found that following the pandemic, job satisfaction nearly doubled from 28% in 2022 to 55% in 2025. This year, that number dropped to 47%.

The highest levels of nurse job satisfaction were seen among nurse educators (68%) and NICU nurses (66%). At the low end, 23% of progressive care nurses and 31% of geriatric nurses said they were satisfied with their job. Low satisfaction ratings also came from emergency nurses (35%) and telemetry nurses (34%).

The survey also noted that 2026 marked the first time since 2022 that nursing job satisfaction hadn’t improved on the survey.

Will you leave the bedside in the next year?

Nearly half (43%) of nurses in the survey said they are likely to leave the bedside in the next year. That’s an increase from 39% in last year’s survey.

Will you leave nursing in the next year?

Nearly one-quarter (23%) of nurses in the survey said they’re likely to leave the profession within the next year. That’s up from 15% in last year’s survey, or a jump of nearly 50%.

Why are nurses staying on the job?

Nearly half of nurses—41%—said “financial necessity” kept them on the job and in the specialty. Schedule convenience was identified by 32% of nurses as a motivating factor, while 28% said commitment to patient care kept them going. Only 8% of nurses said they stayed on the job because of support from management/leadership.

Are you happy with your decision to become a nurse?

The percentage of respondents who said they were happy with their decision to become a nurse—68%—remained the same as in last year’s survey.

Would you recommend a career in nursing?

The number of nurses who said they would recommend a nursing career to friends or family remained steady at 47%.

Has staffing on your unit improved?

When it came to staffing issues, 42% of nurses said staffing had worsened in their unit over the past year. By comparison, 8% said it had improved,

Working conditions for nurses

Just under half of nurses in the survey (42%) said their working conditions had worsened, while 8% reported conditions had improved.

Threats in the workplace

More than half of nurses (52%) said they experienced verbal threats or aggressive language in the past year.
More than one in four nurses (27%) reported being physically assaulted.
10% of nurses said they experienced sexual harassment or unwanted sexual contact.
34% of nurses said they do not feel safe from violence in their workplace.

Financial outlook for nurses

One-quarter of nurses (25%) said their paycheck barely covers or doesn’t cover their “essential” monthly expenses.
Just under half (49%) of nurses said their paycheck barely covers essential expenses, but only with careful budgeting.
Only 20% of nurses said they are financially comfortable, and 37% said they couldn’t cover an unexpected expense of $1,000 without going into debt.
37% of nurses said financial pressure forced them to work extra shifts or overtime in the previous 12 months.
About 25% of nurses said they had a secondary source of income, typically from additional nursing jobs.

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From discovery to care: Advancing precision health for children and youth

Edusehat — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:15:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Holland Bloorview is

advancing precision health for children and youth, moving beyond diagnosis to personalized care based on biology, environment, and lived experience.

• Researchers are leveraging genomics, AI, and large datasets to better match interventions, therapies, and supports to each child’s unique needs.

• National collaborations and clinical trials are helping translate research into real-world solutions, improving outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental differences and disabilities.

Children and youth with neurodevelopmental differences, brain injuries and other childhood-onset disabilities can have different needs and experience very different outcomes, even when they share the same diagnosis.

Increasingly, researchers and clinicians are recognizing that more personalized approaches to care may better reflect the biological, clinical and lived-experience factors that shape health and well-being. This is called precision health.

At the Bloorview Research Institute (BRI), Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview), researchers are advancing precision health approaches through genomics, data science, rehabilitation research and individualized models of care.

Precision health at BRI

According to BRI’s 2023-2030 strategic priorities, precision health is “a proactive and personalized approach to care where interventions, services and accommodations are informed by each individual’s biology and environment, including their genetics, neurobiology, clinical presentation and sociodemographic context.”

Rather than focusing on diagnosis alone, researchers at BRI are looking beyond labels to better understand the variability within and across individuals to support more personalized interventions and supports.

“It is not always the diagnostic labels that will help us understand what interventions, therapies and services one may mostly benefit from … but their individual characteristics,” says Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, vice president of research at Holland Bloorview and director of BRI.

Using genomics and AI to support personalized approaches

In 2025, Holland Bloorview joined the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI), a national genomics effort supported by Genome Canada that aims to sequence 100,000 genomes representing the diversity of Canada’s population.

Through this initiative, Holland Bloorview and collaborators are working to create one of Canada’s largest genomic datasets focused on childhood-onset disabilities including neurodevelopmental differences, mental conditions, brain injury.

Researchers at BRI are also exploring how AI and advanced analytics may support more personalized approaches to care and intervention.

Looking beyond genetics alone

At BRI, precision health research extends beyond genomics alone. Researchers are examining how biology intersects with behaviour, lived experience and socio-environmental factors to better understand which interventions and supports may work best for different children and youth.

For example, researchers at BRI are also exploring how AI and advanced analytics may support more personalized approaches to care and intervention.

Leveraging the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network, researchers are using research and clinical data to develop personalized medical interventions for neurodiverse children and youth. Researchers including Dr. Azadeh Kushki, senior scientist and associate chief of data science and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Neurodiversity and Personalized Health, and Dr. Danielle Baribeau, clinician scientist and psychiatrist, are exploring how AI-informed approaches may support more personalized mental health care for neurodivergent children and youth. This includes exploring how data-informed approaches may support medication decision-making.

“Combining our large datasets with advanced analytics, we are working on moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to care that is personalized to the uniqueness of each child.” says Dr. Kushki.

This work is also influencing rehabilitation research and clinical trial design.

Holland Bloorview is a lead site within the Kids and Beyond Neurodevelopmental Trials Network (KINDtrials), a national clinical trials network bringing together researchers, families, advocacy organizations and industry partners to advance therapies and supports for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions and brain injury.

“KINDtrials was created to speed up the path from discovery to solutions that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” says Dr. Anagnostou.

Researchers at BRI are also developing personalized rehabilitation technologies and interventions. For example, Dr. Elaine Biddiss, senior scientist at BRI, and her team are developing personalized, video game-based motor therapies for children with movement challenges that can be used in homes and clinical settings.

Building more personalized models of care

As health systems increasingly adopt data-driven and personalized approaches to care, researchers say it is important that children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences are represented in precision health research.

Through initiatives spanning genomics, brain imaging, physical and mental health insights, rehabilitation research and clinical trials, Holland Bloorview is helping lead and convene researchers, clinicians, health-system partners, families and communities around more personalized approaches to care. Together, these efforts aim to improve health and well-being outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences.

By Priyanka Shah

By Priyanka Shah, Manager, Research Communications, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

The post From discovery to care: Advancing precision health for children and youth appeared first on Hospital News.

Matching life saving transplants inside UHN’s Transplant Immunology Lab

Edusehat — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:05:09 +0700

HN Summary

• UHN’s Transplant Immunology Lab plays a critical role in matching donor organs and stem cells, ensuring safe and successful transplants.

• Using advanced HLA testing and antibody screening, the team helps prevent organ rejection and improve long-term transplant outcomes.

• Their work extends beyond surgery, providing ongoing monitoring and support for transplant patients for life.

In a lab most people will never see, a team of specialists is quietly matching donor organs and stem cells to patients in need of transplants.

The work is fast — often happening overnight — meticulous and often out of sight to the patients whose lives depend on it.

As part of UHN’s Laboratory Medicine Program, the Transplant Immunology Lab — formally known as the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory (HLA Lab) — combines science, precision and care to ensure every organ and stem cell transplant at UHN is safe before a surgery moves forward.

Without the lab’s immunological testing and Human Leukocyte Antigens matching, a transplanted organ or stem cell risks rejection by the recipient’s immune system, causing severe and even life-threatening complications.

“We find the best donor for our patient population so that they’ll have the longest, most successful transplant possible,” says Dr. Jeffrey Kiernan, Director of the Transplant Immunology Lab.

“Each year, our team supports over 900 solid organ transplants and over 200 stem cell transplants, from kidneys and lungs to cutting-edge procedures like stem cell transplants.”

The work underpins the life-saving procedures at UHN’s Ajmera Transplant Centre, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive transplant program recognized for its world-class care.

A look inside the lab where matches are made

Together, the Lab’s team of directors, lab technologists, medical lab assistants and administrative staff use highly specialized laboratory processes and tools to determine whether a donor organ can be safely accepted by a patient.

At the core of the lab’s work is the analysis of Human Leukocyte Antigens — tiny protein “ID tags” on the surface of cells that help your immune system know the difference between what belongs in your body and what does not.

The lab process begins by testing DNA samples to determine the HLA tags of both the donor and patient.

“In transplant medicine, these immune markers are everything. The better the HLA match, the higher the chance of a successful transplant,” says Dr. Kiernan.

The HLA matchmaking process for solid organ transplants works a slightly different way. Through a combination of molecular testing and HLA typing, antibody screening and cross-matching, the team not only determines whether a donor and recipient are compatible, but also whether a recipient has antibodies that would attack a specific donor organ.

“With solid organ transplants, we’re not looking for a perfect match in the sense that they’re identical,” says Michael Naglich, Supervisor, and former Senior Laboratory Technologist in the lab.

Iris Grilo, a medical laboratory technologist at UHN’s Transplant Immunology Lab performs Human Leukocyte Antigens testing, a critical step in determining whether a donor and patient are safely matched. (UHN)

“We’re looking for recipients that do not have opposing antibodies. We’re also checking HLA markers to look for a donor that doesn’t trigger a harmful immune response when matched with the patient’s HLA markers. That’s what makes a transplant safe.”

Once the testing is complete, the results are shared with Trillium Gift of Life Network — the provincial agency that coordinates organ and tissue donation and matching — before being shared with transplant surgeons and teams at UHN.

Beyond UHN’s walls, the lab provides testing and supports transplant teams at St. Michael’s Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. From there, co-ordination between the teams at each hospital moves quickly to prepare for transplant surgery.

“We have very thorough quality controls and rigorous standards,” says Naglich. “What I value most is the close collaboration we have with the teams we deal with. Unlike many labs where you rarely interact directly with the clinical side outside of the lab, here we have that direct interaction with transplant physicians and coordinators across the city.”

The team also supports other Transplant Immunology Labs across the province by providing expertise and access to specialized testing tools and guidance that smaller health centres may not have.

Continuing care beyond the transplant

A patient’s immunology testing doesn’t end after the surgery. The lab continues to test and monitor patients for years after their transplant to continue tracking immune responses and watching for signs of rejection.

“Even after a transplant is completed, there’s still a risk that the patient may develop antibodies and begin to reject the organ over time. Our job is to stay ahead of that so we continue regularly monitoring the patient after transplant for life,” says Dr. Kiernan.

“We’re here for as long as they need us.”

The post Matching life saving transplants inside UHN’s Transplant Immunology Lab appeared first on Hospital News.

Physician shortage: What will the hospitalist shortage look like in 10 years?

Edusehat — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:00:08 +0700

New data show that the country’s physician shortage will continue to rise, leaving a gap of nearly 140,000 physicians by 2038. But some specialties—and some regions of the country—will actually have a surplus of physicians.

Data from the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis show that the physician workforce will go from a projected shortage of 113,380 physicians in 2028 to 141,160 in 2038. That gap between the number of physicians the country needs and actually has will grow from 11% in 2028 to 12% in 2038.

While the U.S. will face a shortage of more than 141,000 physicians in 2038, the problem will be most acute in several southern states. Florida, for example, will face a shortage of more than 32,000 physicians by 2038, and Texas will see a shortage of 24,450.

Those data reflect the trend that nonmetropolitan parts of the country will continue to see the greatest physician shortages. Those areas will have only 42% of the physician workforce they need (a shortage of 58%) compared to metro areas, which will face a shortage of 5% by 2038.

Physician shortage by specialty

Thirty of the 35 physician specialties profiled in the report are projected to have shortages in 2038. Five specialties are projected to have a surplus of physicians. Here’s a look at the top five in each category.

Five specialties with biggest shortages in 2038

Vascular surgery: 66%.

Ophthalmology: 72%.

Thoracic surgery: 73%.

Plastic surgery: 74%.

Family medicine: 76%.

Five specialties with a surplus of physicians in 2038

Emergency medicine: 116%.

Critical care/pulmonology: 112%.

Endocrinology: 109%.

Neonatology: 106%.

Neurology: 104%.

Hospitalist shortage

In 2038, the data say there will be a projected 39,590 hospitalists. That will leave a shortage of 11,380, meaning that the country will have 78% of the hospitalists it needs, or a shortage of 22%.

For 2023, by comparison, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis says there was a shortage of 2,860 hospitalists, or enough to meet 93% of the nation’s need. By 2026, the shortage of hospitalists had already grown to 5,350, meeting 88% of the nation’s need. While the shortage continues to grow in raw numbers through 2038, the gap as a percentage hovers around the high 80 percent mark.

In 2038, the biggest shortage of hospitalists will be in Florida; the state will have 2,500 out of 4,030 hospitalists it needs, or 62%. Texas will have the second biggest shortage, with 2,860 out of 4,180 hospitalists it needs, or 68%.

Percentage-wise, states with the biggest shortage in 2038 will include Mississippi (with 48% of needed hospitalists), Oklahoma (49%) Kentucky (52%) and Alabama (51%).

Vermont, on the other hand, will have 130 hospitalists when it needs 90, giving the state the biggest surplus (144%). Connecticut comes in a close second, with physician workforce projections saying the state will have 133% of needed hospitalists (640 out of 480).

Other states with projected surpluses of hospitalists in 2038 include Massachusetts (128%), Hawaii (110%), New York (107%) and North Dakota (100%).

Physician supply by specialty in 2038 (percent of projected need)

All physicians: 88%.

Vascular surgery: 66%.

Ophthalmology: 72%.

Thoracic surgery: 73%.

Plastic surgery: 74%.

Family medicine: 76%.

Hospital medicine: 78%.

Allergy and immunology: 83%.

Anesthesiology: 83%.

General internal medicine: 83%.

Geriatrics: 84%.

Pathology: 84%.

Cardiology: 85%.

Nephrology: 85%.

Physical medicine/rehabilitation: 85%.

Ob-gyn: 86%.

Pediatrics: 86%.

Otolaryngology: 87%.

Radiation oncology: 87%.

Neurological surgery: 89%.

Orthopedic surgery: 88%.

Radiology: 90%.

General surgery: 91%.

Infectious diseases: 91%.

Rheumatology: 91%.

Dermatology: 95%.

Hematology/oncology: 96%.

Colorectal surgery: 98%.

Gastroenterology: 98%.

Neurology: 104%.

Neonatology: 106%.

Endocrinology: 109%.

Critical care/pulmonology medicine: 112%.

Emergency medicine: 116%.

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Using real-time brain signals to predict and prevent attention lapses in kids

Edusehat — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:20:13 +0700

Key Findings

• In children with epilepsy, researchers used machine learning and intracranial recordings to discover a signal that predicted attention lapses.

• Stimulating the brain at precise moments helped children keep their focus despite difficult tasks.

• A non-invasive pulse to that same target spot also significantly improved reaction time and accuracy.

These first in-human findings offer a precision new path to help children maintain attention.

Inside a world-leading deep brain stimulation program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), researchers have discovered a brain signal that predicts when a child is about to lose attention — and that a brief, targeted intervention in response to that signal can restore their focus.

Their study, published in Nature Neuroscience, represents the first time this approach for attention control has been studied in people.

“Few aspects of the human experience are as integral as attention,” says lead author Dr. George Ibrahim, neurosurgeon and Senior Scientist in the Neurosciences & Mental Health program. “It shapes our perceptions, memories and interactions, but what happens when it is compromised?”

While fluctuations in attention are natural, disruptions in “attentional flexibility” that occur in youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have negative behavioural, psychosocial and academic consequences. Medications used today are limited in their impact because, up to now, we didn’t know exactly how attention lapses happen nor which neural networks in the brain are involved.

Unique study offers new insights in the brain

The study began first with an attentional set-shifting task — which measures how attention shifts between stimuli — in a group of 30 children with epilepsy, a condition that significantly raises one’s risk for ADHD.

The team performed intracranial recordings, in which electrodes record directly from the depth of the brain, enabling them to monitor neural activity in milliseconds. At the same time, they used machine learning models to predict fluctuations in attention — which is a world-first. Through the models, they pinpointed a specific pattern of brain activity that anticipated slow or fast attention shifts in all children over several days.

“We were amazed to detect a signature in the brain that arose just before each child’s attention shifting performance was delayed,” says Dr. Nebras Warsi, first author and paediatric neurosurgeon-scientist studying in the Ibrahim Lab. “With precision electrical stimulation right at these moments in time, every child stayed engaged despite the difficult tasks and performed them faster and more accurately.”

During 20- to 30-minute tasks, they monitored the children’s performance through eye-tracking, reaction time and accuracy to spot lapses in attention. The brief electrical stimulation saved their attention only when delivered right at exact moments; when delivered at other times, the participant’s performance declined.

In short: timing was everything.

Study participant Skylar answering questions with brainwave recording at right.

Expanding scope to other children

Could the same results be expected in other children without epilepsy? To find out, the researchers used non-invasive magnetoencephalography imaging in 37 typically developing kids and 25 with ADHD.

By targeting that same signal in their brains, researchers could once again predict attention delays. Next, they used noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) and found that one pulse, delivered to that target area, led to sig1nificantly improved reaction time and accuracy. This time with a simple EEG cap and TMS coil, with no need for intracranial brain electrodes.

This suggests long-term potential for non-invasive tools that could support attention right when it’s needed most.

While these technologies are still in their early days, Ibrahim says this opens a promising new direction for understanding attention challenges and being able to advance Precision Child Health at SickKids, and around the world, by supporting each child in an individual way.

“Many people are studying neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in adults, but very few people are expanding into paediatrics,” says Ibrahim, who is also the Abe Bresver Chair in Functional Neurosurgery. “We need to ethically advance possible therapies for children and youth and, to do that, we need to understand neural circuitry. The potential to change the lives of so many children is profoundly important.”

The post Using real-time brain signals to predict and prevent attention lapses in kids appeared first on Hospital News.

Physician career satisfaction: How do hospitalists compare?

Edusehat — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:00:07 +0700

When it comes to career satisfaction for physicians, how do hospitalists compare to other specialties on factors like burnout, feeling valued and plans to leave their job?

A new report from the AMA found that hospitalists posted slightly better scores in some categories and slightly worse in others. And perhaps not surprisingly, hospitalists posted the worst numbers in the category of hours worked per week.

For medicine overall, physicians reported improved scores on most measures since 2024, with job stress dropping 2.2% and burnout decreasing 1.3%.The number of physicians who felt valued by their organization jumped 1.7% since 2024, and their intent to leave their current practice dropped 0.8%.

Here’s a look at the data from the AMA’s latest Organization Biopsy report.

Job satisfaction: “Are you satisfied with your current job?”

All physicians: 77%.

Hospitalists: 76.3%.

Satisfaction rates were lowest for emergency physicians (71.3%) and highest for ob/gyns (80.8%) and pediatricians (80.0%).
The numbers were slightly higher for male physicians (78.6%) than female physicians (77.1%).
Scores were higher for part-time physicians (78.1%) than full-timers (76.0%).
Among all physicians, satisfaction rates were lowest for physicians 11-15 years out of training (73.9%) and highest for physicians with 20-plus years of experience (79.6%).
By race/ethnicity, the numbers were lowest for white physicians (78.0%) and Middle East/North African physicians (77.9%). Satisfaction was highest for Asian doctors (82.0%), Latin/Hispanic physicians (81.6%) and Black doctors (80.3%).

Job-related stress: “I feel a great deal of stress because of my job”

All physicians: 42.9%.

Hospitalists: 40.5%.

Hospitalists reported the lowest level of stress.
Emergency medicine reported the highest levels of job-related stress (52.5%); pediatricians reported the lowest (40.9%).
Female physicians reported higher levels of stress (46.9%) than male physicians (38.6%).
Stress was lower for part-time physicians (39.2%) than full-timers (44.4%).
Stress levels were higher for physicians six to 10 years out training (47.9%) and lowest for physicians with 20-plus years of experience (38.3%).

Burnout: “Experiencing at least one symptom of burnout.”

All physicians: 41.9%

Hospitalists: 38.6%

Hospitalists reported the lowest level of burnout. The next lowest specialty was pediatrics (39.7%) and internal medicine/primary care (40.9%).
The highest rate of burnout was reported by emergency medicine (49.8%) and ob/gyn (45.7%).
Burnout was higher among female physicians (46.0%) than male physicians (37.0%).
Among all physicians five years out of training, 40.8% reported burnout. That number climbed into the high 40% range until physicians had 20-plus years of experience, when burnout levels dropped to 35.8%.

Time: “Average hours on work per week.”

All physicians: 58.4 hours.

Hospitalists: 65.7 hours.

Hospitalists reported the highest number of hours worked per week.
The number was lowest for emergency medicine physicians (51.0 hours).
The reported number of work hours was similar for male physicians (58.1 hours) and female physicians (57.7 hours).

Intent to leave: “Likely to leave current practice within next two years.”

All physicians: 31.1%

Hospitalists: 29.3%

Intent to leave their current practice was highest among internists/PCPs (31.9%) and emergency physicians (31.4%). It was lowest for pediatricians (26.0%).
White physicians (30.8%) were more likely to report intending to leave their practice. The number was lowest among black physicians (24.4%).

Feeling valued: “I feel valued by my organization.”

All physicians: 56.2%.

Hospitalists: 53.2%.

Feelings of valued were lowest among internists/PCPs (52.1%) and emergency physicians (52.7%). The number was highest for family medicine and ob/gyn (both 56.9%).
Physicians six to 10 years out of training were most likely to report feeling least valued (51.2%). Among physicians with 20-plus years of experience, the number was 59.4%.
Feelings of value were higher for male physicians (59.6%) than females (53.3%).

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DeepHealth achieves multiple regulatory milestones for Neuro, Prostate and LumbarMR

Edusehat — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:30:05 +0700

DeepHealth achieves multiple regulatory milestones for Neuro, Prostate and LumbarMR

DeepHealth, 02 June 26/ in E-News

DeepHealth has received CE Marking for the Brain Health and Brain Age solutions within its Neuro Suite, CE Marking for its LumbarMR solution, and FDA 510(k) clearance and CE Marking for the Prostate AI solution within its Prostate Suite.

“At DeepHealth, we believe we are delivering the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of native clinical AI solutions and services in radiology, with the aim of creating a new standard of AI-powered care. These regulatory clearances reflect the evolution and expansion of the DeepHealth portfolio bringing to market new clinical AI solutions that combine and advance capabilities through organic and inorganic innovation. The solutions are now commercially available, enabling expanded access to our leading-edge technologies designed to stage shift disease and enhance diagnostic consistency while driving meaningful gains in operational efficiency,” said Niccolo Stefani, MD, Business and Product Leader, Population Health & Clinical AI, DeepHealth.

CE Mark for Brain Health and Brain Age

Part of Neuro Suite,^[1] Brain Health and Brain Age are AI-powered solutions that automate and standardize neuroimaging analysis, enabling proactive care through normative data comparison and longitudinal tracking.

Brain Health introduces a new, fully automatic algorithm for White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) detection and segmentation on FLAIR and removing the need for manual intervention.

Brain Age is a next-generation native clinical AI solution expanding the range of segmented brain structures, including hippocampus, lobes, and subcortical regions, delivering improved measurement performance for memory and dementia workups. The solution is showing 92% sensitivity in identifying hippocampal atrophy specific to Alzheimer’s disease, even in preclinical stages.^[2]

Already FDA 510(k) cleared, both solutions are being deployed and scaling across outpatient imaging sites of RadNet – a leading national provider of freestanding, fixed-site diagnostic imaging services in the United States.

“We are already seeing significant value in implementing DeepHealth’s Neuro Suite in our daily workflow. The combination of AI-assisted detection and classification with structured reporting is helping us improve efficiency, consistency and diagnostic confidence. I look forward to expanding its use across our practices to further enhance workflow efficiency and high-quality patient care,”said Kevin L. Berger, MD, Diagnostic Radiologist.

CE Mark for LumbarMR^[3]

The LumbarMR solution is one of the newest additions to the DeepHealth clinical AI portfolio, resulting from our acquisition of Gleamer SAS. LumbarMR is an AI solution for lumbar spine MRI that supports radiologists in assessing low back pain by automatically detecting, characterizing and reporting on key lumbar pathology findings. The technology achieves up to 94% sensitivity and delivers an average reduction in reporting time of 17% per exam when compared to a resident working without AI assistance.^[4]

FDA 510(k) Clearance and CE Mark for Prostate AI

The Prostate AI solution is part of DeepHealth’s Prostate Suite,^[5] which brings a fully integrated approach to AI-supported prostate cancer detection and interpretation. The solution delivers an end-to-end prostate MRI workflow on a new technology platform, from automated lesion detection and risk classification, intelligent gland segmentation with PSA density calculation and PI-RADS-compliant reporting into a single platform compatible with 11 fusion biopsy systems, all of which support radiologists’ clinical evaluations.

Real-world deployment of Prostate AI detected 27% more lesions,^[6] reduced inter-radiologist segmentation variability by 65%^[6] and reduced workflow time by 37% for biopsy-recommended cases.^[7]

The CE-Marked Prostate Suite solution including Prostate AI is currently part of the TRANSFORM program, the U.K.’s largest prostate screening trial in a generation, which is expected to analyze more than 100,000 scans over the course of the study.

“One of AI’s most significant contributions in prostate cancer detection is expanding access to prostate screening. Solutions like DeepHealth Prostate Suite support radiologists throughout the reporting workflow, minimizing delays and helping ensure more men receive timely, accurate care,” said Pr. Francesco Giganti, Associate Professor of Radiology, University College London.

References

[1] Neuro Suite comprises multiple applications, including Brain Health, Brain Age and DeepHealth Viewer. DeepHealth Viewer is manufactured by eRAD, Inc. and distributed by DeepHealth. Any claims made about Neuro Suite may reference claims associated with its individual components. Not all products and functions are available in all markets.

[2] Preliminary data from the observational study conducted at ASL Roma 2 on 226 geriatric patients starting from February 2023 to date, to investigate early diagnosis of dementia with the use of neuropsychological tests and AI-powered (DeepHealth ND) MRI automated evaluation of brain volumetry.

[3] LumbarMR is manufactured by Gleamer SAS.

[4] Data on file. Metrics are based on the results from an internal study conducted by Gleamer SAS.

[5] DeepHealth Prostate Suite comprises multiple applications, including Quantib Prostate, DeepHealth Prostate AI and DeepHealth Viewer. Quantib Prostate is manufactured by Quantib BV and distributed by DeepHealth, Inc, in the U.S. DeepHealth Viewer is manufactured by eRAD, Inc. and distributed by DeepHealth, Inc. Any claims made about Prostate Suite may reference claims associated with its individual components.

[6] DeepHealth pivotal study for FDA 510(k) clearance of Prostate AI, 12-reader by 250-case MRMC study and standalone testing on the same 250 exams. Data on File.

[7] Guenzel et al. “Diagnostic Utility of Artificial Intelligence–assisted Transperineal Biopsy Planning in Prostate Cancer Suspected Men: A Prospective Cohort Study.” Euro Urology Focus. Sep 2024.

Hip fracture surgery delays putting vulnerable seniors at risk, expert warns

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:50 +0700

HN Summary

• Delays beyond 48 hours for hip fracture surgery in older adults significantly increase the risk of death, complications and longer hospital stays.

• New Canadian Institute for Health Information data show many Canadian hospitals are missing the recommended surgical window, with some major centres reporting rates below 60 per cent.

• Experts are calling for policy changes, including prioritizing emergency surgeries, flexible staffing models and faster patient stabilization to improve outcomes for seniors.

A sudden fall and a broken hip. For a frail elderly person, a life-changing medical emergency begins with a broken hip.

Almost everyone who breaks a hip needs surgery to repair the fracture. When an older person falls and breaks their hip, research has found that the timing of when the surgery occurs is one of the most critical factors in the patient’s survival and recovery.

When the waits are longer than two days, or 48 hours, the risks to the patient skyrocket and the consequences are potentially severe. Clinical research shows that delaying hip fracture surgery is associated with higher likelihood of mortality and prolonged expensive hospitalizations.

Other clinical research has also shown that patients who don’t receive their surgery within 48-hours are more likely to experience postoperative complications from their surgery, including postoperative pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis or muscle atrophy that delays recovery.

So, you’d think with such clear evidence we’d be improving care with rapid response for hip fractures in older adults, right? You’d be wrong.

Recent statistics made publicly available by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) regarding hip fracture repair should give everyone pause.

The trend is going in the wrong direction in British Columbia. In 2020, 78 per cent of B.C. hip fracture patients received their surgery within the crucial 48-hour period. Most recent data show that the standard was only met for 71 per cent of patients.

Data from B.C.’s biggest hospitals are even more concerning.

For the fiscal year ended in March 2025, Vancouver’s Providence Health Care met the 48-hour standard only 59 per cent of the time. The rate at Fraser Health’s Royal Columbian Hospital was a dismal 51 per cent.

If you think this is only a B.C. problem, you’d also be wrong. The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Nova Scotia reported 65 per cent and the Kingston Health Sciences Centre reported only 58 per cent received their surgery in the crucial 48-hour period.

We can do better. The good news is that we know this dangerous delay is avoidable because some hospitals are succeeding.

Overwhelmed emergency departments cannot be used as an excuse. Some big-city hospitals have figured out how to care for urgent cases. Toronto’s Sinai Health System exceeded 90 per cent and Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre reported 86 per cent.

Many smaller hospitals are also consistently meeting the 48-hour window. B.C.’s Vernon Jubilee Hospital reported 87 per cent of hip fracture repairs received surgery within the 48-hour standard and Brockville, Ontario’s General Hospital reported 89 per cent.

There are over 23,000 hip fractures occurring across Canada annually. This means that thousands of seniors are enduring agonizing waits in hospital emergency departments, and dangerous delays in their surgeries.

Provincial Ministries of Health must take action to protect our seniors from avoidable suffering. To expedite access to operating rooms for emergency surgery and achieve better health outcomes, four policies are necessary:

First, prioritize stabilizing the patient for surgery. Work-flow redesign is needed to reduce the time stabilizing medically complex patients for surgery by expediting involvement of specialists and imaging.

Second, prioritize emergency over elective surgery. Hospital policies must empower local decision-makers to cancel elective surgeries to free up operating room space for emergency hip fracture repairs. Anesthesiology should not be managing hip fracture patients’ pain four or more days post-fracture.

Thirdly, fund flexible staffing models in hospitals. These emergent injuries require staffing models that allow for overtime rates or the hiring of travel nurses to keep operating rooms running for emergency surgery. The patients’ families will think the money is well-spent.

Finally, ensure on-call activity is doing its part. Orthopaedic surgery and anesthesia groups hold contracts to provide emergency on-call services in hospitals. Hospitals must ensure these specialists and specialized operating room nurses are available to operate within the 48-hour window, including evenings and holidays.

The clinical evidence regarding rapid intervention is unambiguous and service levels must be met.

Every hour a senior waits for hip fracture repair beyond the 48-hour mark is an hour spent in pain and imperils their recovery. We must do better.

It is past time to treat broken hips with the urgency they demand and ensure our vulnerable residents get the timely surgery they deserve.

By Jason M. Sutherland

Jason M. Sutherland is the UBC Professor of Health Services and Policy and Director of the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia.

The post Hip fracture surgery delays putting vulnerable seniors at risk, expert warns appeared first on Hospital News.

Deprescribing medications in older adults: What the data reveals about safer care

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:45 +0700

HN Summary

• Older adults in Canada face growing risks from polypharmacy, with many taking 10 or more medications annually and higher exposure to high-risk drugs in long-term care settings.

• A Canadian Medical Protective Association review found many complaints about deprescribing stemmed from poor communication or misunderstanding, even when clinical care was appropriate.

• Researchers say safer deprescribing depends on clear patient-centred communication, strong follow-up, multidisciplinary care and better guidance on how to deprescribe medications safely.

Medication safety in older adults remains an evolving concern.

Medication-related patient safety events are disproportionately represented in older adults, particularly because the number of people 65 years or older living in Canada continues to increase year over year in a climate of primary care physician shortage. In 2021, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that up to 1 in 4 older adults in Canada were taking 10 or more different classes of medication annually. The risks are even greater in long-term care facilities, where older adults are three to eight times more likely to be prescribed high-risk medications such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics.

Discussions around deprescribing medication are not easy, especially when establishing a new physician-patient relationship. How can a physician proceed in a way that gives the patient a full understanding of the reasons for deprescribing? It is reasonable for patients to think that stopping medication means stopping treatment and so have concerns that their health needs will go unaddressed. Therefore, it is important that the physician helps the patient understand the “why,” which then can reduce miscommunication that may otherwise arise during care or may result in medico-legal complaints.

Improving medication use and deprescribing

To better understand where deprescribing care can be strengthened, CMPA analyzed medico-legal cases involving older adults over a five-year period (2018-2022). This research, recently published in BMC Geriatrics in the study Lessons learned from Canadian family physicians deprescribing medications in older adults – a five-year retrospective review of medico-legal cases, highlights areas where deprescribing in older adults can be improved.

The study underscores opportunities to improve how deprescribing is planned, communicated, and monitored in clinical practice through case examples. Composite situations included a physician weaning a patient off medications with a substitute decision-maker; and a physician having concerns regarding medication safety following their patient’s stay in hospital. The scenarios summarize expert opinions on real cases, ranging from supportive to critical of the care provided, reflecting the complexity of deprescribing decisions in real-world practice.

Where physicians were most often criticized

Across the cases reviewed, experts most frequently identified concerns associated with decision-making for and documentation of treatment plans, monitoring and follow-up, communication with patients, substitute decision-makers, and other healthcare professionals. Importantly, complaints were often not associated with the quality of care.

So, if care was done well, then why did a complaint still occur? The patient-physician relationship is complex, and complaints can occur even when physicians are safely deprescribing. Past research has indicated that complaints are often driven by patient or substitute decision-maker perceptions. Analysis of complaints in this study demonstrated a frequent reason for complaints was a belief that a medication should not have been deprescribed or that the way deprescribing occurred was incorrect. Only one-third of complaints aligned with expert opinion.

These findings underscore an important reality: even clinically sound deprescribing decisions can create tension if patients or families do not fully understand the rationale behind them.

The importance of explaining the “why”

One of the clearest lessons from the study was the importance of patient-centred communication. When physicians explain why deprescribing is being considered and acknowledge patients’ fears and uncertainty, it could improve patient care and reduce a physician’s risk of receiving a complaint.

Communication extends beyond informed consent. It includes active listening, clarifying patient goals, using accessible language, and ensuring substitute decision-makers are meaningfully involved in discussions when appropriate.

Current tools focus on “what” — not “how”

Canadian-led organizations and networks are making strides in providing tools and promoting research to support the practice of deprescribing, including the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, Deprescribing.org, the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, and Choosing Wisely Canada.

However, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that while many guidelines address “what,” “when,” or “why” to deprescribe, only 58% of the guidelines reviewed included guidance on “how” to deprescribe safely.

Lessons learned from complaint data

In summarizing expert opinion from complaints, researchers identified several practices that can support safer deprescribing care, including conducting comprehensive assessments before deprescribing, using multidisciplinary approaches to develop tapering plans, ensuring appropriate monitoring and follow-up, communicating clearly with patients and substitute decision-makers, and thoroughly documenting the clinical rationale for decisions.

Ultimately, deprescribing is not simply about stopping medications. It is a collaborative process that depends on clinical judgment, continuity of care, and strong patient relationships.

Turning medico-legal data into safer care

In supporting physicians from across the country, CMPA collects and maintains medico-legal data, the largest collection of its kind in the world. These data, coded and anonymized, uniquely position CMPA to identify patterns and inform research to foster system change and improve patient safety.

Empowering better healthcare – About CMPA

As Canada’s largest physician organization and with the support of our 119,000+ physician members, CMPA collaborates, advocates, and effects positive change on important medico-legal issues. CMPA empowers better healthcare by delivering efficient, high-quality physician-to-physician advice, guidance, and assistance to physicians in medico-legal matters. On behalf of our members, CMPA also provides appropriate compensation to patients proven to be injured by negligent medical care. Through our peer-reviewed research results in evidence-based products and services, CMPA works to enhance patient safety and reduce patient harm.

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Newly discovered protein functions linked to metastatic prostate cancer

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:40 +0700

HN Summary

• Researchers discovered UGT2B17 has additional functions that may help explain its role in treatment-resistant metastatic prostate cancer.

• The protein interacts with cancer-related proteins PDI and Src, helping cancer cells survive and continue growing despite hormone therapy.

• Findings could support future targeted treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, though more research is needed.

Scientists have discovered additional functions of a protein involved in the underlying mechanisms of metastatic prostate cancer, expanding the understanding of potential treatment pathways for the disease. Led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Xuesen Dong and published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation and European Urology Oncology, the findings are the first to identify other functions of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2b17 (UGT2B17) beyond its enzymatic activity.

“UGT2B17 has been a dilemma,” shares Dong. “It is understood to perform the function of destroying androgen hormones that drive prostate cancer; however, it was also found to be significantly elevated in treatment-resistant tumours.”

[suggested image: Dr. Xuesen Dong][caption: Dr. Xuesen Dong is senior scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, a researcher with the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences and a professor in the Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia.]

Prostate cancer is driven by androgens, which are male sex hormones, such as testosterone. The first-line treatment for prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy, designed to block androgen production in the body.

Approximately 30,400 Canadians are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, with the vast majority of patients responding well to front-line therapies early in the disease progression. However, with time, most prostate cancers stop responding to androgen deprivation therapy and become treatment resistant.

In cases in which the disease becomes metastatic, spreading beyond the prostate, androgen deprivation therapy has been shown to offer some clinical benefits for up to two years, shares Dong. However, survival with metastatic prostate cancer is roughly five to six years.

Enzyme interacts with two other proteins to potentially drive cancer growth

To explain the paradox of elevated levels of the androgen-reducing UGT2B17 in metastatic prostate cancer, Dong and his team’s analysis targeted the enzyme, which is a type of protein, using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Mass spectrometry is a specialized approach to determine the weight of molecules in a sample, with proteomics geared specifically toward profiling proteins, their interactions and modifications, and how they affect cell function in the body.

Dong’s analysis of UGT2B17 — which included large, multi-institutional Canadian cohorts — focused on characterizing other mechanisms that the enzyme performed in the body other than eradicating androgen hormones, which is UGT2B17’s enzymatic activity. The team’s investigation resulted in the discovery of significant interactions between UGT2B17 and two other cancer-associated oncogene proteins: protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and Src kinase.

“Src is already a well-known medication target for leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and PDI is known for promoting tumour growth,” says Dong, adding that both PDI and Src are also therapeutic targets for several other cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers. “However, UGT2B17 was interacting with these other proteins in very different ways.”

UGT2B17 contributes to the production of Src, which acts as an androgen receptor in the absence of androgens to promote prostate cancer growth. On the other hand, UGT2B17 modulates the prevalence of PDI. Because PDI supports the proper folding of proteins in cancer cells, its functioning can determine cell survival or death.

The newly discovered functions of UGT2B17 underscore its significant downstream effects on PDI and Src. However, as blocking UGT2B17 can lead to serious liver damage, additional investigations are necessary to define the enzyme and its functions.

Looking ahead, Dong sees the interconnected relationship between UGT2B17, PDI and Src as a promising avenue of research to explore, with the long-term goal of achieving further advances in metastatic prostate cancer treatments.

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Alternative first-line treatment proves effective for persistent atrial fibrillation

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:37 +0700

HN Summary

• VCHRI researcher Dr. Jason Andrade’s work is the first to prove the efficacy of catheter ablation as an initial treatment for patients with advanced forms of AFib.

• His new research compared two initial treatment strategies among more than 300 patients with persistent AFib, randomly assigned either antiarrhythmic medications or a new form of catheter ablation called pulsed field ablation (PFA).

• PFA achieve success for 56% of patients compared to 30% of those on medications.

Decades-long research journey led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Jason Andrade is reshaping how clinicians approach atrial fibrillation (AFib), one of the world’s most common and consequential heart rhythm disorders. Affecting roughly 170,000 British Columbians, AFib is an irregular heartbeat that doubles the risk of death and increases the likelihood of stroke or heart failure five-fold.

Andrade’s recent study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, focused on patients with a more advanced form of AFib, called persistent Afib: a continuous abnormal heart rhythm lasting more than seven days. Almost all patients with the condition also present with atrial myopathy, a type of heart muscle disease that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Individuals with advanced AFib are inherently different from those with other forms of arrhythmia, tending to have more co-existing health conditions that influence decision-making surrounding treatment, Andrade explains. “AFib is a chronic and progressive disease. While its early forms are characterized by isolated electrical abnormalities, as it progresses, more abnormalities develop in the structure and function of the heart, increasing the risk of complications.”

Expanding arrhythmia treatment options for enhanced patient care

For years, treatment for persistent AFib followed the same path: begin with antiarrhythmic drug therapy and reserve procedures like catheter ablation for when those therapies fail. Andrade’s work is the first to prove the efficacy of catheter ablation as an initial treatment for patients with advanced forms of AFib.

“Catheter ablation is performed by advancing a small flexible tube, called a catheter, from a vein in the leg to the heart,” Andrade explains. “Through the catheter, we are able to deliver energy to the heart muscle, creating scar tissue that acts as a roadblock to contain the irregular electrical signals, resetting the heart to a healthy rhythm.”

Andrade’s research compared two initial treatment strategies among patients with persistent AFib: antiarrhythmic medications — the longstanding first-line approach — and a new form of minimally invasive catheter ablation called pulsed field ablation (PFA).

Traditionally, ablation has relied on thermal energy using either heat or freezing to disrupt faulty electrical pathways. While effective, these approaches carry risks of damage to surrounding structures, such as the esophagus or nearby nerves. By contrast, PFA uses electrical impulses to selectively target heart tissues, reducing the potential of negative effects.

In the clinical trial, more than 300 patients with previously untreated persistent AFib were randomly assigned to receive either PFA or drug therapy. All participants were monitored continuously for one year using implantable cardiac devices, allowing researchers to precisely track arrhythmia recurrence.

At 12 months, 56 per cent of patients who received PFA achieved treatment success, compared to just 30 per cent of those on antiarrhythmic medications. Patients in the ablation group also experienced a significantly lower burden of arrhythmia over time.

Findings support informed treatment decision-making for AFib

The findings build on earlier work from Andrade’s team. Around five years ago, their research showed that catheter ablation using freezing energy was more effective than medications in patients with early-stage AFib. A subsequent study demonstrated that early intervention could slow disease progression.

These studies on early-stage AFib led to rapid changes in clinical practice worldwide, with ablation increasingly adopted as a first-line therapy. The new findings suggest similar benefits may extend to patients with more advanced disease.

“We know that early treatment for atrial fibrillation leads to a lower risk of stroke and death,” Andrade says. “The question was how best to provide that treatment. This study helps guide clinicians and patients in making that choice.”

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GLP-1 medicine improves liver health independent of weight loss

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:33 +0700

HN Summary

• Researchers at Sinai Health found semaglutide directly improves liver health by acting on specialized liver cells, independent of weight loss.

• The study identified liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) as key drivers of reduced inflammation and scarring in metabolic liver disease, overturning previous assumptions about how GLP-1 drugs work in the liver.

• Findings could change how physicians prescribe GLP-1 medications for liver disease, potentially allowing lower doses while still improving liver function and reducing inflammation.

esearchers at Sinai Health have found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight loss drugs that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, acts directly on a subset of liver cells to improve organ function, and does so independently of weight loss. The finding challenges long-held assumptions about how GLP-1 medicines work in the liver and could reshape how physicians treat metabolic liver disease, a condition projected to affect nearly 2 billion worldwide by 2050.

For years, the liver benefits of semaglutide have puzzled scientists. The drug was known to lower blood sugar and promote weight loss, but patients’ livers were improving in ways that those effects alone could not explain.

“We’ve seen in clinical trials that patients who lose very little weight see the same reductions in liver inflammation, scarring and enzyme levels as those who lose a great deal of weight. Now we know why,” said Dr. Daniel Drucker, a senior investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, who led the study.

Dr. Drucker’s has been at the forefront of GLP-1 research since the 1980s when his pioneering discoveries helped lay the groundwork for the development of GLP-1 medicines.

After transforming treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, semaglutide and other GLP-1 medicines have been approved for other conditions including MASH, for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. MASH is a severe form of fatty liver disease in which fat buildup, inflammation and tissue scarring can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. It affects about 25 per cent of Canadian adults and because it is closely linked with obesity and type 2 diabetes, treatment typically includes lifestyle interventions to reduce weight.

Now Dr. Drucker and his team have revealed that semaglutide acts directly on the liver to reduce inflammation and scarring and improve organ function in a way that is independent of weight loss, as described in a paper published in Cell Metabolism.

Their finding overturns a prevailing assumption in the field that liver cells do not carry the receptor that semaglutide binds to, meaning the drug had no direct route to the organ.

Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Maria Gonzalez-Rellan spearheaded the work that combined sophisticated mouse models of MASH with deep molecular analyses of liver cells. Her work identified two cell types carrying semaglutide receptors: liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and immune T cells.

Although LSECs account for only about three per cent of liver cell volume, they proved to be the key driver of semaglutide’s liver benefits. LSECs line the tiniest blood vessels in the liver and are studded with pores that allow them to act as a molecular sieve, filtering substances passing between the liver and the bloodstream. Dr. Gonzalez-Rellan showed that semaglutide reversed MASH in mice that lacked the brain receptors controlling appetite demonstrating that weight loss is not required for liver benefits. In a further test, mice lacking LSEC receptors showed no liver improvement on semaglutide even after losing 20 per cent of their body weight.

Detailed molecular analyses of liver cell types showed that semaglutide shifts gene activity in LSCEs, prompting them to release anti-inflammatory molecules that act on the broader liver environment, pushing it toward a state more closely resembling a healthy, disease-free liver.

“It turns out that the receptor responsible for these benefits is in a very specialized population of liver cells. And this receptor orchestrates the production of molecules that talk to many different types of liver cells to calm down the inflammatory environment that is the problem in metabolic disease,” said Dr. Drucker, who is also a University Professor of medicine at the University of Toronto.

The findings carry practical implications. GLP-1 medicines have become widely prescribed, yet their mechanism of action in the body, beyond appetite suppression and blood sugar control, have remained incompletely understood. Knowing that semaglutide improves liver health independently of weight loss could influence prescribing decisions. Physicians may choose lower doses that avoid the side effects associated with the higher doses needed for significant weight loss, potentially also lowering costs for patients, said Dr. Drucker.

He added, “We’re not saying weight loss isn’t important because many things improve when patients lose weight. But we now know that weight shouldn’t be the only measure of success, because GLP-1 medicines will improve liver health whether or not the patient loses weight.”

This research was funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and a Sinai Health-Novo Nordisk Foundation Fund in Regulatory peptides.

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One-fifth of pregnant people aren’t properly screened for syphilis

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:28 +0700

According to new research in CMAJ, 1 in 5 pregnant people in Ontario did not receive timely syphilis screening, which is critical for preventing syphilis infection in newborns (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

“In a publicly funded health care system, 1 in 5 pregnancies did not receive timely syphilis screening, indicating persistent gaps in coverage,” writes Dr. Sahar Saeed, assistant professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, with coauthors. “Sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors associated with being screened late may be related to an increased likelihood of inadequate prenatal care access.”

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery and can result in severe outcomes, including infant death, if untreated with antibiotics. Over the last 10 years, rates of infectious syphilis in females of reproductive age (15 to 39 years) have increased from 2.3 to 53.8 cases per 100 000 and, in parallel, rates of congenital syphilis have increased from 0.3 to 14.5 cases per 100 000 live births.

Global pregnancy care guidelines recommend universal screening for syphilis in the first trimester or at the initial prenatal care visit.

In this study of 551 706 pregnancies in 446 660 people in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, between 2018 and 2023, researchers found that 8%2 of pregnant people were not screened at all and 79% were screened in the first trimester. Among pregnancies screened for syphilis, approximately 3% were screened in the third trimester or at delivery. The authors’ findings suggest that late screening may occur in people with the most barriers to accessing prenatal care.

“Relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations who face barriers to accessing care. Providing nonjudgmental, comprehensive care in tandem with complementary strategies, such as opportunistic screening and community-based outreach programs using point-of-care testing, is a critical next step,” the authors say. These approaches have shown promise in reaching underserved populations and closing access gaps.

This work was supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Catalyst Grant (STBBI Research in Canada: Beyond HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C) (no. SR7-196517).

“Uptake of prenatal syphilis screening and its determinants in Ontario, Canada: a population-based retrospective cohort study” was published May 19, 2026.

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Digital platform to improve musculoskeletal care and reduce wait times

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:24 +0700

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical care and a major contributor to long waits to see specialists. To improve how patients with MSK conditions are referred and assessed, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is launching CareChain, a digital platform developed by MultiCIM Technologies Inc. that helps physiotherapists perform advanced assessments and determine which patients may need to see a surgeon, helping ensure people get the right care sooner.

“Improving access starts with getting patients to the right pathway earlier,” said Dr. Alan Forster, Director of Innovation, Transformation and Clinical Performance at the MUHC. “CareChain supports a more consistent and coordinated approach to MSK triage—helping our teams prioritize appropriately and reduce delays for patients who need timely specialist care.”

In many cases, patients wait months for an assessment, only to learn they do not need surgery and could have started other treatments much earlier. These delays can prolong pain and disability, lead to unnecessary repeat visits and tests, and place additional pressure on already limited specialist resources.

CareChain helps physiotherapists carry out advanced assessments and determine which patients may need surgery. The platform guides clinicians through a structured process to collect the right information, support consistent decision-making and quickly refer patients to a specialist when surgery may be needed.

By supporting earlier assessments and better referral information, CareChain aims to help the MUHC reduce wait times for specialists, connect patients to the right treatment sooner, avoid unnecessary visits and tests, and improve coordination between care teams.

The MUHC will monitor how CareChain performs over time by tracking factors such as triage decisions, patient pathways, wait times and how efficiently resources are used, using existing clinical and administrative data.

The initiative is supported through OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN®), a program that connects healthcare organizations with innovative Canadian companies to test and evaluate new technologies in real clinical settings. Through this collaboration, the MUHC will assess the impact of CareChain on patient access, wait times and care coordination, helping generate evidence to inform broader adoption.

Risk of congenital anomalies higher in babies born to mothers with endometriosis

For babies born to people with endometriosis, there is a small but significant increased risk of congenital anomalies, often called birth defects, according to new research in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

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Endometriosis is an often-painful chronic inflammatory condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus. It affects 1 in 10 females of reproductive age and can affect fertility.

The study included data from ICES on more than 1.4 million births in Ontario, of which 33 619 were infants of patients with endometriosis. A total of 2120 (6.3%) infants with any type of congenital anomaly were born to a patient with endometriosis compared with 77 094 (5.4%) born to people without the condition.

Endometriosis was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genital, and musculoskeletal anomalies as well as neoplasms and tumours, which could be only partially attributed to fertility treatment.

The authors note that the risk is still small.

“Although we observed modest relative increases in risk, the absolute risk of congenital anomalies for infants born to patients with endometriosis remained low, because congenital anomalies are uncommon,” writes Bailey Milne, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, with coauthors.

A practice article published in the same issue of CMAJ describes a patient with chronic endometriosis that caused severe organ damage. The editorial calls for a community-of-practice model for endometriosis care, with support for primary care physicians to diagnose and manage uncomplicated cases.

“Addressing these challenges requires a fundamental shift toward coordinated, evidence-based, and patient-centred care,” the authors write.

For clinical guidance on endometriosis, CMAJ published a review article, Diagnosis and management of endometriosis, in 2023.

“Risk of congenital anomalies among infants of patients with endometriosis: a population-based cohort study,” “Renal atrophy, bowel obstruction, and sciatic nerve impingement secondary to deep endometriosis,” and “Often delayed and fractured, endometriosis care needs an overhaul” were published May 11, 2026.

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New Canadian recommendations aim to make screening for alcohol misuse easier

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:20 +0700

An update to Canadian guidance on screening for high-risk drinking and alcohol use provides streamlined recommendations in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) that authors hope will make it easier for health care professionals to talk to patients about alcohol use.

“Excessive alcohol use frequently underlies many reasons people see their doctor, such as poor sleep or anxiety, but this explanation routinely goes undetected in health care settings,” says Dr. Evan Wood, co-chair of the guideline writing committee and an addiction medicine specialist at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. “These updated recommendations aim to support clinicians with a practical approach to initiating conversations about alcohol use and identifying those with potential problems earlier so patients can receive factual advice and care when needed.”

This guideline is an evidence-based update by the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, to screening recommendations from an earlier CRISM guideline published in 2023. Research showed many previously recommended tools were impractical and not effective at detecting problematic alcohol use.

The 5 screening recommendations in the guideline update are aimed at helping primary care clinicians and medical professionals in emergency departments and medical wards counsel youth (aged 12 to 25) and adults who may have undiagnosed alcohol problems.

“We developed 5 recommendations to identify and address both risky alcohol consumption and more serious alcohol-related problems, recognizing that patients may exhibit diverse patterns of drinking and risk,” says Dr. Wood. “We hope the easy-to-use tables with tips on how to reduce alcohol use and more will help clinicians focus on patients’ unique needs, allowing them to save time when circumstances allow while focusing on those with identified alcohol problems.”

A team of researchers, clinicians, and people with lived and living experience of substance use from across Canada helped develop the national guideline.

“Despite the burden of alcohol-related harms, there remains a gap between what we know is effective intervention and treatment and the care many patients actually receive,” says Dr. Jürgen Rehm, co-chair of the guideline writing committee and senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). “Improving screening in primary care can help intervene in circumstances of excessive drinking and help identify alcohol problems earlier and connect people with effective treatments and supports.”

The authors recommend that screening for alcohol use should be part of conversations between health care providers and patients about the health risks and harms of psychoactive substances overall.

A related editorial on youth substance use emphasizes the importance of screening and talking to youth about substance abuse.

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“Screening patients for the use of alcohol and other substances is important, but to be effective, a positive screen needs follow-up with intervention,” write Drs. Shannon Charlebois, medical editor, CMAJ, and Shawn Kelly, a pediatrician and addictions medicine specialist at the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario. “This is particularly important for youth, because the earlier substance use starts, the higher the risk of future misuse and addiction.”

They note that even a short conversation can make a difference, and that anyone who works with adolescents can have an impact.

“Increasingly, addiction medicine experts agree that asking about features of substance withdrawal during a brief intervention can increase its efficacy, because doing so can identify teens for whom substance use is already a substantial problem and prompt appropriate intervention,” write Drs. Charlebois and Kelly.

“Screening for high-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder: update of the 2023 national clinical practice guideline” and “Brief intervention can change the trajectory of youth substance use” were published May 4, 2026.

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Canadians want mental health funding to continue, new polling shows

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:14 +0700

With $5 billion in federal funding for mental health and addictions services set to expire, a new Pollara survey commissioned by CMHA shows a strong majority (81%) of Canadians support maintaining mental health services through continued funding from the federal government.

If not renewed, the government’s 2017 investment for mental health and addictions will come to an end next year.

For the past 10 years, federal funding has supported critical services across Canada helping keep people supported, housed, and out of hospital. The federal investment supports a wide range of community-based services that people rely on, including crisis response, supportive housing, early intervention for youth and addictions care. CMHA programs alone serve 330 communities and more than 1.3 million Canadians every year.

The Pollara survey also shows strong support for public funding of mental health care, with 75% saying it should help ensure services are affordable and accessible, and only 10% saying individuals should pay out of pocket.

Many services are not covered by provincial and territorial health insurance plans, meaning people have to pay out of pocket for lifesaving care or rely on limited private insurance benefits. As the cost of living rises, many people in Canada are struggling to meet basic needs and cannot afford to pay for mental health and addictions services. When care is out of reach, more people end up in crisis and turn to emergency departments and hospitals. The effects extend beyond the health system to the broader economy: when people go without care, their symptoms worsen, making it harder to stay employed and reducing productivity.

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Healthcare transformation must be built around community needs

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:50:08 +0700

High-performing health systems share six key levers focused on the lived experiences of patients and those delivering care – they can be replicated across the country.

When MPs return to Ottawa after spending time in their ridings, many will have heard healthcare concerns raised by constituents, including difficulties accessing care, workforce shortages and fragmented transitions between services.

Many will also have heard about care that is working locally, often quietly. Communities and care teams have optimized how care is delivered in ways that rarely make headlines but offer powerful lessons for strengthening healthcare across Canada and supporting system-wide improvement.

Across Canada, there is no shortage of good ideas, pilot projects or case studies that showcase excellence in care.

In Huntsville, Ontario, a creative community partnership co-located a primary care clinic with the local library. Led by a nurse practitioner, the team cares for more than 1600 people. Three out of four clients say it helped them avoid an emergency department visit. Likewise, in Neil’s Harbour, Nova Scotia, a primary care team added a nurse prescriber to improve same and next-day access. Since implementation, a quarter of patients with less urgent needs have been redirected from the emergency department to primary care.

In Edmonton, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital focused on adopting relationship-centred leadership approaches. Within three months, patients’ sense of being heard increased by 32 per cent, while negative staff sentiment dropped from 40 per cent to just two per cent.

In Nunavut’s most remote communities, care is provided through nursing stations. The problem: staff were effectively on call around the clock, fueling burnout and turnover. When registered nurses familiar with the communities started providing after-hours support virtually, it reduced strain on frontline staff, improved retention and enhanced patient safety.

Each of these changemakers has their own context. They are working in unique ways, tailored to local needs.

What they have in common is the use of proven approaches to make care better.

High-performing health systems put people at the centre, valuing both those who receive care and those who deliver it. Evidence shows that they share six key levers that drive continuous improvement, lead to excellence in care, and provide a practical lens for policy and system design.

Specifically, they:

• Partner meaningfully with patients, caregivers and communities

• Engage health workers and teams

• Equitably address the needs of people and communities

• Enable policies and structures that make improvement easier

• Strengthen organizational and system capacities

• Use timely and relevant evidence.

Without replicating these conditions systematically, innovation can stall or lead to pilot fatigue.

But sharing and scaling solutions is possible.

A team in Winnipeg, for instance, tackled high rates of antipsychotic use in long-term care. They pioneered non-drug approaches that benefit people living with dementia and their families, as well as care providers. Based on their success, we worked with teams in other jurisdictions to adapt the approach to their contexts – and then partnered with three Atlantic provinces and Quebec. Over half the time, medications were stopped or reduced.

Local successes matter, but they are not enough on their own. We need health systems intentionally built to make success repeatable. We need patients, providers and communities as partners and co-designers in system change. And we need coordinated efforts at all levels so that safer care, quality improvement and resilience is the norm.

The future of Canadian healthcare won’t be defined by the next great idea, but by whether we enable healthcare providers and systems to reliably deliver great care, every day, in every community.

Dr. Jennifer Zelmer is the President and CEO of Healthcare Excellence Canada

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Geriatric Pharmacists: Essential partners in caring for an aging population in Canada

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:52 +0700

HN Summary

• Geriatric pharmacists improve medication safety and outcomes for older adults, reducing adverse events and preventable hospitalizations.

• They play a critical role in managing polypharmacy and complex chronic conditions, including deprescribing and optimizing therapy.

• Their involvement supports better patient experience and more sustainable health care, as Canada’s aging population drives increasing demand.

Pharmacists working with older adults—often referred to as geriatric pharmacists—play a vital role in strengthening Canada’s health care system by improving medication safety, optimizing therapy for complex chronic disease, reducing preventable hospitalizations, and supporting sustainable use of health system resources. Canada’s population is aging rapidly, with adults aged 65 and older now representing nearly 19per cent of the population, a proportion projected to rise to approximately 24per cent by the late 2030s. Older adults are among the highest users of medications and health care services, making medication optimization a cornerstone of high-quality, person-centred care.

Aging, multimorbidity, and the growing burden of polypharmacy

Older adults account for a disproportionate share of health system utilization in Canada. Seniors represent more than 40per cent of provincial and territorial health care expenditures, driven largely by multimorbidity, frequent hospitalizations, and complex medication regimens. More than 70per cent of Canadians aged 65 and older live with at least one chronic condition, and many live with several concurrently, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, and chronic respiratory disease.

As chronic disease burden increases, so does polypharmacy, commonly defined as the use of five or more medications. Canadian data show that over 45per cent of older adults experience polypharmacy, with rates exceeding 60per cent among those who are frail or living with multiple chronic conditions. While multiple medications may be clinically appropriate, polypharmacy significantly increases the risk of adverse drug events, drug–drug interactions, poor adherence, cognitive impairment, falls, and hospitalization.

Medication related harm and preventable hospital use

Medication related harm is a major and largely preventable driver of health system burden among older adults. Studies using Canadian administrative data have identified tens of thousands of medication related emergency department visits and hospitalizations among seniors, with anticoagulants, cardiovascular medications, opioids, and anti-infectives among the most frequently implicated drug classes. Research from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging estimates that approximately one in eight older adults experiences an adverse drug event requiring medical care, with up to one-third of these events considered preventable.

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) remain a persistent concern. In 2021, 42per cent of Canadians aged 65 and older were exposed to at least one PIM, despite well-established deprescribing guidance and national initiatives to reduce unnecessary medication use. These patterns underscore the need for specialized medication expertise embedded within care teams serving older adults.

Improving outcomes through geriatric pharmacist led care

Geriatric pharmacists are uniquely trained to address the intersection of aging physiology, multimorbidity, and medication risk. Through comprehensive medication reviews, deprescribing initiatives, and close collaboration with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, pharmacists help reduce inappropriate prescribing and improve medication adherence among older adults. Systematic reviews and Canadian studies show that pharmacist led polypharmacy interventions are associated with reductions in potentially inappropriate medications, improved medication appropriateness, and lower health care utilization and costs.

Pharmacists practicing in geriatrics also play a key role in falls prevention, delirium management, dementia care, and transitions of care, where medication changes frequently occur and risk is highest. Their involvement is particularly valuable in acute care, long-term care, and community-based models that support aging in place, aligning with national priorities to improve quality of life while reducing avoidable hospital admissions.

Enhancing system efficiency and patient centred care

By optimizing medication regimens, geriatric pharmacists improve both patient experience and system efficiency. Older adults benefit from clearer education, simplified regimens, and shared decision making that reflects their goals of care. From a system perspective, pharmacist involvement supports safer prescribing, reduced emergency visits, fewer hospital readmissions, and more appropriate use of high-cost medications—critical advantages as Canada faces growing demand and workforce constraints.

As the population aged 85 and older continues to grow rapidly, the need for scalable, interprofessional solutions to medication complexity will only intensify. Geriatric pharmacists represent a high value, evidence-based response to this demographic shift.

Leadership in practice: Grazia Prochazka, BScPharm, ACPR, EPPh

National leadership in geriatric pharmacy practice is represented by Grazia Prochazka, Chair of CSHP’s Geriatrics Community of Practice. Grazia supports pharmacists working with older adults across acute care, long-term care, ambulatory clinics, and community integrated settings—areas where medication complexity and risk are particularly high.

This forum provides a national space for pharmacists to exchange expertise in polypharmacy management, deprescribing, medication safety, and person-centred care for seniors. The community fosters peer learning and practice alignment in response to Canada’s rapidly aging population.

This leadership demonstrates how CSHP Communities of Practice support scalable, evidence-based approaches that improve safety, quality, and system efficiency for older Canadians while supporting pharmacists facing growing clinical demands.

A high value role in a rapidly aging health system

As Canada’s population continues to age, pharmacists working with older adults are essential members of the health care team. Their contributions improve safety, enhance quality of care, and support sustainable use of health system resources—while delivering meaningful benefits to older Canadians and their caregivers.

By combining specialized clinical expertise, interprofessional collaboration, and national leadership through organizations like CSHP, geriatric pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help Canada meet the complex demands of an aging population with quality, dignity, and value.

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The critical role of cardiology and anticoagulation pharmacists in strengthening cardiovascular care in Canada

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:47 +0700

HN Summary

• Cardiology and anticoagulation pharmacists improve patient safety and outcomes, reducing complications and hospital readmissions.

• They play a key role in managing complex, high-risk medications and rising cardiovascular costs through evidence-based care.

• Their work enhances efficiency, access, and system sustainability in Canada’s growing cardiovascular care demands.

Cardiology and anticoagulation pharmacists play a vital role in strengthening Canada’s health care system by improving medication safety, optimizing cardiovascular therapy, reducing preventable hospitalizations, and helping manage the substantial costs associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD remains one of Canada’s leading causes of death and health system utilization, responsible for nearly one in five deaths nationwide and accounting for millions of hospitalizations over the past decade. As cardiovascular care becomes increasingly complex—driven by aging populations, multimorbidity, and expanding pharmacotherapy options—cardiology pharmacists are essential to delivering high-quality, sustainable care.

Addressing the cost and complexity of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease imposes a significant and growing economic burden on the Canadian health care system. Canadians spend billions of dollars annually on cardiovascular medications, with expenditures exceeding $5 billion as early as 2006 and continuing to rise as newer, higher cost therapies become more widely used. National health spending is projected to reach $399 billion in 2025, with prescription drugs accounting for nearly 14% of total health expenditures.

Medication mismanagement in cardiovascular disease—particularly anticoagulants—remains a major driver of preventable harm and cost. Anticoagulants are consistently identified as high alert medications due to their narrow therapeutic window and association with serious bleeding events. Hospitalizations related to heart conditions frequently involve medication related issues, with 40% of patients readmitted following an initial cardiovascular hospitalization. Cardiology pharmacists directly mitigate these risks through evidence-based prescribing, close monitoring, and proactive patient education.

Improving outcomes through pharmacist led cardiovascular care

Pharmacist-led cardiology and anticoagulation services have demonstrated clear benefits for patients and the health system. Canadian studies show that pharmacist managed anticoagulation clinics achieve exceptional quality, with time in therapeutic range (TTR) exceeding 74%, well above thresholds associated with reduced stroke and bleeding risk. These outcomes represent some of the highest quality warfarin management data reported in Canadian clinical practice.

In outpatient and inpatient settings alike, pharmacist-led anticoagulation services are associated with fewer bleeding complications, reduced hospital admissions, and improved adherence to guideline recommended therapy. Canadian evaluations of pharmacist led direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) monitoring clinics further demonstrate safe use, appropriate laboratory monitoring, and early identification of medication related problems before they escalate into adverse events.

Beyond anticoagulation, cardiology pharmacists contribute to optimized management of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension—conditions responsible for a substantial proportion of emergency visits and inpatient bed use nationwide. By ensuring appropriate medication selection, titration, and continuity across care transitions, pharmacists help reduce avoidable readmissions and improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Enhancing efficiency, access, and patient experience

Cardiology pharmacists also expand system capacity by allowing cardiologists and primary care providers to focus on diagnostic and procedural care while pharmacists manage complex medication regimens. Pharmacist-led services improve care coordination, particularly for patients with polypharmacy, renal impairment, or fluctuating clinical status. Patients benefit from increased access to medication expertise, clear education on high-risk therapies, and personalized support—key factors in adherence and self-management for chronic cardiovascular conditions.

From a system perspective, pharmacist involvement supports cost-effective prescribing, deprescribing when appropriate, and alignment with national clinical guidelines. As Canada faces tightening health care budgets and workforce constraints, cardiology pharmacists represent a high value, scalable solution to rising cardiovascular demand.

Leadership in practice: Ava Azhir, BSc. (Pharm), ACPR, PharmD, BCACP

Leadership in cardiology and anticoagulation pharmacy is exemplified by Ava Azhir, Lead of the Anticoagulation Management Clinic at the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgery Care Centre in Surrey, British Columbia.

In this role, Ava provides specialized care for patients requiring anticoagulation therapy and supports the safe, evidence-informed use of complex medications

Ava also serves as Chair of CSHP’s Anticoagulation / Cardiology Community of Practice, a national forum connecting pharmacists across acute care, ambulatory clinics, and integrated community models. The community facilitates shared learning on evolving evidence, anticoagulation safety, and cardiovascular pharmacotherapy optimization.

“Being part of this Community of Practice has transformed professional isolation into collective purpose. It has been both an anchor and a catalyst for my practice — grounding my clinical work in shared standards while continually challenging me to grow as a clinician, educator, and leader.” Ava then adds, “Through collaboration and mentorship, this community supports stewardship, sustains expertise, and turns individual knowledge into shared impact for patients.”

A vital role in a high burden disease area

As cardiovascular disease continues to drive morbidity, mortality, and health care spending in Canada, cardiology and anticoagulation pharmacists are indispensable members of the care team. Their contributions improve safety, enhance efficiency, and support sustainable use of health system resources—while delivering meaningful benefits to patients living with chronic cardiovascular conditions.

By combining clinical expertise, system stewardship, and national leadership through organizations like CSHP, cardiology pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help Canada meet the growing demands of cardiovascular care with quality, value, and resilience.

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From hospital to home: How hospital-owned retail pharmacies support patient care transitions

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:43 +0700

HN Summary

• Hospital-owned retail pharmacies improve safe transitions from hospital to home through integrated care and medication continuity.

• They help reduce readmissions and medication-related harm by providing coordinated counselling and follow-up.

• Despite their value, sustainability depends on financial support and partnerships to maintain patient-focused services.

The days following a hospital discharge can leave patients and their caregivers feeling vulnerable. Adjusting to life outside a clinical setting can mean adapting to new diagnoses, managing changes to medications and establishing new routines. During this critical transition, hospital-owned retail pharmacies, also known as outpatient pharmacies, can be essential in supporting safe, coordinated patient-centric care.

Medication changes are common during hospitalization, particularly for patients with complex conditions. Without clear guidance and continuity, post-discharge medication adherence can diminish. Hospital-owned retail pharmacies are uniquely positioned to reduce these risks because they are embedded within the hospital environment and closely connected to inpatient care teams and medical records.

“Our [outpatient pharmacy] team has been critically important to the success of our patients’ care,” says Allan Mills, Director of Pharmacy at Trillium Health Partners. “Because of the intertwined relationship between our medical team and our outpatient pharmacists, one picks up where the other left off. Knowing the care plan for the patient means the outpatient pharmacy team know the outcomes we’re aiming for and can intervene to prevent medication related problems earlier.” This level of integration distinguishes hospital-owned retail pharmacies from communitybased models. Its pharmacists have access to treatment plans and recent medication changes, allowing them to provide counselling that reflects a patient’s full care journey.

For patients, this translates into clearer instructions, fewer surprises at the pharmacy counter and greater confidence in managing medications at home.

Enabling financial viability

Continuity of care is a key factor in preventing a return to the hospital. Medicationrelated issues remain a leading cause of emergency department visits and readmissions. By identifying discrepancies early, reinforcing education at discharge and serving as a consistent point of contact, hospital-owned retail pharmacies help reduce pressure on acute care services and support system-wide efficiency.

Despite their clinical value, hospital-owned retail pharmacies often operate on very narrow margins. Their public service alignment means revenues are typically reinvested into patient care and internal hospital programs rather than distributed externally. While this can strengthen trust with the communities they serve, it also creates financial pressures that can threaten sustainability without the right supports in place.

Recognizing these challenges, Mohawk Medbuy (MMC), a national not-for-profit shared services organization, collaborated with its member hospitals to develop a program specifically designed to support the financial viability of hospital-owned retail pharmacies. “The program was born out of a real challenge that the hospitals were facing. In general, the hospitals’ retail pharmacies were struggling to remain viable due to operational complexities and cost pressures,” says Ally Dhalla, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy, Government and Clinical Services at MMC. “We saw an opportunity to partner with our member hospitals and create something unique and different that was very patient focused.”

The goal of the program was to enable predictable, scalable and sustainable pharmacy operations by generating savings that could be reinvested into care. Trillium Health Partners was among the first hospitals to participate. “MMC provided the background work related to the business side of procuring an agreement for distribution at a very fair rate for our medications,” says Eric Post, Manager of Outpatient Pharmacies at Trillium Health Partners. “It really became a partnership that was there to support us, but gave us the autonomy to do what we wanted with our businesses.” Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto also feels the impact of this partnership. “The margins that MMC has been able to negotiate on our behalf have been very advantageous,” says Flay Charbonneau, Pharmacy Manager at Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Centre. “The revenues and profits generated accrue directly back to the hospital and are used in numerous hospital programs.”

Supporting Cancer Patients

Many hospital-owned retail pharmacies are embedded within cancer centres and specialty clinics, where close coordination with prescribers is essential. Andrea Wist, Ally Dhalla, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy, Government and Clinical Services at MMC Director of Pharmacy at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, helped establish Bluewater’s retail outpatient pharmacy for cancer patients in 2013. She had seen firsthand how care regimens could be delayed when specialized cancer medications were not readily available in the community. “Oral chemotherapy agents can be very expensive, and it was hard for the community pharmacies to stock really expensive meds.” With support from MMC’s pharmacy procurement program, Bluewater’s retail pharmacy was able to staff two drug access navigators, providing crucial help to patients in reducing the out-of-pocket cost for expensive medications. The pharmacy now supports continuity of care for additional patient populations, including mental health outpatients in Sarnia. Wist believes that these services provided by the pharmacy help save time for clinicians such as oncologists and psychiatrists, enabling more time for them to see patients. Across care settings, hospital-owned retail pharmacies are demonstrating their value to the health system. At the heart of it all are the pharmacy professionals whose commitment to care makes the transition from hospital to home easier and more conducive to better outcomes for patients.

By Roxane Belanger.

Roxane Belanger works in Communications at Mohawk Medbuy.

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Safe medication use: Understanding diuretics in heart failure

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:39 +0700

MK is a 68-year-old female who was recently diagnosed with heart failure. She was presented to the hospital with worsening swelling in both feet, coughing, and shortness of breath. Upon discharge, among her new prescriptions for the management of heart failure was Furosemide, with specific instructions (e.g., weighing herself every morning). She wondered why this medication requires specific instructions.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic, commonly referred to as a “water pill” that is used to manage heart failure symptoms. Since loop diuretics are symptom-driven, they should be regularly assessed and adjusted to the optimum effective dose. For patients like MK, a loop diuretic is frequently required to help them manage their symptoms, such as swelling in the feet (edema) and shortness of breath (dyspnea). However, as with all medications, diuretics carry potential side effects and there are important considerations for safe medication use. This article will review key information and practical tips to support safe and effective use of diuretics.

How do diuretics work?

In heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid backup and volume overload. Diuretics clear excess salt and water that cause fluid overload, reducing swelling, and relieving the heart’s workload. The main diuretic used in this case is a loop diuretic, such as, Furosemide. Although diuretics do not cure heart failure, they are essential for controlling fluid, improving comfort, and helping patients stay out of the hospital when used carefully and monitored regularly.

Common side effects of diuretics

While highly effective, diuretics require a balanced act because they could lead to electrolyte disturbances, worsening kidney function, and volume depletion. Hypokalemia (i.e., low potassium) is a common side effect. If patients with heart failure experience signs of volume depletion, such as dizziness, stable weight dropping below their baseline, or excessive fatigue, their diuretic dose may need to be reduced to protect their kidneys. The overarching strategy for dosing diuretics in managing heart failure is to find the lowest possible dose that could keep the patient symptom-free.

Self-care practices and safe medication use considerations

Managing heart failure starts with effective patient education and knowledge to empower their self-care practices. An example of self-care management is daily weigh-ins at home first thing in the morning after going to the washroom to assess the need for diuretic dose adjustment. Other self-care symptom-management strategies include eliminating or reducing alcohol use to less than two drinks per week, undertaking regular exercise (e.g., walking, cycling, swimming, light weight lifting), and implementing good sleep hygiene practices (e.g., avoiding caffeine late in the day, relaxing activities like mindfulness or reading, eliminating or reducing screen time one hour before bed, using low-intensity warm lighting, etc.). Reducing salt intake (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sodium-reduction) to less than 5 g per day (i.e., just under one teaspoonful or less than 2000 mg/day of sodium) also helps reduce fluid retention in the body. This can be achieved by reducing consumption of pre-made foods, salty snacks, and reviewing nutrition information on labels before buying.

Pharmacists in the community play a vital role in supporting patients to safely self-adjust their diuretic doses based on their daily tracking and monitoring (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6739659/). In an outpatient setting, they are available to perform regular medication reviews with patients, and provide education and information on side-effect management, self-monitoring, dietary and lifestyle modifications to improve patient’s quality of life. It is also important to note that if heart failure symptoms are not improving within 1-2 days of adjusting the diuretic dose (under the directions or recommendations of your primary care clinician), contact your prescriber, pharmacist, or visit an urgent care clinic for professional guidance and follow-up.

For MK, once her weight returns to her usual baseline, and her swelling and shortness of breath improve, her Furosemide dose could be lowered. This would help reduce the risk of removing too much fluid from her body, which may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If MK’s condition remains stable, Furosemide may sometimes be taken on an as-needed basis, especially when other heart failure medications are optimized to help maintain her fluid balance. Through collaborating with patients, pharmacists are in an optimal position to monitor patients with heart failure in the community, support their self-care management and self-managed titrations or adjustments to help optimize medication doses, improve symptoms, overall health, and medication safety.

A helpful tool for patients to initiate a conversation with their primary care clinicians is by using the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) “5 Questions to Ask About Your Medications” (https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/MedRec/MedSafety_5_questions_to_ask_poster.pdf), which could help facilitate discussions with healthcare professionals during regular follow-up appointments and at times of patient consultation at the pharmacy.

Angela Choi and Sarah Plank are PharmD Students at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto; and Certina Ho is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

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Connecting the dots on a cross-Canada motion analysis network

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:34 +0700

HN Summary

• CP-MAN is a national network connecting motion analysis centres to advance precision care for children with disabilities.

• Collaboration enables shared data, standardized practices, and faster research progress across Canada.

• The network supports more accurate assessments and personalized treatment decisions, improving mobility and quality of life.

What if gait labs and motion analysis centres across the country could unite—sharing data, expertise and innovation—to advance precision medicine for children and youth with disabilities?

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto and Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, N.L., are proud to have led the establishment of the Canadian Pediatric Motion Analysis Network (CP-MAN), which recently marked its first year of collaboration with clinical motion analysis centres and motion analysis research labs across Canada.

“Prior to the establishment of this network, most pediatric motion analysis teams worked independently, each making strides in motion analysis and clinical care,” says Puja Ahluwalia, physiotherapist on Holland Bloorview’s Motion Analysis Centre team, which specializes in clinical paediatric gait and mobility assessments. “We recognized a gap in being able to collaborate, share learnings, standardize reporting and clinical practice, and look at future research opportunities.”

Collaboration with motion analysis centres across Canada will support a move towards precision health for children with disabilities.

CP-MAN includes nearly 15 clinical or research organizations focused on pediatric motion analysis. Members meet virtually three to four times a year and include physiotherapists, kinesiologists, engineers researchers and technicians.

Erin Stanley, who co-chairs the CP-MAN network alongside Holland Bloorview’s Ahluwalia and is a physiotherapist in the Motion Analysis Centre at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, says the opportunity to convene with other motion analysis professionals across the country has been both rewarding, and productive.

“In the past year alone, we’ve convened the network, offered several educational sessions and had early discussions about how we can standardize, and eventually share, data sets and research so we can move the science forward faster, together,” says Stanley. “We are aligned and motivated by a shared goal to improve and transform care for children undergoing gait analysis.”

Already, interest is growing. Several external organizations have approached CP-MAN asking to reference the network in their funding proposals, seeing its value as a model for coordinated, high impact research.

Members of the Holland Bloorview Motion Analysis Centre team meet CP-MAN partners from the Motion Lab at Sunny Hill Health Centre in B.C. The meeting marked the network’s first in-person gathering since its inaugural meeting in early 2025.

Josh McGillivray, lead with Holland Bloorview’s Motion Analysis Centre team, says the national network is very excited about the cross-country collaboration. “Our growing, nationwide network of like-minded health-care professionals, researchers and engineers is what is necessary to move towards precision health,” says McGillivray. “Patients now come to Holland Bloorview, and motion analysis centres across Canada, to work with clinicians who have collective knowledge from across the country.

“This allows for the most accurate assessments, leading to results that can be used to make precise decisions about surgery, clinical treatment plans and equipment. Ultimately, this means that patients will experience the care they need to optimize the way they move in their everyday lives whether that’s going to school, playing in the backyard or hanging out with friends.”

From concept to collaboration to national momentum, CP-MAN is a shining example of how collaboration and leadership in convening experts across the country is strengthening the science that will shape the next generation of pediatric health care for children with disabilities.

Donovan Cooper is senior director, ambulatory care, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

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Osler’s new Academic Learning Centres offer a dynamic hub for learners

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:28 +0700

HN Summary

• Osler’s new Academic Learning Centres provide dedicated, modern spaces to support clinical education and collaboration.

• The centres enhance learner experience, mentorship, and hands-on training, helping build confident future physicians.

• This investment strengthens workforce development and patient care, supporting a growing and diverse community.

As William Osler Health System (Osler) continues to expand its footprint as one of Ontario’s leading community teaching hospitals, it’s further strengthening its commitment to learners with the recent opening of its Academic Learning Centre at Brampton Civic Hospital and the upcoming opening of an additional centre at Etobicoke General Hospital. Osler’s Academic Learning Centres are more than just physical spaces – they are the heartbeat of the learner experience.

The bright, modern facilities feature classrooms, collaborative learning areas, study spaces, workstations, lounges, call rooms and dedicated offices for education staff, all reinforcing Osler’s growing role in training the next generation of health care professionals.

“As our region continues to grow, so too does the need to support high-quality clinical education,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “By creating purpose-built learning environments within our facilities, we’re investing in the people who will deliver care in our communities for years to come, which ultimately leads to best-in-class health care for patients and families.”

Dr. Claire Matlock, who joined Osler in July 2025 as part of the inaugural cohort of medical residents from Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) new School of Medicine, believes the new Academic Learning Centres send a strong signal to learners that they are valued and have a place in the future of the hospital and its communities.

“These centres give us a place to call our own where we can prepare for clinics, complete dictation, make phone calls, consult off service, sleep over when we’re on-call, reflect on challenging cases, and importantly, network with other learners across the organization. They are so appreciated and will be well used,” added Dr. Matlock.

Informal mentorship amongst learners is considered a critical aspect of their learning, as medical residents and undergraduate learners from different institutions meet, collaborate and share their experiences across different specialties in the hospital.

Osler’s new Academic Learning Centres

“Strong learning environments are essential to developing confident, capable physicians,” said Dr. Hemant Shah, Vice President, Academics, William Osler Health System. “These Academic Learning Centres give our residents and learners a dedicated space to connect, learn and grow along with participating in vital hands-on experience with our health care teams.”

Osler has been welcoming learners to its sites for many years through well-established partnerships with McMaster University’s Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, and University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine. In its more recent affiliation as primary clinical partner for TMU’s new School of Medicine, Osler will play a pivotal role in educating and training a diverse and inclusive health workforce that helps address health human resource challenges within the region and across Ontario.

Dr. Shah reinforces that Osler’s expanding role as a community teaching hospital means patients will gain improved access to integrated health and social services, particularly for underserved populations, including visible and marginalized minorities and isolated seniors.

“Expanding our footprint in education also strengthens staffing, supports new models of care, drives clinical discoveries and improves patient outcomes,” added Dr. Shah.

According to Jasmine Sheehan, Manager, Medical Education, William Osler Health System, the Academic Learning Centres build on Osler’s continued focus on academic excellence as a foundation for future growth and for building a sustainable health care workforce.

“These new centres are a game-changer for the learner experience,” said Sheehan. “They’re a contributing success factor in building a pipeline for future physicians, many of whom will choose to stay and practice here – physicians who understand our patients, our diverse populations and our community’s complex needs.”

For Dr. Matlock, who is in the first year of a five-year residency in general surgery at Osler, the Academic Learning Centres are already well on their way to becoming crucial hubs for connection, collaboration and camaraderie among learners from post graduate residents to undergraduate students – a place where mentorships and lifelong friendships are born. “This is an exciting time to be training at Osler,” she added.

Osler is a leading community teaching hospital system delivering world-class health care inspired by its people and communities to the 1.3 million people who live in the growing and diverse communities of Brampton, North Etobicoke, Caledon, and surrounding areas. As the region continues to grow, so does the need to support high-quality clinical education. By creating strong learning environments, Osler is helping residents gain hands-on experience in Osler’s fast-paced hospital environment and become confident, capable physicians to serve the community.

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A step ahead with Trexo Plus robotic legs

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:24 +0700

HN Summary

• Hamilton Health Sciences is using Trexo Plus robotic legs to help young children with conditions like cerebral palsy improve strength, coordination and mobility through intensive physical therapy.

• The wearable robotic device collects real-time data on movement and support needs, helping therapists track progress and tailor treatment plans for pediatric patients.

• Clinicians and families hope the technology will improve independence, confidence and quality of life for children with limited ability to walk.

When Lily Maracle was offered the chance to try walking on her own using robotic legs, the four-year-old Hamilton girl stepped right up to the challenge.

Lily was born with cerebral palsy and relies on a walker to get around. To help build strength, endurance and coordination, Lily visits Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC) for physical therapy that now includes chasing bubbles around the gym and kicking a ball down the hallway wearing Trexo Plus robotic legs, developed by Mississauga-based Trexo Robotics. The RJCHC is part of Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH).

Lily’s mother Christal Coates hopes physical therapy sessions using the wearable robotic legs will help Lily build strength and endurance, and improve her gait. “It’s an amazing piece of equipment,” says Coates. “We’re excited to see how it will help her.”

Bringing Trexo Plus to our patients

In April, RJCHC’s developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation program started offering therapy sessions using Trexo Plus for some young patients who either can’t walk or, like Lily, have limited ability to walk.

“Bringing Trexo Plus to McMaster Children’s Hospital increases access to new technology in physical therapy,” says Dr. Olivia Ng, clinical director of the developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation program at MCH.

Trexo Plus uses the repetitive motion of taking steps for children who need support to walk because of nervous system injuries or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy. RJCHC’s device is suitable for kids aged three to six.

Collecting patient data

Trexo Plus collects data during each use through built-in sensors, and sends this information to a tablet device monitored by specially trained RJCHC physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants.

Information collected includes how many steps the child takes, how long they’re active, and how much support they need to walk. This data is used by the RJCHC team to monitor progress, plan and adjust therapy, and set goals for improvements.

Trexo Plus is more intensive than standard physical therapy, and involves two one-hour sessions each week for 10 weeks. Children are referred for Trexo Plus sessions by their regular therapist, and about 20 patients a year are expected to use the device.

Benefits of this therapy

Trexo Plus is fairly new in Canada and benefits are still being discovered.

“Based on research we’ve seen from other centres, Trexo Plus can help kids strengthen their bodies, improve head and trunk control, and get more comfortable moving upright,” says Ng.

Other benefits can include better sleep, increased confidence, weight control, and greater endurance.

“We’re excited to be able offer this therapy service to families and to learn more about how it can help them achieve their goals.” says Angela Camozzi, one of two RJCHC physiotherapists trained to use the device in therapy. Two physiotherapy assistants also received specialized training.

The support driving innovation

The RJCHC received the Trexo Plus device thanks to funding from the HHS Foundation alongside support from OBIO’s Life Sciences Critical Technologies & Commercialization Centre of Excellence. OBIO is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization. Studies have estimated that 250,000 children in North America are unable to walk due to central nervous system injuries or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.

“By working together, HHS, OBIO, and Trexo Robotics are combining cutting-edge Canadian innovation and expertise to deliver life-changing health-care solutions for children,” says Dr. Ted Scott, chief innovation officer for HHS.

Different ways to get moving

Trexo Plus robotic legs can be set up in a variety of ways, depending on how much support a child needs. The Trexo Plus system is mounted onto an adjustable pediatric walker that provides stability and upper-body support while the device guides the legs through stepping movements to help the child and family meet their therapy goals.

For children like Lily who already have some ability to stand or take steps, supports can be adjusted to allow for more challenge and active participation. Therapists can move between setup options over time as a child’s strength, balance and mobility improve.

Putting kids on equal footing

“This innovation is about more than technology,” says Dr. Marc Jeschke, vice president of research and innovation for HHS. “It’s about opening doors to independence, confidence, and a better life by supporting the mobility of our youngest patients. We’re pleased to be able to support our pediatric patients and their families in this way.”

Because the Trexo Plus supports the body and guides steps, children can participate in standing and walking activities along with their peers.

“Lily likes to be included instead of watching from the sidelines,” says her mom. “Being able to walk using the Trexo Plus helps level the playing field.”

By Lise Diebel

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AI-powered trial at Toronto General aims to improve accuracy of lung cancer biopsies

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:20 +0700

HN Summary

• University Health Network and Hamilton-based NodeAI have launched a clinical trial testing an AI platform designed to improve the accuracy of EBUS lung cancer biopsies in real time.

• The AI system analyzes ultrasound imaging during procedures to identify lymph nodes and predict malignancy, with the goal of reducing inconclusive biopsy results caused by operator variability.

• The trial is being conducted at Toronto General Hospital with involvement from Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku, the surgeon who pioneered the EBUS procedure that transformed lung cancer diagnosis worldwide.

Every year, more than 270,000 patients in North America alone undergo an endobronchial ultrasound procedure, a minimally invasive biopsy that transformed lung cancer diagnosis when it was pioneered at Toronto General Hospital in the late 1990s. The technique, known as EBUS-TBNA, made open-chest surgery largely unnecessary for determining whether lung cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. It is now the global standard of care.

There is one persistent problem: in roughly 40 per cent of cases, the procedure produces inconclusive results. The reason is human variability. EBUS is technically demanding, and performance depends heavily on an operator’s experience and training. Inconclusive findings mean delayed diagnoses, repeat biopsies, and, in a disease where timing is everything, worse outcomes for patients.

NodeAI, a Hamilton-based medical AI startup, was built to solve this. Today the company announced the launch of a clinical trial at University Health Network (UHN) to validate its AI algorithm for real-time lymph node malignancy prediction during EBUS procedures. The trial takes place at Toronto General Hospital, the institution where, in 2011, EBUS was first validated in a landmark clinical trial. The current trial is also being conducted with the involvement of Dr. Kazuhiro (Kazu) Yasufuku, the thoracic surgeon who developed the technique and who sits on NodeAI’s Advisory Board.

THE FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT

Dr. Yasufuku pioneered EBUS-TBNA at Toronto General, where it replaced mediastinoscopy, a procedure requiring general anesthetic, a neck incision, and a rigid steel instrument to reach the chest. EBUS cut procedure time to less than 15 minutes, let patients go home the same day, and within a decade became the global gold standard. By 2020, an estimated 650,000 lung cancer cases had been diagnosed using the technique. Dr. Yasufuku received Japan’s Medical Research and Development Grand Prize from Prime Minister Shinzō Abe for the work.

That same surgeon is now helping validate the AI system designed to take EBUS to its next stage.

”As the co-developer of EBUS-TBNA, it is exciting to see AI helping unlock the next generation of precision diagnostics. The NodeAI approach is scientifically credible because it is built upon validated procedural anatomy, real imaging data, and clinically meaningful patterns that experienced bronchoscopists recognize every day. NodeAI has the potential to improve the diagnostic yield, accelerate expertise, and ultimately benefit patient care worldwide.”

– Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku, Co-developer of EBUS-TBNA; Director of Endoscopy and Interventional Thoracic, UHN; Advisory Board, NodeAI

WHAT NODEAI DOES

NodeAI’s platform integrates directly into existing EBUS clinical workflows via a cloud-based interface. During the procedure, the AI analyzes ultrasound video in real time, detecting lymph node anatomy, identifying stations, and generating a malignancy prediction before the biopsy needle is even deployed. The system is vendor-agnostic and requires no hardware changes.

The practical effect is to give a less experienced operator access to expert-level pattern recognition at the moment it matters most. Backed by more than seven years of clinical research and one of the largest EBUS video datasets in the world, the algorithm was co-developed by Dr. Waël Hanna, a thoracic surgeon, and Dr. Anthony Gatti, an AI scientist, both co-founders of NodeAI.

“EBUS changed everything about how we stage lung cancer,” says Dr. Hanna. “But the procedure is only as good as the person performing it, and that creates an equity problem. A patient at a major academic centre with a highly experienced bronchoscopist gets a different outcome than a patient at a community hospital. AI can close that gap. This trial is about proving it.”

CLINICAL TRIAL

The trial will enroll 100 patients over 3 months at Toronto General Hospital. The Primary endpoint is NodeAI’s ability to successfully process EBUS imaging and return real-time predictions at a rate exceeding 90 per cent of all images captured during the procedure.

The trial will assess whether NodeAI’s real-time AI guidance improves diagnostic yield compared to standard EBUS practice, with a focus on reducing inconclusive results and reducing operator-to-operator variability.

Conducting the validation at UHN is deliberate. “There is no more credible place in the world to validate an EBUS technology than Toronto General,” said Dr. Hanna. “This is where the procedure was born. Running this trial here, with Dr. Yasufuku’s leadership is the scientific foundation that we need to ensure that we are creating a technology that helps every patient who is battling lung cancer.”

WHY IT MATTERS BEYOND THE TRIAL

Lung cancer kills more Canadians than any other cancer — an estimated 33,000 diagnoses are expected in Canada in 2025. Globally it is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Accurate, timely staging determines whether a patient receives surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care. A missed or delayed staging result is not a minor inefficiency. It changes treatment trajectories.

NodeAI’s larger ambition is to make expert-level EBUS accessible everywhere — not just at academic medical centres with subspecialty-trained bronchoscopists. The company’s subscription-based model is designed for deployment across both high-volume hospitals and smaller community sites where EBUS is increasingly performed but expertise is limited.

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The first robotic HAIP surgery in Canada

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:14 +0700

HN Summary

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has performed Canada’s first robotic-assisted hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) surgery for colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

• The minimally invasive robotic approach allows chemotherapy to be delivered directly to the liver while reducing surgical trauma, shortening recovery time and helping patients resume treatment sooner.

• Clinicians say the milestone could expand access to advanced liver-directed cancer therapies and help shape the future of minimally invasive cancer care in Canada.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has performed the first robotic-assisted hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) surgery in Canada, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.

The milestone builds on more than a decade of innovation at Sunnybrook, which became the first hospital in Canada to establish an HAIP chemotherapy program. Today, it remains the only hospital in the country offering this specialized treatment option for patients with advanced colorectal cancer involving the liver. By integrating robotic-assisted surgery into the program, the hospital is once again pushing the boundaries of cancer care in Canada.

The hepatic artery infusion pump is a small, disc-shaped device implanted just beneath the skin and connected through a catheter to the hepatic artery, the liver’s primary blood supply. The device allows chemotherapy to be delivered directly to the liver in high concentrations while reducing exposure to the rest of the body. This targeted approach can improve treatment effectiveness while limiting some systemic side effects commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy.

Historically, HAIP placement has required open surgery. The new robotic-assisted approach uses minimally invasive surgical technology to place the pump with greater precision through smaller incisions. Clinicians say this can reduce surgical trauma, shorten recovery time and help patients resume chemotherapy sooner.

“By combining the precision of robotic surgery with hepatic artery infusion therapy, we can offer a less invasive approach that supports faster recovery and minimizes delays in chemotherapy — and that may translate into better long-term results,” says Dr. Colin Court, surgical oncologist and lead of Sunnybrook’s robotic HAIP program.

The robotic-assisted procedure represents another example of how advanced surgical technologies are reshaping cancer treatment. Robotic systems provide surgeons with enhanced visualization, improved dexterity and greater control during complex procedures, allowing for highly precise movements in delicate surgical environments.

For patients with colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver, access to specialized liver-directed therapies can be critical. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada, and the liver is among the most frequent sites for metastases. In many cases, treatment requires a combination of surgery, systemic chemotherapy and targeted regional therapies such as HAIP.

Sunnybrook clinicians say the introduction of robotic-assisted HAIP surgery may also help expand access to the procedure for more patients by offering a less invasive treatment pathway. Faster recovery and shorter hospital stays may improve the overall patient experience while supporting continuity of cancer care.

Hospital leaders describe the achievement as an important step forward in advancing minimally invasive cancer treatments in Canada and improving outcomes for patients facing complex liver cancers. As research and innovation continue, the robotic HAIP program may help establish new standards for liver-directed cancer therapy nationwide.

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Canada must act now to address burnout and mental health challenges in long-term care workers

Edusehat — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:30:10 +0700

HN Summary

• Long-term care workers across Canada are experiencing rising burnout, emotional exhaustion and mental health challenges driven by staffing shortages, heavy workloads and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Experts warn that poor working conditions in LTC homes are contributing to staff turnover and could negatively affect the quality of care and quality of life for residents.

• Researchers are calling for federal and provincial governments to work together on reforms including better staffing, improved wages and training, trauma-informed workplaces and national standards for healthy LTC work environments.

Canada’s federal and provincial governments have shown they can put on the Team Canada hat and (mostly) work together to respond to crises like U.S. tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic.

They need that same spirit of urgency, determination and collaboration to solve another pressing problem – rising mental health struggles and burnout among long-term care (LTC) workers.

Without concerted government action to create a healthier LTC work environment, the problem will get worse, fueling greater staff turnover and jeopardizing resident quality of care and quality of life.

LTC homes already face significant staffing challenges and struggle to meet the care needs of an increasingly complex resident population – with dementia fueling LTC admissions.

Canada’s aging population will likely further strain LTC homes, making it critical that workplace issues impacting staff physical and mental health be addressed.

Work in LTC has never been easy. It is both physically and emotionally demanding and the wages comparatively low. Workers experience bullying, violence and racism.

Persistent shortcomings in funding and staffing – including shortages, high turnover and absenteeism – result in workers managing heavy workloads that often require them to rush resident care tasks and leave them feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Despite the increasing complexity of resident needs, LTC homes remain woefully understaffed and heavily reliant on unregulated health care aides (personal support workers) – primarily immigrant women – to provide almost all direct resident care. Care aides often lack formal sufficient training given the increasingly complex resident population.

The COVID-19 pandemic made LTC work even more gruelling. Severe staffing shortages, long periods of mandated isolation, high number of deaths and unrelenting stress – with no time to breathe or grieve – all took a toll on staff. Many workers still carry trauma from their experiences and report experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Research comparing burnout levels in LTC workers from 2014 to 2024 revealed that levels of emotional exhaustion – already high – spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Levels of professional efficacy – a worker’s belief that they can do their job successfully – are also lower now than they were before the pandemic.

Equally worrying are declining levels of job satisfaction and mental health. Both are strongly associated with an intention to leave.

We cannot afford to lose LTC staff or continue having them work in an unhealthy environment. It is not only detrimental to them, it negatively impacts residents, who are among the most vulnerable in society.

Their quality of care and quality of life are directly linked to the LTC work environment and the mental health and well-being of staff.

Finding solutions to reduce burnout and improve mental health in LTC workers requires the federal and provincial governments to work together on a multi-pronged approach to reform.

While LTC is primarily under provincial jurisdiction, federal leadership is vital to ensuring consistency nationwide.

Reforms must include greater investment in the LTC sector, improved quality and safety standards and creating healthy work environments. Change requires development of a workforce strategy that improves working conditions, recruitment and retention, education and training and wages and benefits.

There must also be an emphasis on mental health, including funding policies that support trauma-informed workplaces in LTC. These are work environments that understand that trauma is a universal experience with negative impacts that can affect both LTC staff and residents.

Trauma-informed workplaces create healthy and safe environments through policies and practices designed to prevent or reduce trauma and ensure people feel supported.

They also build positive work environments by guaranteeing staff have manageable workloads, receive equitable pay and benefits, have access to training and development, and are actively included in developing workplace policies and practices.

The federal government must take a leadership role in working with the provinces to make certain that data collected on quality of care and staffing and resident quality of life metrics are consistent in LTC homes across the country. Only such an approach can determine whether reforms are working or further changes are needed.

It must also move forward with a Safe Long Term Care Act and ensure that the legislation includes national standards for a healthy work environment.

It is time for federal and provincial governments to come together to foster healthier LTC work environments that promote good mental health and protect against burnout for LTC workers. Staff and residents deserve nothing less.

By Carole Estabrooks

Dr. Carole A. Estabrooks is Scientific Director of the pan-Canadian Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) and Professor & Canada Research Chair, Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta.

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HHS is first hospital in North America to ‘filter out’ blood clots

Edusehat — Thu, 28 May 2026 00:10:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Hamilton Health Sciences is the first hospital in North America to trial tiny carotid artery filters designed to trap blood clots and prevent strokes in high-risk patients.

• The global Phase 3 study will assess whether adding filters to standard blood thinner treatment can reduce stroke rates and improve outcomes.

• Early results show the minimally invasive, same-day procedure is quick, safe, and promising, highlighting innovation in stroke prevention.

Filters keep coffee fresh, water clean, and cars running smoothly.

Now, a team of Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) doctors and researchers are using that same concept to prevent strokes, by placing tiny filters in patients’ carotid arteries at each side of the neck to trap blood clots so they can’t reach the brain.

HHS is the first hospital site in North America and most of the world to perform this innovative new procedure to investigate whether these tiny filters, called Vine carotid filters, can lower the number of strokes caused by large vessel blockages inside the brain.

This global, Phase 3 clinical trial is taking place through a partnership with a medical device company and our Hamilton General Hospital’s stroke and neuro-intervention teams. The trial is also exploring whether these filters will reduce the overall number of strokes, and will further evaluate the filters’ safety.

The clinical trials

Clinical trials are studies that evaluate promising new treatments not yet in regular use. They can be an option when standard treatments aren’t working well or aren’t the best choice for a patient.

Trials happen in phases so researchers can study their effectiveness in a gradual and safe way. Phase 1 trials explore tolerability and dosing, Phase 2 trials evaluate how well an intervention works and what side effects may occur; Phase 3 look at efficacy; and Phase 4 focuses on what happens in the long-term.

The Phase 1 and 2 trials took place in Europe, where close to 100 patients received filters. The Hamilton-led Phase 3 trial is much larger. Dr. Ashkan Shoamanesh, an HHS neurologist, and Dr. Alexander Benz, a cardiologist fellow at HHS, are leading the Phase 3 study globally, which will involve 2,000 patients worldwide over the next two to three years, with about 40 from HHS.

With Phase 3, one group of patients receives the filters along with the current, standard treatment of blood thinners, while other group continues with blood thinners only, and their outcomes are compared.

HHS has enrolled three patients so far. One underwent the procedure while the other two continued with the standard treatment of blood thinners.

The HHS patient who received the filters recovered quickly and is doing very well, says HHS neurologist Dr. Aristeidis Katsanos, the study’s site lead.

Katsanos, Shoamanesh and Benz all conduct research through the Population Health Research Institute, a world-renowned, shared institute of HHS and our academic partner McMaster University.

A promising innovation

Strokes in people with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heart rhythm, are often caused by blood clots that travel to the brain and block major blood vessels, which can lead to severe, life-altering disabilities. Since blood thinners don’t prevent all strokes in these patients, researchers are looking for other, more effective ways to protect them in addition to standard- of-care blood thinners.

Laboratory testing shows that these filters can trap larger clots (about 1.4 millimetres in size or bigger) and sometimes smaller ones too.

In people with AF, blood clots can form in the heart and travel through the bloodstream where they can cause a stroke if they reach the brain. Placing these filters in both carotid arteries, the main vessels carrying blood to the front of the brain, could stop large clots from the heart from reaching this area, where about 90 per cent of AF-related strokes occur.

Patients qualifying for this Phase 3 trial have had a stroke within the last year. They also have AF, which puts them at higher risk of stroke. While blood thinners help lower the risk, people with AF who have had a stroke in the past year face about a three to seven per cent chance of having another one.

Same-day procedure

The HHS procedure was performed by neurointerventionalist and neurologist Dr. Brian Van Adel and neurosurgeon Dr. Bill Wang. A neurointerventionalist fixes blood vessel problems through small, precise procedures inside the body rather than open surgery.

The same-day procedure took just a few minutes and didn’t require sedation. The doctors injected a hair-thin nickel wire directly into the patient’s carotid artery under ultrasound guidance. Inside the carotid artery, the wire forms into a filter-like coil for catching clots so they can’t continue on to the brain.

“Researchers believe these filters could greatly reduce strokes caused by large blockages in these arteries, which are often the most severe and disabling,” says Katsanos, adding,

“This Phase 3 trial speaks to HHS’ expertise in stroke care and research globally, and is an excellent example of how teamwork across specialties is helping push stroke care forward, for better patient outcomes.”

Testing tomorrow’s treatments

All HHS patients are automatically enrolled in Explore Research, the hospital’s patient recruitment process for research studies. Patients are notified about Explore Research during their hospital visit and can opt out at any time if they’d prefer not to be contacted about opportunities to participate in research studies.

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Physician employment: Four of five U.S. docs now work for nonphysician-owned group

Edusehat — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:30:06 +0700

New data on physician employment trends show that as of Jan. 1 of this year, four out of five physicians work for groups that are no longer owned by doctors. According to the Physicians Advocacy Institute, the new data show that the number of physicians working for nonphysician-owned groups has nearly doubled since 2018.

Here’s a deeper dive into the numbers and what they mean for American medicine.

Physician employment trends

A report from Avalere Health for the Physicians Advocacy Institute found that at the beginning of 2026, 550,494 physicians—82%—worked for a hospital or corporate entity. The organization’s data found that number grew by more than 253,000 physicians, an increase of 85%, since 2018.

Data found that in 2026, 59.7% of physicians were employed by hospitals and 22.3% were employed by corporate entities. The number of physicians working for physician-owned groups came in at just over 120,000.

That means that as of 2026, just 18% of practicing physicians work for physician-owned groups. In 2018, when the group started tracking employment trends, 52% of physicians worked for hospitals or corporate entities.

The biggest growth in the number of physicians working for nonphysician-owned groups came from hospitals, which added 181,200 physicians to their payroll between 2018 and 2026. Other corporate entities picked up an additional 71,8000 physicians during that same period.

During just the last two years—2024-2026—hospitals and corporate entities added 48,000 physicians to their payroll, the data found. That represented a 5% increase in the number of physicians working for nonphysician-owned groups in those two years alone.

Group ownership trends

Hospitals and corporate entities have been on a buying spree when it comes to physician-owned groups. Between 2018 and 2026, hospitals acquired 32,800 physician practices, while corporate entities acquired 52,300 medical groups.

Nonphysician groups now own 64% of all medical practices in the United States, compared to 30% in 2018. That’s an increase of 114%.

Data found that the pace of corporate acquisition of medical groups appears to have slowed in the last two years. Between 2024 and 2026, corporations acquired 8,000 groups, or 15% of the groups purchased during the eight-year period studied. During that same time frame, hospitals acquired 5,800 physician groups, or nearly 18% of their eight-year total.

Kelly Kenney, the group’s CEO, said in a statement that the rise in corporate ownership of medical groups is a potential problem because corporate entities have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders, not patients. “Corporate profits must never take precedence over patients,” she said.

Interestingly, the data found differences in employment trends among hospitals and corporate entities. From 2024-2025, for example, hospitals acquired 5,800 practices, which led to them adding 44,000 physicians to their payroll. That was an 8.2% increase in physician employment.

During that same period, corporations added 8,000 medical groups but added only 4,200 physicians to their payroll. Corporations boosted their physician numbers by less than 1% from 2024-2025.

Analysts say those conflicting trends are likely the result of corporations cutting payroll after they acquire practices.

Regional trends

Data found that areas of the country saw physicians move to working for corporately owned groups. Here are some key data points:

In the Midwest, 86.9% now work for nonphysician-owned groups. In that region, 70% of physicians work for hospitals, the largest number in the country.
The West saw the fastest rise of corporate medicine in the last two years: 6.6%.
In terms of corporate ownership of physician groups, the South leads with 37%. That number jumped 185% from 2018-2026.
The West saw a similar rise in corporate ownership over that eight-year period.

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Canada’s Hospitals Can’t Solve the Seniors Care Crisis Alone

Edusehat — Wed, 20 May 2026 22:55:11 +0700

Across Canada, hospitals are under enormous pressure, with lengthy wait times and beds filled well beyond capacity. While there are many reasons for this strain, one factor is impossible to ignore. Our healthcare system is increasingly relying on hospitals to solve a seniors care crisis they were never designed to manage.

A growing number of hospital beds are occupied by older adults who no longer require acute medical treatment but cannot safely return home. Hospitals were never meant to function this way. They are designed to treat illness and stabilize patients, not to provide long-term social care, housing, or community support. Yet in the absence of sufficient alternatives, that is exactly what they are being asked to do. The result is a system where everyone struggles. Hospitals lose precious capacity, healthcare workers face increased pressure and burnout, and seniors themselves often remain in environments that are not designed to support their long-term wellbeing.

For decades, Canada’s approach to elder care has been fragmented across multiple sectors. Hospitals, home care, long-term care, and retirement living mostly operate within their own policy framework. These sectors often serve the same population but rarely function as a truly integrated continuum. When the connections between them break down, hospitals become the default safety net. The solution cannot simply be building more long-term care beds or expanding hospital capacity. What we need is a more coordinated system that supports older adults long before a crisis occurs.

Senior living communities, in partnership with hospitals, can play a key role in this shift. When designed well, these communities provide much more than housing. They create environments where older adults remain socially connected, supported by staff who understand the aging process and can identify health concerns early. Preventing isolation and addressing needs proactively can significantly reduce hospital visits and emergency admissions.

Just as importantly, senior living communities can provide safe and appropriate places for individuals to transition after a hospital stay. With the right supports in place, many seniors who no longer require acute care could leave hospital sooner and continue their recovery in environments that are better suited to their needs. This kind of partnership between hospitals and senior living communities has enormous potential. It can improve patient outcomes, free up critical hospital beds and create smoother transitions across the continuum of care.

But for this to happen, we need to stop thinking of seniors housing and care as separate from the healthcare system. In reality, they are deeply connected. Housing stability, social engagement, and access to supportive services are some of the most important determinants of health for older adults. When those elements are missing, hospital visits become far more likely.

Another major challenge across the continuum is workforce. Hospitals, long-term care homes, and retirement communities are all competing for the same limited pool of personal support workers and frontline caregivers. The shortage of trained professionals is already severe and will only grow as Canada’s population ages.

Addressing this workforce crisis will require more than recruitment campaigns. We need to rethink how we train and support the people who provide care to older adults. Caregiving must be recognized as a skilled profession with strong educational pathways, meaningful career opportunities, and greater societal respect.

Training programs that place students directly within senior living communities can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. When future healthcare professionals learn alongside older adults, they gain a deeper understanding of aging and the complex needs that come with it.

Ultimately, strengthening elder care is not just about improving life for seniors. It is also essential to the sustainability of our healthcare system. Hospitals cannot carry the weight of this challenge alone. Nor should they have to. A better approach requires stronger partnerships between hospitals, senior living communities, educators, and policymakers. By working together to create a more integrated continuum of care, we can ensure that older adults receive the right support in the right setting at the right time. The health of our hospitals and the dignity of our seniors depend on getting this right.

By Heather Janes, CEO of Christie Gardens

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Oregon ED physicians who fought big staffing firm keeping their jobs

Edusehat — Wed, 20 May 2026 22:50:05 +0700

A group of Oregon ED physicians that fought a move to be replaced by a large staffing firm scored a victory last week that will allow them to keep their jobs.

PeaceHealth earlier this year announced plans to replace Eugene Emergency Physicians with physicians from the national staffing firm ApolloMD at three of its hospitals. The local 41-member emergency medicine group has worked at PeaceHealth hospitals for 35 years.

After most of the ED physicians turned down offers to work for ApolloMD at the three hospitals, the group sued PeaceHealth. And after a rough week in court, the health system agreed to retain the local physician group for at least three years.

The physician group fought PeaceHealth’s plans to replace it by invoking Oregon’s 2025 corporate medicine law, which aims to keep corporations and private equity firms from controlling medical practices. Oregon now requires that medical groups be owned and governed by physicians who are licensed in the state.

ApolloMD said that a local emergency physician owned the group that would take over at the three PeaceHealth hospitals and that the corporate entity would handle “nonclinical support.” But a judge last week questioned whether that arrangement would meet the state law.

The judge questioned whether officials from ApolloMD were being honest with the court, according to reporting from Oregon Public Broadcasting. Critics had pointed out that the ED group that was going to work at the three PeaceHealth hospitals was registered in Oregon in February of this year. They also noted that the ED physician who would have been overseen the group was from Illinois and got his Oregon medical license only in March of this year.

In court last week, the judge said that it appeared that ApolloMD planned to use the local company to control its liability in Oregon, not to actually run the practice and make clinical decisions. The judge also said that a lack of written contracts between ApolloMD and the local emergency group would allow ApolloMD to conceal any control it would exercise over the local emergency medicine group.

MedPage Today reported that the judge ultimately concluded that officials from ApolloMD lied under oath about who would run the new group in Oregon.

In its lawsuit, the ED group argued that the model being used by Apollo “is exactly the business model that Oregon’s corporate practice of medicine laws prohibit.” Critics said that ApolloMD was using the “friendly physician” model in which a physician is named as owner of a practice, but control ultimately rests with a corporate entity, to get around the new Oregon law.

Before any ruling in the case was reached, PeaceHealth announced that it was backing away from its plans to work with ApolloMD and would keep the local ED group for at least three years. Analysts had been following the case closely because Oregon has one of the most aggressive laws banning corporate control of medical groups.

While the legal challenge ended without a ruling from the judge, analysts told MedPage Today that the PeaceHealth case may be a sign that the friendly physician model used by staffing firms is ripe for challenges in Oregon and other states.

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ED physicians in Oregon who fought being replaced by a staffing firm win

Edusehat — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:15:06 +0700

A group of Oregon ED physicians that fought a move to be replaced by a large staffing firm scored a victory last week that will allow them to keep their jobs.

MedPage Today reported that the judge ultimately concluded that officials from ApolloMD lied under oath about who would run the new group in Oregon.

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A single question leads to better patient experience in the Emergency Department

Edusehat — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:50:12 +0700

HN Summary

• A Nurse Practitioner (NP) pilot in Niagara Health’s ED has significantly reduced wait times and improved patient experience, with physician assessment times dropping by nearly four hours.

• NPs assess patients early—ordering tests and initiating care in the waiting room—streamlining workflow and helping patients feel seen and supported sooner.

• Combined with broader system changes, including improved triage processes and redesigned care zones, the program is driving better flow, faster care, and stronger overall ED performance.

Is it necessary for wait times in the Emergency Department (ED) to be so long? It’s a question that patients often pose as they wait for care, and continues to drive Dr. Rafi Setrak, Niagara Health’s Chief of Emergency Medicine, in his efforts to improve care and reduce wait times in the ED.

In the fall of 2025, the launch of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) pilot program at the Marotta Family Hospital’s ED helped create the resolve he was working towards. Since the pilot launched in late September, Dr. Setrak has seen a “notable difference” in not only improving wait times, but by significantly improving the patient experience.

“I was excited about the program from day one,” says Dr. Setrak. “There are two things that really satisfy me about it: the first is seeing patients benefit from it and have a better experience. The second is that it’s served as a catalyst to embrace new ways of caring for patients. It’s been an incredibly smooth transition.”

The ED has excelled in every area of performance ranking over the last year, with initial physician assessment times down nearly four hours this winter over last.

“Overall, the program has improved the workflow of everyone in the ED and allows physicians to make decisions more quickly,” says Dr. Setrak. “We want to reduce patient’s length of stay and improve the experience of everyone who comes through our doors.”

NPs are registered nurses (RNs) with advanced graduate-level education who have a wide scope of practice. They can independently diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe many medications and manage patient care.

In simple terms, they can expedite the care patients need.

While all patients at the Marotta Family Hospital ED are candidates, the program targets patients experiencing abdominal pain because they require images and investigations who are often considered medium acuity, which can result in longer wait times.

During peak hours, the NP on duty is stationed in a sectioned-off office of the waiting room, where eligible patients are assessed. If necessary, the NP will order testing before the patient sees a physician to reduce their wait time. This may include bloodwork, a CT scan, ultrasound, x-rays, consults or prescribing medication.

Isaac Mussie is one of two NPs who staffs the program, which he helped design alongside Dr. Setrak and a team of NPs. Mussie and Dr. Setrak often engaged in conversations during their work in the ED about how to alleviate long wait times and improve the overall patient experience. It was these casual conversations that ultimately paved the pathway to the program.

“I aim to see patients as soon as possible,” says Mussie. “Time from door-to-provider assessment has been significant reduced through our work. I take a lot of pride in helping patients feel seen and being their upfront provider.”

The sectioned-off station for the NP pilot program at the Marotta Family Hospital ED.

Mussie, who serves as a backup for triage, will read patients’ triage notes, have a conversation with patients and make a plan from there.

Following the success of the program in St. Catharines, similar strategies have recently been applied in Welland, with hopes to expand to Niagara Falls.

“The feedback from patients has been great,” says Mussie. “I’ve had so many patients say they’ve never seen a program like this before and that we have allowed people to feel safer and cared for. I feel extremely passionate about this pilot program, particularly considering that patient presentations and level of acuity can change in between triage and provider assessment. I am happy to be a catalyst in identifying dynamic patients’ needs, which has ultimately led to better outcomes.”

In addition to the NP program, Niagara Health has implemented a variety of improvements to its EDs.

Work has been better standardized for nurses. Triage nurses and other leadership initiatives have been implemented to educate patients about knowing their healthcare options. A fast-tract zone has been created for patients who are less acute with projected shorter stays, giving the ED more capacity. The ambulatory zone has been completely redesigned in St. Catharines. In February 2025, ambulance offload length of stays averaged 166 hours, dropping to a stunning 68 hours in February 2026.

“The ED is not an island,” says Dr. Setrak. “It’s the main door to the hospital and has the highest volume of patients, but it’s part of a big system. The work on hospital flow is the biggest thing we can do for ED performance. We’re leaving no stone unturned in trying to improve care.”

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Ying (Xiao) Huang, Nursing Hero!

Edusehat — Fri, 15 May 2026 20:50:10 +0700

Oak Valley Health

Ying is an exceptional Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse whose clinical excellence, calm presence, and sound judgment consistently support safe, high quality patient care. With eight years of nursing experience, she demonstrates a remarkable ability to recognize subtle changes in patient condition and respond promptly and appropriately. She consistently prioritizes patient safety while delivering care that is compassionate, respectful, and reassuring. Her strengths are particularly evident in her work with paediatric patients, where she brings exceptional patience and gentleness, helping both children and their families feel supported during vulnerable moments. Ying’s ability to combine strong clinical skill with genuine kindness allows her to put patients at ease and meaningfully enhance their care experience.

Ying is widely respected for her steady demeanour and thoughtful communication. She collaborates effectively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless transitions of care and optimal patient outcomes. Even during the busiest or most challenging shifts, she remains patient, positive, and solution focused, never allowing stress to affect her interactions with colleagues. She is consistently willing to offer support and assistance, fostering an environment where team members feel valued, respected, and comfortable seeking guidance. Her warm and reassuring communication style extends to patients and families, promoting trust, understanding, and confidence in care.

Committed to professional accountability and continuous growth, Ying actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and refine her practice. She thoughtfully applies new learning to improve patient care and uphold high professional standards. Ying is especially dedicated to supporting nursing students in the PACU’s high acuity setting, approaching teaching with patience and encouragement. She takes time to explain complex concepts and skills without ever making learners feel like a burden, helping them build confidence, competence, and a positive learning experience.

Despite being one of the younger nurses in the department, Ying consistently demonstrates leadership through quiet confidence and reliability. She regularly assumes charge level responsibilities and leads by example with professionalism, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. Known for always stepping in to help others, she prioritizes team success and well being over personal recognition. Ying fosters a culture of kindness, inclusion, and psychological safety, making her a trusted role model and emerging leader within the PACU. Her contributions have a lasting positive impact on patients, colleagues, and the unit as a whole.

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Martha Tripicio – Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Fri, 15 May 2026 02:35:12 +0700

Humber River Health

t is with profound respect and admiration that I nominate Martha Tripicio for recognition as a Nursing Hero. Martha’s career is a testament to excellence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to humanity in healthcare.

An immigrant to Canada from Uruguay, Martha has dedicated more than 28 years of service to Humber River Health, beginning her journey in February 1998. As a critical care nurse, she exemplifies the highest standards of clinical expertise, combining sharp critical thinking with meticulous attention to detail while caring for patients requiring life-sustaining therapies such as mechanical ventilation and vasoactive medications. Her ability to manage complex, high-acuity cases with both precision and calm confidence has earned her the respect of colleagues across disciplines.

Martha’s professional accomplishments are extensive. She has served as an ICU Charge Nurse, Critical Care Response Team (CCRT) Nurse, and Medical Emergency (Code Blue) responder. She is highly skilled in specialized practices including SLED dialysis and lumbar drain monitoring, and she is a certified member of the Canadian Vascular Access Association (CVAA). In addition, she is a dedicated nursing preceptor who consistently invests in the growth and development of others. Despite these impressive credentials, what truly distinguishes Martha is her humility and her unwavering focus on teamwork and patient-centred care.

Martha is widely recognized as both a clinical leader and a compassionate caregiver. She was an early champion of the ICU’s “Move to Improve” initiative, advocating for early mobilization of critically ill patients. She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and even adjusts her own schedule to be present during key rehabilitation moments. For Martha, no effort is too great when it comes to supporting her patients’ recovery and long-term outcomes.

Her approach to care is deeply holistic and profoundly human. Martha creates healing environments by thoughtfully arranging patient rooms to feel more familiar and comforting—sometimes orienting beds toward windows or adapting the space to resemble a home-like setting. She speaks to every patient with dignity and respect, explaining procedures and seeking permission regardless of their level of consciousness. For Martha, care extends beyond clinical treatment; it is about preserving identity, dignity, and hope.

One powerful example of her impact involved a critically ill, non-verbal patient. Martha reorganized the patient’s environment, provided gentle personal care, and carefully prepared them for extubation by optimizing conditions and minimizing sedation. The patient was successfully extubated and later expressed deep gratitude in a heartfelt letter, recognizing Martha’s compassion and dedication during a profoundly vulnerable time.

Martha’s commitment to excellence is also reflected in her measurable outcomes. She maintains an exceptional safety record, including a zero-harm rate in recent years, strong compliance with medication and patient identification standards, and consistent adherence to best practices such as delirium prevention, pressure injury reduction, and early mobilization. Her work demonstrates that compassionate care and clinical excellence go hand in hand.

Beyond the ICU, Martha has extended her impact into the community through home care nursing, supporting complex and palliative patients. She is also a devoted wife and mother, demonstrating strength and dedication in raising her daughter with special needs while ensuring she experiences the world fully.

Through decades of change—including the challenges of a global pandemic and evolving healthcare demands—Martha has remained a constant source of stability, positivity, and excellence. She is not only a highly skilled nurse but also a mentor, advocate, and role model who embodies the principles of compassion, inclusion, and patient-centred care.

As she approaches the later stages of her remarkable career, Martha Tripicio stands as a legacy within Humber River Health. She does more than provide care—she creates meaningful experiences that restore dignity and inspire hope for patients, families, and colleagues alike.

For her extraordinary contributions and lifelong dedication to nursing, I wholeheartedly recommend Martha Tripicio as a true Nursing Hero.

Nominated by Ronak Gandhi

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Domino Puson – Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:55:08 +0700

Trillium Health Partners

We are honoured to nominate Domino Puson for the 21st Annual Hospital News Nursing Hero Award—not only for what he has achieved, but for the extraordinary journey that has shaped how he leads, mentors, and advocates for nurses today.

Domino’s path to nursing leadership was not a straight line. As an internationally educated nurse, his journey to Canada was marked by resilience, humility, and perseverance. He chose nursing for deeply personal reasons, having lost his mother to cancer—an experience that shaped his purpose to care for others in their most vulnerable moments. After losing both parents at a young age, the dream of becoming a nurse once felt out of reach. Financial barriers meant his family could not afford nursing school, and working multiple jobs in the Philippines barely covered daily expenses. It was through the belief and support of his brother-in-law that Domino was able to pursue his education—graduating as a nurse, becoming a clinical instructor, earning a master’s degree, and eventually serving as a university Dean.

When Domino immigrated to Canada, he expected his experience and qualifications would translate into opportunity. Instead, he encountered the barriers that many internationally educated nurses know too well. Despite his extensive background, he was unable to secure nursing work and was required to return to school to meet Canadian standards. During this period, he worked in warehouses and retail simply to survive, collecting shopping carts alongside other highly educated professionals whose skills were similarly underutilized. It was a humbling and discouraging chapter—one that could have ended his nursing journey altogether.

What changed his path was the power of mentorship and community. Encouraged by a colleague, Domino applied for a unit coordination assistant role in the Emergency Department at Credit Valley Hospital, opening his door to Trillium Health Partners. There, leaders recognized his potential and invested in his growth. Through mentorship, encouragement, and practical support—including guidance on tuition reimbursement—Domino was empowered to return to nursing education, rebuild his clinical experience, and ultimately re-enter the Emergency Department as a Registered Nurse.

As he continued to grow professionally, Domino discovered his passion at the intersection of nursing, mentorship, and informatics. After completing additional training and navigating further academic hurdles, he found his professional calling. A time-sensitive opportunity shared by a leader who recognized his readiness led Domino into his current role as Project Coordinator for WeMentor+, a digital mentorship platform created for nurses at Trillium Health Partners.

It is in this role that Domino’s lived experience has become his greatest leadership strength. As Project Coordinator, he has led the design and implementation of WeMentor+, an innovative platform aimed at attracting and retaining nursing talent. The platform supports professional growth, mentorship, and inclusivity—principles Domino brings to life through his own lived experience. He leads as a nurse first, grounding decisions in a clear understanding of bedside realities, career transitions, and the challenges nurses face.

Having navigated the barriers faced by internationally educated nurses, Domino intentionally co-designed WeMentor+ to be inclusive, accessible, and purpose-driven. The platform provides a structured space for mentorship, connection, and growth, supporting nurses across all stages of their careers. Through his leadership, the platform has expanded beyond its initial pilot to support programs such as the Internationally Educated Health Professionals initiative and Invitation to Leadership, helping connect nurses with mentors and opportunities aligned to their goals.

Beyond the platform, Domino is recognized as a leader who bridges the gap between care delivery and technology. He ensures systems are designed to support nurses rather than add burden, particularly during times of change. Whether within Trillium Health Partners or in broader provincial and national discussions, he consistently brings forward the nursing perspective, ensuring frontline voices are represented.

Colleagues seek him out not only for his expertise, but for his empathy, authenticity, and credibility. He supports others through transitions, amplifies nursing voices, and reinforces that nursing must remain central to health system transformation. His leadership is grounded in humility and shaped by lived experience.

Domino Puson’s journey—from internationally educated nurse to mentorship and informatics leader—reflects resilience, inclusivity, and the power of support. Through his work, he continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring nurses feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

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Why are physicians leaving medicine? The reasons are shifting

Edusehat — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:30:07 +0700

New data show that physicians are leaving clinical medicine earlier than previous generations—and they’re citing different problems than their predecessors. Here’s a review of researchers’ findings.

Why are physicians quitting medicine younger?

Researchers surveyed 971 physicians who finished training between 2000 and 2022. They found that the average age for physicians leaving clinical medicine was 48.1 years. That’s nine years earlier than a similar survey conducted in 2008 found.

Physicians said they left medicine because of factors like burnout, chronic workplace stress, administrative burden, and unrealistic patient expectations. The 2008 survey, by comparison, found that physicians cited personal health issues, rising malpractice insurance premiums, perception of hassle, and lack of professional satisfaction as the reason for quitting medicine.

The 2026 survey found the leading reasons physicians quit included the “hassle factor” (cited by 44.7% of physicians) and stress (cited by 44.5%). Other top reasons cited by physicians for leaving clinical practice were unrealistic patient demands (41%) and lack of professional satisfaction (38.4%).

In the 2008 survey, by comparison, personal health issues were a major reason for leaving clinical practice (cited by 37.8% of physicians). The hassle factor back then came in as the No. 2 reason physicians were quitting medicine (32.5%%), followed by rising malpractice premiums (24.4%) and lack of professional satisfaction (23.6%).

Why are more women leaving medicine?

Researchers found that women left the profession at younger ages than men. While women in the survey had an average of nine years in clinical practice before leaving clinical practice, men had 12 years.

Female physicians were significantly more likely than male physicians to report leaving practice to care for young children (21.3% vs. 4.2%), care for other family members (7.9% vs. 0.6%), address health concerns (13.8% vs. 3.8%) and because the work was too stressful (31.7% vs. 12.9%).

The survey’s conclusions echo research published in April 2026 in the Journal of General Medicine, which found that among physicians who left clinical practice, the average age for women was 49 compared to 64 for men.

Workforce implications

The most recent survey, which was led by physicians working for the AMA, noted that physicians working “shorter clinical careers than in the past” will likely exacerbate physician shortages. Workforce experts predict that the U.S. faces a shortage of 36,500 physicians by 2036.

The study also noted that the rising number of women leaving medicine will be a problem as females account for a larger percentage of the physician workforce. In 2023-24, for example, females accounted for just over 55% of medical student, and nearly half of all medical residents are now women.

“Addressing the drivers of early clinical exit that affect women will be increasingly important as their representation in the physician workforce continues to grow,” researchers said.

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Join Clinicians and Researchers at MaRS Discovery District for Avicanna’s 6th Annual Medical Symposium on Cannabinoid-based Medicine: Evidence, Safety, and Treatment Planning

Edusehat — Fri, 08 May 2026 23:20:10 +0700

Nearly 10% of Canadians report using cannabis for medical purposes, yet only 18% do so with a medical authorization and the support of a healthcare provider. This gap underscores a persistent disconnect between patient behaviour and clinical oversight, which is shaped in part by stigma, access barriers, and uncertainty around proper use. As a result, clinicians are increasingly looking for practical, evidence-informed guidance on how cannabinoid-based therapies can be integrated into care with clarity, safety, and confidence.

This June 11-12, Avicanna Inc. will host its 6^th Annual Medical Symposium on cannabinoid-based medicine at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and interdisciplinary experts to examine the current state of cannabinoid-based therapies. The program will emphasize treatment planning across complex conditions within unique patient populations, consider safety and risk factors, and provide opportunities for direct engagement with experts through panel discussion and case-based learning.

Bridging Evidence and Clinical Practice

The program is designed to move beyond theory, focusing on how clinicians can apply cannabinoid-based therapies within everyday care. Sessions were designed by an expert panel to cover a range of topics. Sessions are designed to support clinicians with practical prescribing considerations, dosing and titration approaches, managing multi-symptom and comorbidities, understanding emerging translational research in cannabinoid science and applying evidence within real-world patient care.

Day 1 – Session 1 Advances in Cannabinoid-Based Therapeutics and Clinical Integration

Day 1 – Session 2 Medical Cannabis in Veteran Care — Clinical Evidence, Mental Health, and Policy Context

Day 2 – Session 1 Emerging and Specialized Applications of Cannabinoid Medicine

Day 2 – Session 1 Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Women’s Health and Palliative Care

In addition to plenary sessions, interactive workshops will provide practical tools clinicians can apply immediately.

Presentation Highlights

• Dr. Evan Cole Lewis, neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist at The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, will present case-based dosing and titration strategies in adult and pediatric neurology. His session walks through complex neurological presentations including epilepsy, chronic headache, concussion, and functional neurological disorder demonstrating how structured titration approaches can support safer and more effective cannabinoid use across diverse populations.

• Dr. Hance Clarke, Director of Pain Services at Toronto General Hospital (University Health Network), will explore how cannabinoids may be considered within multimodal pain management strategies and discuss documentation, monitoring, and patient selection within evidence-based pain frameworks.

• Dr. Matthew Hill from the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute will explore endocannabinoid signaling, stress, fear, and anxiety, offering clinicians a mechanistic framework that informs clinical reasoning when considering cannabinoid-based therapies for patients presenting with anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and sleep disturbance.

• Michael Koehn, MACP, RCC, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Co-Principal Investigator of the Maverick Phase 2 Study, will present novel approaches where cannabinoid-based medicines may serve as adjunctive support within harm reduction strategies for vulnerable populations. His session examines cannabis through the lens of substance use recovery, recidivism mitigation, and practical patient support within complex psychosocial contexts.

• Erin Mignault, NP-PHC, will share extensive clinical experience integrating medical cannabis into primary and complex care, with particular attention to individualized patient assessment.

• Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan focused on concussion, neuroinflammation, and pain, will discuss emerging cannabinoid research in contact sport populations and the implications for recovery and symptom management. Her work includes participation in an NFL/NFLPA-funded clinical trial examining the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in elite contact sport athletes.

• Dr. James MacKillop, a clinical psychologist and researcher at McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, will present on the state of the evidence for medical cannabis in Canada, examining what current research tells us, where knowledge gaps remain, and how clinicians can interpret evolving data within real-world practicw.

Invitation to Symposium

Join other like-minded healthcare professionals at Avicanna’s 6th Medical Symposium: Advancing Clinical Cannabis care in Canada, From Emerging Evidence to Clinical Practice this June 11-12, 2026 by registering at the link below. In-person and virtual attendance is complimentary.

https://www.avicanna.com/symposium/

By Dr. Karolina Urban, Executive Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Avicanna Inc.

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‘Decision fatigue’ in hospitalists: What’s the biggest source?

Edusehat — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:20:07 +0700

High patient volume may be a bigger driver of “decision fatigue” in hospitalists than the number of days they work on service.

A study in the Journal of Hospital Medicine looked at the causes of decision fatigue, which the authors defined as a “deterioration in decision-making ability” that comes from repeated decision-making. Their data found that decision fatigue in hospitalists increased when average patient census levels jumped above the median in two large academic hospitals.

Researchers looked at full-time day-shift hospitalists working in the Midwest hospitals in early 2022. The hospitalists at those institutions worked an average of seven consecutive days with an average census of 13 patients per shift.

To detect decision fatigue in hospitalists, the study looked for “outcomes of interest” like the use of contraindicated medications, potentially preventable hypoglycemia, blood transfusions not supported by guidelines and the inappropriate use of CT scans. Researchers looked for an association between those outcomes and factors like days on service, gender, weekend vs. weekday shifts and patient census.

The study examined more than 1,000 shifts worked by 43 hospitalists and found no events occurred during three-quarters of those days. Hypoglycemia was the most common event linked to decision fatigue among hospitalists; researchers logged 220 incidents that could be associated with decision fatigue.

Researchers concluded that only one factor—patient census—could be associated with incidents of decision fatigue. For every additional patient hospitalists saw above the median census of 13, the odds of a decision-fatigue event increased by 10.7%. Put another way, the odds of an incidence of decision fatigue were 1.58 times greater when hospitalists had a census above the median of 13 patients.

The study could find no correlation between days of service and decision fatigue in hospitalists.

Researchers wondered whether working with new patients—like when hospitalists return to a seven-day block after an extended period away from work—affected decision-making. To do that, they calculated hospitalists’ “degree of familiarity” with patients to see if there was a correlation between new patients and decision fatigue.

“Anecdotally, many hospitalists dread the first day on service when they must learn a large amount of information about the patients on their teams,” the researchers wrote. Their data, however, didn’t support any correlation between treating new patients and decision fatigue.

The researchers noted that in other studies of decision fatigue in inpatient physicians, some have suggested that physicians may be able to “replenish their decision-making reserve” over the course of a shift to blunt the effects of decision fatigue. Physicians may be able to “tune up” their clinical decision-making with each patient they see over the day to counteract decision fatigue.

“It is possible that a similar phenomenon occurs among hospitalists and improved judgement,” the JHM researchers wrote, “heightened attention, and self-awareness of fatigue over the course of a clinical block may mitigate the impact of the fatigue itself.”

Most previous studies have looked at emergency medicine physicians, not hospitalists. Previous research has often found that decision fatigue can be associated with higher rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, higher likelihoods of opioid prescribing, and lower rates of breast and colon cancer screenings during appointments later in the day.

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Navigating breastfeeding after spinal cord injury

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:34 +0700

HN Summary

• New research shows spinal cord injuries can disrupt breastfeeding due to physiological barriers, including impaired milk ejection and risks like autonomic dysreflexia.

• Breastfeeding rates vary widely among women with SCI, with those experiencing higher-level injuries facing greater challenges and shorter durations.

• Findings have led to new clinical guidelines and patient resources focused on individualized, informed, and supportive care for mothers with spinal cord injuries.

In Canada, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, with continued breastfeeding encouraged into the toddler years. Yet, for women with spinal cord injury (SCI), this can present unique physiological and clinical challenges.

For decades, reproductive health in the SCI community has been an understudied area. While more women with SCI are growing their families, gaps in research and clinical guidance persist — sometimes leading to challenges that can begin immediately after giving birth.

One patient partner at the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) described how her newborn fed well from one breast but struggled with the other. Although her injury affected one side of her body more than the other, neither she nor her care team were certain this was the primary cause.

The quest to better understand how SCI affects breastfeeding set into motion an international research effort led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) clinician-scientist Dr. Andrei Krassioukov.

In his recent research, Krassioukov found that breastfeeding rates among women with SCI vary widely, ranging from 11 to 100 per cent. Notably, individuals with high-level injuries — affecting the spinal cord closer to the head — were less likely to breastfeed and tended to do so for shorter durations.

These differences are rooted in underlying physiology, he notes. Breastfeeding depends on the “let-down reflex,” where sensory signals from the nipple travel through the spinal cord to the brain, triggering the release of oxytocin and enabling milk ejection. Injuries at or above the thoracic spinal cord can disrupt this pathway.

“If injury is above this level, women may have difficulty breastfeeding or be unable to eject milk, even if it is being produced,” says Dr. Krassioukov.

Breastfeeding also carries the risk of triggering autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a sudden and potentially life-threatening increase in blood pressure caused by stimuli below the point of injury on the spinal cord. Other causes of this reaction include bladder and bowel issues, such as infections or constipation, and factors like tight clothing or skin irritation. Because individuals with SCI may have reduced sensation, the onset of AD can be difficult to detect until it becomes an emergency.

“AD can cause blood pressure to rise so high that a person can have a stroke,” warns Krassioukov.

Research suggests that AD is common in women with injuries at or above what is called the T6 level in the middle region of the thoracic spinal cord, yet awareness of these risks remains low among both families and health care providers.

Lived experience shapes clinical guidance

The research team conducted an international survey involving more than 100 women with SCI. Their findings highlighted not only physiological barriers, but also significant gaps in care.

“Many women told us they did not receive the support they needed during what should be a cherished time,” says Krassioukov.

Some participants described pressure to breastfeed despite complications, while others reported feeling ashamed when it was not possible due to medical reasons.

These experiences reflect a broader issue: many health care providers lack SCI-specific knowledge — particularly in maternal care.

In a national survey of Canadians with SCI, many respondents reported gaps in provider knowledge. For breastfeeding specifically, clinicians may have limited training in how injury level affects milk production, positioning, safety risks and overall care.

To address these limitations, Krassioukov and his team — with support from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation — developed two complementary resources: clinical practice guidelines for health care providers and a consumer guide for mothers.

The clinical guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations across disciplines, including obstetrics, physiatry, nursing and rehabilitation, with a focus on individualized, team-based care. The consumer guide translates this information into accessible, practical advice to help women understand their options and communicate their needs with care teams.

The research also emphasizes that some breastfeeding outcomes cannot be predicted based on injury level alone. Instead, clinicians are encouraged to empower mothers to set individualized, realistic goals.

“If you are a care provider who does not have experience with spinal cord injury, ask for help,” says Krassioukov. “And listen to your patients.”

This article uses the terms “breastfeeding” and “mothers” in line with the referenced research. We recognize that some individuals may prefer terms such as “chestfeeding” and “birthing parent.”

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Aging in place needs more than good intentions — it needs smart infrastructure

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:32 +0700

Supportive smart homes should be treated as core infrastructure in modern aging policy

By Dr. Frank Knofel

s aging faster than our systems are adapting.

Nearly one in four Canadians will be over age 65 within the next decade. Research consistently shows that most older adults want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Yet we continue to design and fund elder care as though retirement homes and long-term care are inevitable endpoints.

Between my research and over 30 years as a physician caring for older adults, I’ve learned that aging in place is not just a preference; it’s central to dignity, independence and well-being for many older adults.

But aging in place won’t succeed with sentiment alone. It requires a deliberate shift in funding, regulation and innovation strategy. Which means the federal government has a role to play too.

So, is it time to get serious about aging in place?

I have spent over two decades with a team of clinicians and engineers building, testing and studying how technology can be integrated into the home. Over time, we started making a distinction between “smart home” technology and “supportive smart home” technology.

The former is all about convenience. Technology designed to simplify and automate aspects of daily life. On the other hand, supportive smart home technology monitors expected routines and helps ensure they are fulfilled, empowering activities of daily living when they might otherwise be difficult.

The distinction matters.

Properly designed, supportive smart homes can detect changes in mobility patterns that may signal a fall risk, flag medication non-adherence, monitor for wandering in cases of cognitive decline and prompt early intervention before minor issues become hospital admissions.

The alternative is in-home care, which can mean facing the rising costs of a home support worker. For most people, the burden rests on unpaid caregivers, often family members, who are estimated to contribute the equivalent of $97.1 billion annually to Canada’s economy, representing more than three times the national expenditures on home, community and long-term care.

As demand for home care rises, workforce shortages persist, and ballooning long-term care costs, we cannot expect families and loved ones to stretch further. Proactive support is medically, socially and economically necessary for caregivers to remain as partners in care rather than perpetual monitors.

Supportive smart homes should be treated as core infrastructure in modern aging policy, not as experimental gadgets. We are no longer at the stage where these technologies are a futuristic dream. They are becoming accessible, cost-effective and studies are showing clear benefits to older adults and caregivers.

But scaling this approach requires policy clarity. Who pays for installation and maintenance? How is data governed? What safeguards ensure privacy and consent? And crucially, how do we prevent such technologies from becoming luxuries available only to affluent households?

If governments are willing to invest billions in brick-and-mortar facilities, they should be equally prepared to invest in digital infrastructure that helps Canadians remain safely at home.

Canada has a choice to make: continue expanding institutional care at escalating costs or modernize the home itself and prioritize aging in place. The latter demands serious leadership, including at the federal level. The demographic reality leaves little alternative.

Dr. Frank Knofel holds a Bruyère Health Chair in Research in Technology for Aging in Place and is a physician at the Bruyère Health Memory Clinic.

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RSV hospital admissions for children more than doubled in 2022/23

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:29 +0700

Pediatric hospital admissions for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) more than doubled in 2022/23 in Canada compared to the prepandemic period, found new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children, with 77% to 88% of pediatric hospital admissions occurring in otherwise healthy children, and the risk is especially high in infants in the months after birth.

Using data from 13 hospitals across Canada in the Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, Active (IMPACT), researchers compared hospitalizations for laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV in infants and children aged 0 to 16 years admitted to hospital in 2022/23 with 3 prepandemic seasons (2017/18 to 2019/20). In 2022/23, there were 5362 RSV-related admissions, including almost 1 in 4 (24%) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Admissions related to RSV for all age groups were 2 to 3 times higher than in the prepandemic period. Infants younger than 6 months made up the majority (782, 62%) of ICU admissions.

“[D]espite a slightly older age distribution in 2022/23, the greatest RSV burden in children in Canada remained in infants younger than 6 months, with this age group accounting for more than 40% and 60% of RSV hospital admissions and ICU admissions, respectively,” writes Dr. Jesse Papenburg, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, with coauthors.

The researchers also found increases in the proportion of RSV hospitalizations in children aged 2 to 4 and 5 to 9 years compared with previous periods.

The increases in case numbers are thought to be because of the impact of the pandemic, which disrupted usual patterns of community transmission.

“This delayed exposure to respiratory viruses, including RSV, resulted in the accumulation of susceptible individuals in the general population and intense community transmission of RSV after lifting of the most stringent nonpharmaceutical interventions,” write the authors. “Many young children thus acquired their first RSV infection only after their second year of life, once RSV transmission was re-established.”

Use of new immunization strategies, such as vaccination against RSV in pregnancy and seasonal RSV long-acting monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis in infants, are important to help reduce cases of RSV infection and hospitalization.

“Changes in hospital admissions associated with pediatric respiratory syncytial virus after the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: an active surveillance study” was published April 27, 2026.

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Doctors report false health information, lack of health data sharing put patient care at risk

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:26 +0700

Canada’s doctors are concerned that false health information and disconnected health systems are putting patient care at risk.

In the latest edition of Physician Pulse, a joint survey initiative of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and Abacus Data, an overwhelming 99% of physicians^¹ reported that disconnected health systems prevent them from easily sharing patient records, test results or clinical notes. Almost half of those doctors (48%) report having seen a patient experience serious adverse health consequences including disease progression or missed diagnoses because of disconnected systems.

The survey also finds that 97% of doctors^² have had to intervene to prevent harm or address consequences after a patient followed false or misleading health information found online, including advice from artificial intelligence (AI). This follows the CMA’s 2026 Health and Media Tracking Survey, which found people who followed health advice from AI were five times more likely to experience harms than those who did not.

“Doctors face an uphill battle trying to provide timely patient care when they are routinely dealing with health systems that cannot communicate with each other and when patients are inundated with false health information that can lead to unintended harms,” says Dr. Margot Burnell, CMA president. “We need modern, connected digital health systems and stronger federal action to promote trusted health information.”

The Physician Pulse survey was completed by 645 practising physicians between April 6-13, 2026.

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Unleashing natural killer cells against cancer

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:23 +0700

Scientists have developed a strategy to boost the cancer-fighting power of natural killer (NK) cells, part of the immune system’s first line of defence. NK cells can detect and destroy cancer cells, but tumours often create a protective barrier that blocks them, allowing cancer to grow.

Researchers at McGill University’s Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, found that suppressing two specific proteins helps NK cells overcome this blockage, turning them into more potent cancer killers.

In preclinical experiments, the approach effectively killed human cancer cells across several hard-to-treat tumour types – including leukemia, glioblastoma, kidney cancer and triple-negative breast cancer – and significantly slowed tumour growth in animal models.

“This approach is particularly promising for patients who currently have very few options, when standard treatments have failed,” said senior author Michel L. Tremblay, Distinguished James McGill Professor in McGill’s Department of Biochemistry and researcher at the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute.

A safer, scalable approach

Genetic editing, commonly used in cancer immunotherapies, permanently alters cells, increasing the risk of unintended side effects. The new approach instead uses small-molecule drugs to temporarily boost NK cell activity without making permanent changes that are harder to control.

Researchers say the treatment strategy could also overcome practical barriers that have limited the widespread use of cell-based therapies.

NK cells from umbilical cord blood donations, isolated at the Cellular Therapy Laboratory led by Pierre Laneuville and Linda Peltier at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, were cultured and banked for the treatment of multiple patients. Unlike many current immunotherapies, which must be custom-built from each patient’s own cells, a process that can take weeks, these NK cells can be ready to use immediately.

“This approach will make immunotherapy at McGill University Health Centre faster, safer and more affordable,” added Chu-Han Feng, a research scientist at the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute. “It avoids the complex process of customizing cells and uses readily available drugs to reversibly enhance NK cells’ anti-tumour activities”.

Acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer, is among the first cancers the team hopes to target in future clinical trials, currently awaiting funding and regulatory approval.

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Canadian Cancer Society urges lowering colorectal cancer screening age to 45

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:16 +0700

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is calling on provinces and territories to lower the start age of organized colorectal cancer screening programs to 45 for people at average risk, from the current age of 50. This call comes amidst mounting evidence that colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults in Canada.

Over recent decades, incidence of colorectal cancer has significantly increased among people younger than 50 in Canada, with the likelihood of a diagnosis now 2 to 2.5 times higher than previous generations of the same age. Recent modelling published this week by Canadian researchers shows that with this growing trend, lowering the start age to 45 would result in over 15,000 fewer colorectal cancer cases and 6,100 fewer deaths over the next 45 years.

Research also shows that younger adults are more frequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer at later stages, with stage III and IV being most common. When found early, survival rates for colorectal cancer are about 90%, compared to less than 15% when found at advanced stages. Access to screening is critical to help find more cancers early when treatment can be more effective, or even while it’s still precancerous and preventable.

“Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines are failing to meet the evolving needs of people under 50,” says Brandon Purcell, Advocacy Manager of Prevention and Early Detection at the Canadian Cancer Society. “When the context changes, our healthcare systems must change with it. We are urging provinces and territories to respond to this evidence by lowering the screening age. This change will save more lives.”

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Canadians, behind lung cancer. It is estimated that by 2030, about 15% of colorectal cancer cases globally will be diagnosed in adults below the age of 50. Screening for colorectal cancer is easy and convenient. It starts with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or stool test that checks your poop (stool) for blood.

With trends showing an increase in colorectal cancer incidence in younger populations, reviewing screening start age and updating colorectal cancer screening program guidelines falls to provinces and territories. Across Canada, nearly all jurisdictions offer organized screening for people ages 50 to 74 at average risk, while Nunavut and Quebec have announced or planned their screening programs. At this time, no governments have announced plans to expand screening eligibility in light of new evidence.

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New approach opens door to better-targeted treatments and faster drug discovery for complex diseases

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:15:08 +0700

McGill University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence tool that can identify small groups of cells most responsible for driving aggressive cancers.

The tool, called SIDISH, offers scientists a clearer path to designing targeted therapies by showing which cells inside a tumour are most strongly linked with poor patient outcomes, rather than treating all cancer cells as if they behave the same way.

In a preclinical study published in Nature Communications, SIDISH successfully identified “high risk” cells across pancreatic, breast and lung cancers using tumour samples collected from patients and analyzed in the lab.

How the tool works

SIDISH’s key innovation is that it connects what happens inside individual cells with patient outcomes, a long-standing challenge in cancer research.

“Single cell data is very detailed, but it usually comes from only a few patients and rarely includes how those patients actually fared. Patient data, on the other hand, often at the bulk level, includes survival information but averages signals from millions of cells, hiding the rare but dangerous ones that drive disease,” said first author Yasmin Jolasun, a PhD student in McGill’s Department of Medicine.
Existing computational tools have struggled to meaningfully bring these two types of data together.

“Our tool builds a bridge between both worlds. It can identify which cells are most strongly associated with faster disease progression and patient survival outcomes,” said Jolasun.

While SIDISH was tested first in cancers, the same approach could be applied to other complex diseases where cell to cell differences play a major role, she added.

SIDISH stands for semi-supervised iterative deep learning for identifying single-cell high-risk populations.

Predicting drug targets before lab testing

Beyond identifying the problem, SIDISH can also simulate how high-risk cells respond when specific genes are turned on or off, helping predict which genes might be promising drug targets.

“This could ease a major bottleneck in drug development, where finding the right targets often requires years of trial and error testing,” said senior author Jun Ding, assistant professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine and a junior scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.

For example, he said, a patient’s tumour could be analyzed with single cell sequencing, SIDISH would identify the cells driving that tumour and simulate how they respond to different drugs, generating a short list of treatments most likely to be effective.

“In the short term, SIDISH could help us repurpose existing FDA approved drugs using public datasets. In the long term, it has the potential to fundamentally change how new drugs are discovered,” said Ding.

The work remains in development and is not yet used in clinical care. The research team is now applying SIDISH to additional diseases and collaborating with industry partners to further refine the approach

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Rodolfo D. Lastimosa Jr. 2nd Place Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:33 +0700

Southbridge Care Homes

am honored to nominate Rodolfo D. Lastimosa Jr. for the Nursing Hero Award. Rodolfo’s career reflects a unique combination of lived experience, leadership, and a sustained commitment to improving care across the healthcare system. His journey—from caregiver to Registered Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and now an executive leader—demonstrates not only professional growth, but a deep and consistent understanding of care at every level.

Rodolfo began his career providing direct care, supporting patients and families in their day-to-day needs. This early experience shaped his perspective on healthcare and continues to inform his leadership today. Having worked at the bedside, he understands the realities of patient care, the complexity of clinical environments, and the importance of teamwork in delivering safe and effective care. These experiences grounded his approach and gave him a practical understanding of the challenges faced by frontline staff.

As he progressed in his career, Rodolfo pursued further education and leadership opportunities, steadily expanding his ability to influence care beyond individual patient interactions. He moved into roles that allowed him to support teams, shape processes, and contribute to broader organizational goals, all while maintaining a strong connection to frontline realities. His advancement reflects a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the profession.

In his leadership roles within long-term care, Rodolfo has focused on strengthening care delivery while ensuring that residents are treated with dignity and respect. He recognizes that long-term care requires a balance of clinical expertise and compassion, and he works to ensure that both are present in daily practice. His approach emphasizes person-centred care, where residents are seen not only through a clinical lens, but as individuals with unique histories, preferences, and needs.

Rodolfo is also committed to supporting the teams who deliver that care. He understands the demands placed on healthcare staff and works to create environments where individuals feel supported, valued, and able to perform at their best. He encourages collaboration, accountability, and open communication, recognizing that strong teams are essential to delivering consistent, high-quality care. His leadership contributes to a culture where staff feel empowered to raise concerns, share ideas, and support one another.

His influence extends beyond a single organization. Through his involvement at a broader level, including his role with the Chief Nursing Officer Council, Rodolfo contributes to shaping nursing leadership and practice across the system. He brings forward insights that are informed by both his clinical background and leadership experience, helping to bridge the gap between frontline care and system-level decision-making. This ability to connect different levels of the healthcare system allows him to advocate for changes that are both practical and sustainable.

Rodolfo’s work also reflects a strong commitment to mentorship and professional development. He supports nurses at various stages of their careers, encouraging growth, leadership, and continued learning. He understands the importance of creating opportunities for others and works to support pathways for advancement within the profession. His mentorship is grounded in his own experience, offering guidance that is both practical and relatable. Many of those he has supported have gone on to take on expanded roles, reflecting the impact of his encouragement and leadership.

Colleagues describe Rodolfo as approachable, thoughtful, and consistent in his leadership. He sets clear expectations while remaining supportive, creating an environment where staff feel both accountable and encouraged. His ability to listen, provide direction, and remain present contributes to a workplace culture that values both performance and well-being. He leads with integrity and maintains a focus on both immediate needs and long-term improvements.

What distinguishes Rodolfo is the breadth of his experience and the cumulative impact of his work. He has contributed at multiple levels of the healthcare system, from direct patient care to executive leadership, bringing a perspective that is both comprehensive and grounded. His career reflects an understanding that meaningful improvements in healthcare require both practical insight and strategic leadership.

His contributions to long-term care are particularly significant. In a sector that continues to face increasing complexity, Rodolfo advocates for improvements that support both residents and staff. He works to ensure that care environments are safe, respectful, and responsive to evolving needs. His efforts help strengthen the quality of care delivered while also supporting those responsible for providing it.

Through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to improving care, Rodolfo Lastimosa Jr. has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the nursing profession. His journey reflects what is possible when experience, education, and purpose come together in service of patients, families, and the broader healthcare system.

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Susan Davidson 3rd Place Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:30 +0700

Unity Health (St. Joseph’s Health Centre)

am honored to nominate Susan Davidson for the Nursing Hero Award. For more than two decades, Susan has dedicated her career to pediatric care, consistently demonstrating compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to supporting children and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Her work reflects a level of consistency and humanity that has had a lasting impact on those she cares for and those she works alongside.

Susan’s approach to nursing is grounded in connection. She takes the time to understand not only the clinical needs of her patients, but also the emotional and social realities they and their families are facing. In pediatric care, where trust and reassurance are essential, Susan provides a steady and familiar presence. Families come to rely on her—not just for care, but for guidance, reassurance, and a sense of continuity during uncertain times. She recognizes that for many families, the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, and she works to create an environment where they feel supported and understood.

Her ability to build lasting relationships is one of the most defining aspects of her practice. Over the years, Susan has cared for many children and families repeatedly, becoming a consistent and trusted figure in their healthcare journey. Families remember her, ask for her, and return to her because of the trust she has built. In some cases, even when families have disengaged from the healthcare system, it is Susan’s approach—her patience, her understanding, and her willingness to meet them where they are—that helps bring them back. This kind of impact is not created through a single interaction, but through years of consistency, empathy, and genuine care.

Susan understands that caring for children means caring for entire families. She communicates clearly and compassionately, ensuring that parents feel informed and supported, even in complex or stressful situations. She takes the time to explain what is happening, answer questions thoughtfully, and ensure families feel confident in the care their child is receiving. Her presence brings a sense of calm to environments that can otherwise feel overwhelming, helping families navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

Her clinical expertise is matched by her ability to see the bigger picture. Susan recognizes when a child’s needs extend beyond immediate medical concerns and takes a holistic approach to care. She considers developmental, emotional, and family dynamics, ensuring that care plans reflect the full scope of a patient’s needs. This thoughtful approach contributes not only to better clinical outcomes, but also to a more responsive and supportive care experience for families.

Within her team, Susan is known as a reliable and supportive colleague. Her experience and judgment are trusted, particularly in complex situations where thoughtful decision-making is required. She is approachable and willing to share her knowledge, offering guidance to newer staff and contributing to a collaborative and respectful work environment. Her presence helps create stability within the team, particularly during demanding shifts where both clinical and emotional demands are high.

Susan’s leadership is not defined by formal roles, but by the way she consistently shows up—for patients, for families, and for her colleagues. She leads through her actions, modelling professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to high standards of care. Her influence is seen in the way her team works together, the confidence of her colleagues, and the experiences of the families she supports. She brings a level of consistency that others rely on, particularly in situations that require both clinical expertise and emotional sensitivity.

Her colleagues often speak to the lasting impact she has on those in her care. Families leave not only having received treatment, but having felt supported, understood, and respected. For many, Susan becomes a meaningful part of their experience within the healthcare system—someone who made a difficult time more manageable and less overwhelming. These moments, while often quiet, reflect the depth of her contribution.

After more than 20 years in pediatric nursing, Susan continues to bring the same level of dedication and compassion to her work. Her consistency over time, her ability to build trust, and her commitment to patient- and family-centred care reflect the very best of the profession. She continues to approach each patient and family with the same attentiveness and care, regardless of how many years she has been in practice.

Through her work, Susan Davidson has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children and families. Her impact is felt not only in individual moments of care, but in the relationships she has built and the trust she has earned over the course of her career.

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Domino Puson

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:27 +0700

Trillium Health Partners

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Iryna Fedoryak – Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:24 +0700

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (St. John’s Rehab)

We are honoured to nominate Iryna Fedoryak for the Nursing Hero Award in recognition of her exceptional compassion, dedication, and lasting impact on both patients and colleagues. Through her work in inpatient rehabilitation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Iryna consistently demonstrates what it means to provide truly patient-centred care in a complex and often emotionally challenging environment.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Iryna and witnessing firsthand the way she connects with patients and families. She takes the time to listen, understand, and support each individual, creating a sense of comfort and trust that is essential in rehabilitation care. From the moment of admission, Iryna ensures that patients and families understand the rehabilitation process, setting realistic expectations while encouraging active participation in recovery. She often reminds patients, “I will help you with what you are unable to do, but I need you to also try your best,” reinforcing a shared commitment to progress.

Iryna has a unique ability to recognize what each patient needs in order to move forward—whether it is reassurance, encouragement, or a gentle push to build confidence. Her approach is thoughtful and adaptable, grounded in both clinical expertise and genuine empathy. Patients frequently express their appreciation for her care, with some even saying they wish they could “take her home” after discharge—a reflection of the deep trust and connection she builds.

Her impact is particularly evident in the care of patients recovering from complex neurological conditions. In one example, Iryna supported a stroke patient who was initially dependent on a mechanical lift for transfers and experiencing significant physical and speech impairments. Through daily encouragement, attention to routine, and a focus on restoring normalcy, she helped guide both the patient and family through the recovery process. By discharge, the patient had progressed to walking with a cane. Iryna also recognized signs of post-stroke depression early, advocating for appropriate supports while continuing to provide emotional reassurance.

Iryna’s care extends beyond clinical tasks. She considers the full context of her patients’ lives, including their emotional well-being, family dynamics, and support systems. In situations where patients lack family support, she steps in with kindness and practical assistance—ensuring dignity is maintained in even the smallest details of daily care. Her presence is especially valued during evenings and weekends, when patients often need reassurance and continuity the most.

As a colleague, Iryna is equally impactful. She is dependable, supportive, and deeply collaborative, contributing to a positive and cohesive team environment. She works closely with nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals, actively participating in care planning and ensuring that each patient’s needs are fully understood and addressed. Her insights are valued across disciplines, and she is known for advocating strongly on behalf of her patients.

Iryna also plays an important role in advancing practice and supporting quality improvement initiatives. She has contributed to patient education efforts and participated in initiatives such as stroke accreditation processes, offering practical feedback and helping to implement tools that improve care delivery. Her proactive approach to areas such as mood assessment has strengthened both patient outcomes and team awareness of mental health needs.

Despite her leadership capabilities, Iryna remains deeply committed to direct patient care. Even when scheduled in leadership or coordination roles, she does not hesitate to step in and support bedside care when needed. Her ability to balance these responsibilities reflects both her skill and her commitment to ensuring patients receive the highest level of care at all times.

What truly sets Iryna apart is her ability to lead with both strength and compassion. To her colleagues, she is reliable, knowledgeable, and focused. To her patients, she is a source of comfort, hope, and encouragement. She empowers individuals to regain independence, rebuild confidence, and move forward in their recovery.

The impact of Iryna’s work is felt across the rehabilitation unit—by patients, families, and team members alike. She inspires those around her, fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, and consistently demonstrates the values at the heart of nursing.

Iryna Fedoryak embodies the true spirit of a nursing hero through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to patient care.

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Catherine Bergman – Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:21 +0700

University Health Network

Catherine Bergman is recognized at Toronto General Hospital for her clinical expertise, mentorship, and positive influence on team culture within the University Health Network. She is widely regarded by her colleagues as a steady and trusted presence—someone who consistently brings both skill and perspective to complex clinical environments.

She delivers care with a strong focus on compassion and patient experience, ensuring individuals feel supported and respected throughout their care journey. Catherine takes the time to communicate clearly with patients and families, helping them understand their care and feel more at ease in what can often be high-pressure or uncertain situations. Her ability to create a calm and reassuring environment contributes not only to patient comfort, but also to the overall effectiveness of care delivery.

Catherine plays a significant role in mentoring colleagues, supporting the development of nurses at various stages of their careers. She is known for sharing her knowledge openly and providing guidance in a way that builds both confidence and competence. Her support often extends beyond formal teaching moments, offering real-time insight and encouragement during busy shifts. Her nominator notes that many of the nurses she has supported have gone on to take on leadership roles, reflecting the lasting impact of her mentorship.

She is also known for fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Catherine is approachable and consistently willing to assist others, whether that means helping to manage patient care, offering a second perspective, or supporting colleagues through challenging situations. Her presence helps strengthen team cohesion and contributes to a culture of mutual respect and accountability.

Her contributions are reflected in both the quality of care delivered and the strength of the team she supports. Through her consistency, professionalism, and commitment to both patients and colleagues, Catherine continues to have a meaningful and lasting impact within her unit.

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Martha Tripicio

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:18 +0700

Humber River Health

For her extraordinary contributions and lifelong dedication to nursing, I wholeheartedly recommend Martha Tripicio as a true Nursing Hero.

Nominated by Ronak Gandhi

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First-in-Canada case of sustained HIV remission

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:15 +0700

HN Summary

• A first-in-Canada case shows a patient achieving sustained HIV remission following a bone marrow transplant using donor cells resistant to the virus.

• The transplant, performed to treat leukemia, replaced the patient’s immune system with cells carrying a rare CCR5 mutation that prevents HIV from infecting the body.

• While not a standard HIV treatment due to its risks, the case offers valuable insight into potential future pathways toward a cure.

In a Canadian first case, doctors have possibly cured a patient of HIV following a bone marrow transplant to treat a subsequent leukemia diagnosis.

Doctors at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Unity Health Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, and the University of Toronto collaborated on the case.

The patient, referred to as the “Toronto patient,” is the eleventh in the world in sustained HIV remission. Bone marrow was transplanted from a donor with a genetic mutation, known as CCR5, that renders their cells resistant to the virus.

A bone marrow transplant is a treatment and potential cure for patients with life-threatening blood cancers that works by killing off diseased cells and replacing them with healthy stem cells from a donor. The CCR5 mutation is believed to also prevent HIV from entering immune cells and infecting the body.

“To be able to eliminate HIV from the body is clearly a major advance. This is not something that happens every day,” says Dr. Sharon Walmsley, an infectious disease specialist at UHN’s HIV and Immunodeficiency Clinic, who oversees the patient’s HIV care.

“We need to find other ways to get rid of the virus. These cases help scientists think about means by which they can do that.”

Bone marrow transplants are not a standard treatment for HIV due to the high risk of infections and death. But Dr. Jonas Mattsson says, in this rare case, it was successful in targeting both HIV and cancer in the patient.

“If we can treat two things at once, we should try to do that,” says Dr. Mattsson, director of the Hans Messner Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where the transplant took place.

International search for a rare, HIV-resistant bone marrow donor

The patient was referred to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre after Dr. Walmsley suspected they had early leukemia.

“When we found out this patient also had HIV, we initiated an international search to not only find a perfectly matched donor [to treat the cancer], but to see if it was possible to find a donor who also carried the CCR5 mutation,” says Dr. Mattsson.

Less than one per cent of people, most of whom are of northern European ancestry, are believed to carry this genetic mutation.

Finding such a donor was a complex process that involved searching some of the largest bone marrow registries in the world, including those in Germany and the U.S.

The Toronto patient underwent the transplant in 2021 and discontinued antiretroviral therapy in July 2025. As of April 2026, HIV remains undetectable in the patient using highly sensitive laboratory testing, including no HIV-specific immune responses — a finding consistent with cases considered cured internationally.

Dr. Walmsley presented the findings at the Canadian Association of HIV Research Conference and is senior author of the published abstract.

Dr. Sharon Walmsley, an infectious disease specialist at UHN’s HIV and Immunodeficiency Clinic, oversees the care of a patient whose HIV is in sustained remission following a bone marrow transplant. (Photo credit: UHN)

How do bone marrow transplants work in patients with HIV?

A bone marrow transplant is an intensive form of immunotherapy that treats blood cancers and other serious blood disorders by replacing a patient’s diseased blood with healthy stem cells from a donor.

Before the transplant, patients undergo “conditioning,” which can include chemotherapy and full-body radiation. This process reduces cancer cells and creates space in the bone marrow — considered the most powerful organ of the immune system — for the donor’s healthy cells to take hold and replace the cancer cells.

However, a patient’s immune system is extremely vulnerable following the transplant, making it a risky treatment for patients with HIV. Much like a newborn baby, it can take several months to rebuild the immune system, putting a patient at a higher risk of infection that can be fatal.

“With the effectiveness of modern antiretroviral therapy for HIV, the risks of a bone marrow transplant far outweigh the benefits if there is no other indication for it,” Dr. Walmsley says.

One of the greatest challenges in curing HIV, she explains, is the virus’s ability to hide in human cells and remain dormant for decades. When the virus is dormant in these cells, it cannot be killed by HIV medications.

“HIV goes into the immune cells like a lock and a key,” she explains. “But when you have the CCR5 mutation, the key doesn’t work, so the virus can’t get in the cells and can’t multiply.”

In the Toronto patient’s case, the pre-transplant conditioning eliminated the immune system as much as possible, including the cancer cells and the HIV virus hiding in the immune cells. The patient’s immune system was then replaced using stem cells with the CCR5 mutation that HIV cannot infect, reducing the likelihood that either the virus or the cancer will return.

Path toward an HIV cure

Dr. Tommy Alfaro Moya, a hematologist who was involved in the Toronto patient’s post-transplant care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, says this is an important step towards one day finding a cure.

“This case represents years of careful clinical work, close monitoring and collaboration across specialties,” says Dr. Moya, also an author on the abstract. “It offers critical insight into how HIV can be eliminated from the body, informing safer approaches in the future.”

Dr. Mario Ostrowski, clinician-scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital, says while HIV is now medically manageable, the need for a cure remains.

“HIV infection, although well controlled with antiretroviral therapy, still carries enormous stigma and discrimination,” says Dr. Ostrowski, also the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Applied Research Chair and professor at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

“A bone marrow transplant from these donors can provide a potential cure. These transplants provide clues to develop similar, less toxic and less expensive therapies by studying these individuals.”

Going forward, UHN will continue to explore this approach for patients living with HIV who develop blood disorders that require a transplant.

UHN is also developing a research protocol where patients who undergo this procedure can be followed and studied, in hopes of determining factors associated with success to find better treatments, and potentially a cure, for HIV.

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CARE Centre and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Partner to Support Internationally Educated Nurses’ Integration

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:12 +0700

When CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) opened its doors 25 years ago, health care employers were at the founders’ table. St. Michael’s Hospital and Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care joined settlement organizations, nursing educators and professional associations to form the steering committee. All were aware that, after receiving their assessment from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), many IENs lacked additional direction and individual support in re-establishing their nursing careers.

“Completing regulatory requirements as quickly as possible and gaining nursing employment are foremost in IENs’ minds even before arriving in Canada,” says Rola El Moubadder, Executive Director of CARE Centre. “Connecting them to employers at the outset, through mentoring and non-regulated roles, has been key to smoothly transitioning IENs to nursing positions and full scope of practice. Our employer partners are committed to supporting IENs’ full integration, respecting their previous experience in other parts of the world.”

CARE Centre has dozens of employer partners in Ontario and, after receiving funding to support IENs across the country, is expanding that network. “We have employer partners in Ontario that have a national presence in providing community and long-term care, so we are leveraging those relationships to assist IENs in every province and territory,” says Meghan Wankel, Program Manager of CARE Centre’s Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) program which is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), now in its 10th year of service.

IENs make up about 12 percent of the nursing workforce across Canada; in Ontario, they comprise 13 percent of the nursing workforce. Nurses are the largest employee group in health care at 48.2 percent. The CNO recently reported that gains in the provincial nursing supply are increasingly being driven by IENs. Over the last few years, the total number of newly registered IENs has risen dramatically, growing from 1,565 in 2019 to 5,491 in 2023. In addition, for the first time as of 2023, the number of new internationally educated RNs becoming registered (3,940) surpassed the number of new Ontario RNs (3,790).

Employers have been involved with CARE Centre’s mentoring programs for many years, providing both in-person placements and virtual connections. “These mentoring opportunities are key to building a professional network along with IENs’ resumes,” says El Moubadder. “Some of our employer partners, like Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, expand on their support to IENs with custom workshop offerings and their own highly developed IEN orientation program.”

In 2025, Sunnybrook was the first to receive the IEN Employer of the Year Award from Partners in the Integration and Education of IENs (PIE-IEN), which provides a national platform for those involved with furthering the IEN cause in Canada. CARE Centre received the employer award in April 2026. PIE-IEN’s 2026 Kathryn Allen Award was presented to Dr. Ruth Lee, CARE Centre’s outgoing Executive Director, for her career-long support of IENs.

“This award is a reminder of the essential role we play in shaping the future of our health-care system,” says Tracey DasGupta, Sunnybrook’s Director of Interprofessional Practice. “I’m incredibly proud of the programs we have implemented to support IENs and help them reach their full potential.” Sunnybrook’s Internationally Educated Nurse Career Pathway program offers supports to IENs at every stage of their transition into the Canadian health-care system, supporting over 378 IENs to date.

“Sunnybrook is a shining example of how employers can actively engage with IENs even while they are still in the registration process,” says Bessie Nasiopoulos, CARE Centre Case Manager and Professional Development Lead. “Sunnybrook regularly presents a health assessment workshop to our members, which can introduce participants to employment opportunities with Sunnybrook. As an IEN myself and someone who not only began my journey as a CARE Centre member, but also built and advanced my career at Sunnybrook, I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful these connections can be.”

Giana Fernander is an IEN from the Bahamas who started her registration process pre-arrival through CARE Centre’s IRCC-funded PASS program. After completing PASS, Giana transitioned to CARE Centre’s Ontario government-funded program (Supports, Training and Access to Regulated-employment Services, or STARS) and joined Sunnybrook through the Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG) program. The NGG is an Ontario Ministry of Health-funded program that supports newly graduated nurses through a transition period that provides mentorship, orientation, and practice integration to help them build confidence and enter the workforce safely and successfully.

“Sunnybrook was always my employer of choice, and after I took their health assessment workshop through CARE Centre, I made important contacts to follow up with my NGG application,” says Fernander. “Sunnybrook recognizes the value of IENs and is ready to give them opportunities. They proactively welcome IENs and that makes them a stand-out employer.”

Sunnybrook also participates in the Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP), a program administered by the CNO and Ontario Health, which allows IENs to complete a clinical placement to update their currency of practice. They also participate in CARE Centre’s annual Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Awards, with two of their staff RNs receiving the award over the years. Multiple employers have hosted presentation ceremonies for their IENs of the Year, a further example of Ontario employers’ interest in supporting IENs to career success.

CARE Centre will present special webinars and events during National Nursing Week and throughout 2026. For more information, please visit the website at www.care4nurses.org.

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From Compassion to Impact: SHN Coordinator Honoured for Advancing Organ Donation

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:09 +0700

HN Summary

• Sandra Ricketts-Fusca, a Patient Care Coordinator at Scarborough Health Network, has been recognized with the 2025 Provincial Donation Champion Award for her decades-long commitment to organ and tissue donation.

• With 36 years in healthcare, Sandra plays a critical role in coordinating surgical teams and supporting organ recovery procedures, often stepping in clinically to ensure care is delivered with precision, respect, and compassion.

• Her work reflects the collaborative nature of donation, helping transform loss into life-saving opportunities and contributing to the growing number of organ and tissue transplants across Ontario.

It is important to recognize the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation and the healthcare professionals who make this work possible every day.

At Scarborough Health Network (SHN), that commitment is reflected in team members like Sandra Ricketts-Fusca, a Patient Care Coordinator in the Surgery Department at General Hospital, who has been honoured with the 2025 Provincial Donation Champion Award from Ontario Health’s Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN).

The Provincial Donation Champion Award recognizes healthcare professionals across Ontario who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing organ and tissue donation, giving more people across the country a second chance at life. In 2025 alone, Ontario saw 1,088 life-saving organ transplants made possible through the support of 362 organ donors, and 2,051 tissue donors. Milestones like these rely on the expertise and compassion of professionals like Sandra.

Sandra’s role as a Patient Care Coordinator is both complex and essential to the smooth and safe operation of the OR. She serves as a central link between surgeons, anesthetists, and nursing staff, ensuring each surgical day runs efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of patient care. While her work often focuses on coordination, Sandra regularly steps in to provide hands-on clinical and organ recovery support.

Her journey at SHN spans an extraordinary 36 years. Sandra began her career on a respiratory and medical unit before moving into the operating room (OR), where she has spent the majority of her career. For her, working in surgery was always the goal.

“I always knew the OR would be my final stop,” she shared. “It’s where I feel most connected to the work. And when it comes to donations, I feel fulfilled assisting those procedures with honour and respect to the donors.”

Throughout her time in the OR, Sandra has played a vital role in organ and tissue donation, supporting cases from the earliest days of donation procedures at SHN. As a coordinator, she works closely with donation specialists to organize teams, prepare operating rooms, and ensure each case proceeds with precision and respect. Even in this role, she continues to assist clinically, scrubbing in whenever another nurse is needed in the OR.

“Being present in the OR during a donation recovery is a profound responsibility that not everyone would choose to take on,” shared Lori-Lee James, Director of Surgery. “Sandra rises to this responsibility with compassion and support to the donor’s family during the transition from loss to the life-saving impact their gift will have to another person.”

Sandra describes organ donation as a deeply collaborative effort grounded in teamwork, respect, and shared responsibility.

“No one stands alone,” she explained. “It takes every single person working together to make donation possible.”

Sandra focuses on the lives saved and improved through donation, which continues to motivate her decades into her career. When she learned she had been selected for the Provincial Donation Champion Award, she was both surprised and deeply honoured.

“I didn’t expect it,” she said. “But it reminds me why I do this work. It’s about the impact we make, and the lasting results of more lives being saved.”

Her dedication extends beyond individual cases. Over 36 years, Sandra has built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to patient care. Inspired early on by caring for her grandmother, she has remained devoted to nursing as both a profession and a calling.

“As both a patient care coordinator and OR nurse, she consistently demonstrates outstanding mentorship, deep compassion and respect for donors, and a steadfast commitment to safe donation recovery,” shared Amanda Firth, Director of Critical Care.

As SHN recognizes Be a Donor Month, Sandra’s contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the impact healthcare professionals can have in giving the gift of life. Through her work, and the work of teams across the network, patients and families are given hope in the most difficult moments, and lives are transformed through the generosity of organ and tissue donation.

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An individualized and equitable approach: Pregnancy care for people with disabilities

Edusehat — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:07 +0700

HN Summary

• Sunnybrook’s Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic provides individualized, fully accessible care for people with physical disabilities—from preconception through postpartum—ensuring patients are active participants in their care decisions.

• Integrated partnerships and early intervention, including trauma recovery programs and community connections, help patients access reproductive health resources and continuous care.

• Research, national guidelines, and global collaboration are expanding knowledge and improving outcomes, advancing equitable pregnancy care for people with disabilities.

When Diana Drake was injured in an ATV accident, she assumed her hopes of becoming a parent were over. “I was paralyzed and broke my back in two places,” says Diana. “My life was turned upside down.”

Diana says some of the thoughts racing through her mind included “Will I ever walk again? Will I be able to use the washroom on my own?” The one that she kept coming back to was “Will I be able to have a baby?”

Five years after the accident, Diana did become pregnant, with care and support from Sunnybrook’s Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic. Her experience demonstrates the impact of specialized, individualized care for people with physical disabilities. Now, she’s pregnant for the second time and excited to make Ryan a big sister.

The clinic is the first in Canada to care for patients with physical disabilities of all types, from preconception planning, pregnancy, labour and delivery, and postpartum care.

“Disabilities can present differently at different times, and can be unpredictable in nature,” explains Dr. Anne Berndl, Director of the Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic at Sunnybrook, adding the clinic is fully accessible to all patients, including those who use mobility devices or aids. “Our focus is on individualized and comprehensive care – we understand that every pregnant person is different and work with patients to make a pregnancy care and birth plan based on their needs.”

For Diana, individualized care meant discussing her priorities with Dr. Berndl, with both eventually deciding that a scheduled Cesarean section would be best. Diana also met with several members of the wider care team, including an anesthesiologist who performed an ultrasound and MRI to see if an epidural, versus general anesthesia, would be possible. While she wasn’t awake for her delivery, Diana notes, “I was a part of the discussion all the way through.”

Dr. Berndl explains that the patient is at the centre of the care team and meets in advance with specialists, such as anesthesia, breastfeeding support, and hematology, to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery while respecting the patient’s preferences.

The Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic has recently focused on extending its impact by ensuring those affected by a traumatic injury are connected to reproductive health resources during recovery. By embedding pre-pregnancy planning discussions and resources into trauma recovery within Sunnybrook’s Tory Trauma Program, patients are aware of their choices and reproductive supports available at the time of their injury.

In addition, a partnership with Vibrant Community Health is helping to ensure clients with disabilities, many of whom lack access to primary care providers, are not lost in the system. The two-way system connects Vibrant clients with reproductive information and pregnancy care at Sunnybrook and ensures patients who deliver at Sunnybrook receive accessible primary care at Vibrant after giving birth.

Together with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre, Sunnybrook is collaborating to encourage early conversations with young people about fertility and parenting, so they know what’s possible and feel confident in their choices as they transition to adult care.

Beyond the services at Sunnybrook and locally within Toronto, Dr. Berndl is passionate about ensuring clinicians across Canada and beyond have the tools they need to care for pregnant patients with disabilities. In addition to authoring national guidelines on disability and pregnancy, she recently published the largest data set of pregnancy outcomes in people with spinal cord injuries, gathering information from 33 countries in four languages. Funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, Dr. Berndl says the information will help healthcare providers move toward the goal of more personalized medicine and increased quality of care for those living with disabilities.

When Diana thinks of her experience at Sunnybrook, she admits her mind goes to those who don’t have access to the specialized care she has experienced. “My heart aches for those who have physical disabilities and don’t have the option for this individualized and equitable care. I know how fortunate I am. Every concern was listened to and heard, and my needs were met. I have a happy, healthy three-year-old and soon-to-be big sister who is the light of my life.”

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Physician compensation up 3% in 2025: A look at the details

Edusehat — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:45:06 +0700

New data on physician compensation found that overall pay for doctors rose 3% in 2025, but several specialties actually saw their compensation flatline or shrink during that period.

The new data come from Medscape’s annual survey of physician compensation, which were released earlier this month. Overall pay for all physicians in 2025 came in at $386,000, up from $374,000 in 2024.

Here’s a more detailed look at physician compensation numbers from Medscape’s most recent survey.

Physician compensation in dollars

Medscape, which surveyed nearly 6,000 physicians in 29 specialties, found that PCPs reported an average pay of $298,000. Specialists, by comparison, reported earning an average of $417,000. (Medscape numbers for physician compensation include base salary and incentive bonuses plus other income sources like profit-sharing contributions, as reported by full-time doctors).

While the survey didn’t report pay for hospitalists, specialties like internal medicine reported an average compensation of $307,000, while family medicine reported an average pay of $288,000. Pediatrics appeared at the bottom of Medscape’s list of specialties with an average annual pay of $266,000.

Eight specialties reported earning more than $500,000

Orthopedics/orthopedic surgery: $611,000
Cardiology: $575,000
Radiology: $571,000
Plastic surgery: $554,000
Anesthesiology: $543,000
Urology: $535,000
Gastroenterology: $530,000
Otolaryngology: $508,000.

Five lowest-paid specialties in Medscape’s survey

Diabetes/endocrinology: $284,000
Rheumatology: $284,000
Infectious diseases: $282,000
Public health/preventive medicine: $277,000
Pediatrics: $266,000

Doctor pay in percentages

In terms of percentages, cardiologists topped the Medscape survey with a 10% jump in pay in 2025. Several specialties reported a drop in physician compensation from 2024-2025.

Internists reported a 5% hike in their pay from 2024-2025. Family physicians reported a 2% increase, while pediatricians reported no pay gains in 2025.

Seven specialties with the biggest percentage increase in 2025

Cardiology: +10%
Ophthalmology: +9%
Radiology: +9%
Emergency medicine: +8%
Anesthesiology: +8%
Orthopedics/orthopedic surgery: +8%
Urology: +6%

Specialties that saw a drop in 2025 pay

Physical medicine/rehabilitation: -1%
Nephrology: -1%
Dermatology: -1
Oncology/hematology: -2%
Pulmonary medicine: -2%
Allergy/immunology: -3%
Psychiatry: -3%

Gender gap in physician compensation

Medscape data show that the well-documented gender gap in physician compensation is alive and kicking.

Pay for male physicians in 2025 averaged $429,000, for example, while female physicians reported an average of $327,000. That $102,000 gap came to a difference of almost 32%.

Compared to last year’s data report from Medscape, the gender gap has grown slightly. In 2024, male physicians earned $91,000 than their female counterparts for a 29% difference in overall physician compensation.

What’s next for doctor pay?

Looking ahead, about 40% of physicians said they expected to still be making the same amount of money at the end of the year, and about the same number said they expected a raise. Seventeen percent said they expect their pay to be lower compared to 2024 levels.

That may explain why about 40% of physicians told Medscape that they supplement their pay with outside income. That number is up from 38% of physicians who said they took outside work in 2024.

The post Physician compensation up 3% in 2025: A look at the details appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

‘It was here and we couldn’t stop it’

Edusehat — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:45:09 +0700

Nursing professor Carole Estabrooks warned about a long-term care crisis before COVID-19 hit. Now, after more than 20 years as one of Canada’s leading experts, she continues to push for progress.

University of Alberta nursing professor Carole Estabrookswatched in helpless horror as the disaster that decades of her research had predicted began to unfold around the world.

“The day I heard on the news about the first case of COVID-19 in long-term care in Washington State, I knew it was over — that it was here and we couldn’t stop it,” Estabrooks remembers.

Nowhere did the new scourge hit harder than in Canada. Within the first six months of the pandemic, long-term care residents accounted for 81 per cent of all reported COVID-19 deaths, the highest in any OECD country.

“I turned on the news in May 2020, and soldiers were carrying bodies out of care homes in Ontario and Quebec,” says Estabrooks. “I wept that day. I thought, ‘My God, how bad is it really, if they’ve called in the army?’ Because I knew it was likely much worse than they were showing.”

For Estabrooks, the tragedy wasn’t just a medical crisis; it was a moral failure. As head of Translating Research in Elder Care and a Canada Research Chair for 24 years, she had sounded the alarm for years. Her work had shown that long-term care residents were suffering from treatable symptoms during their last year of life, many in serious pain, with care staff missing critical tasks because they simply didn’t have time to do them.

In April 2020 she said of long-term care, “We’ve been holding it together with duct tape.” And she knew the tape had finally snapped.

The day I heard on the news about the first case of COVID-19 in long-term care in Washington State, I knew it was over — that it was here and we couldn’t stop it. Carole Estabrooks

A flaw in Canadian values

While Estabrooks, who also has a cross-appointment to the School of Public Health, spent years showing why Canada’s nursing homes would be defenceless against a pandemic like COVID-19, her warnings, and those of others, went unheeded.

“COVID hurt the marginalized, the disenfranchised, the vulnerable,” says Estabrooks, looking back now. “How did we let this happen? At its core, it was because we do not value old people, especially old people with dementia. And that offends me.”

This sense of outrage fuelled what Estabrooks calls her “mission.” She grew up in a small town in New Brunswick, where her father was a labourer and her mother a teacher turned linotype setter. At first she thought she wanted to be a journalist but she chose nursing instead after meeting Margaret McPhedran, dean of nursing at the University of New Brunswick, who explained that nursing was a calling.

“She said, ‘One day you’re going to be old and you’re going to look in the mirror, and you want to like who looks back,’” Estabrooks remembers. “That comes from keeping your bead on something that’s important.”

After nursing in hospitals in New Brunswick, British Columbia and Alberta, Estabrooks caught the research bug while doing her master’s degree at the U of A. She viewed research as a form of detective work, rewarded by curiosity and tenacity. Her PhD and post-doctoral work focused on implementation science — turning academic evidence into real-world clinical changes.

“I was driven. I wanted to make things better,” she recalls.

The invisible workforce

A cornerstone of Estabrooks’ work is a focus on the people who provide the care. When she began, there was virtually no data on this workforce, particularly the health-care aides who provide 90 per cent of direct hands-on care.

“Why would we need data on them? They were unregulated and at the bottom of a pretty rigid hierarchy,” she recalls. Her research showed that in urban areas like Calgary and Edmonton, 80 per cent of aides are immigrant women who speak English as a second language.

Estabrooks points out that long-term care is a “highly feminized” sector, which she argues contributes to its lack of funding and public attention.

“Women’s work continues to be non-valued,” says Estabrooks, who is a member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute. “The undercurrent is that it’s ‘just domestic work’ — how hard can it be? But they do a tremendous amount of emotional and physical labour.”

Because health-care aides are the ones closest to the residents, Estabrooks realized they were key to any real improvement. But change was slow.

“What I thought would take five years took 15,” she admits. “It took over a decade to gather enough data on this workforce to begin designing interventions.”

The long road to recovery

When the pandemic hit, Estabrooks sprang into action. She was appointed to chair the Royal Society of Canada Task Force on COVID-19, producing a report with nine urgent recommendations, including national standards for staff, better infection controls, and improved training, pay and benefits for caregivers in long-term care facilities.

She also advised the Government of Canada on national long-term care standards, introduced in 2023. Although the promised Safe Long-Term Care Act has not materialized, the standards are now part of Accreditation Canada’s criteria. Alberta became the first province in the country to regulate health-care aides, introducing mandatory standards of practice, a code of ethics, a formal complaints process and a public registry — a long-overdue recognition, Estabrooks says, of a workforce that is central to quality of life for older adults in care homes.

She also wrote opinion pieces, made public presentations and did as many media interviews as she could manage, sharing what she knew with the general public.

“I knew that COVID opened a window for long-term care, and it would not be open very long,” she says. “People were shocked because they just hadn’t paid attention. We’re still doing work related to the attempts to recover from it.”

Despite the policy wins, the scars of the pandemic remain deep. Estabrooks notes that long-term care managers in particular took a “brutal beating” during COVID, and their mental and physical health has not yet recovered.

How did we let this happen? At its core, it was because we do not value old people, especially old people with dementia. And that offends me. Carole Estabrooks

“We’re not ready for another pandemic,” she warns bluntly. “Long-term care is a heavy human and relational endeavour — high touch, low tech. When people are under chronic duress, not only is their own health adversely affected, but long-term care homes experience higher staff turnover, which makes it harder to deliver quality care. High turnover is expensive on multiple levels, and successful retention strategies require sustained effort and adequate resources.”

A vision for the future

Estabrooks continues to push forward with her research program to highlight inadequacies and develop solutions for long-term care. She is now leading two studies on trauma-informed care and how to build resilience among managers.

One of her personal wins is that long-term care operators, both public and private, have supported her work over the decades, realizing their neglected area of the health-care system could benefit from evidence-informed attention.

“For me, that is perhaps the most personally rewarding thing — the people who do this really honourable work with the families and the residents have this level of trust in us,” she says. “They see we are trying to help. They see that our team cares and is in it for the long haul.”

As she looks toward the future of the U of A’s nursing program, Estabrooks is heartened by her own trainees and a “promising young cadre” of new assistant professors who are eager to bridge the gap between research and practice, particularly in the field of aging.

She is grateful for the 24 years of support from the Canada Research Chairs program, Canada’s highest academic appointment, which allowed her to devote 75 per cent of her time to research and introduced her to a community of others at the top of their fields. It bolstered her credibility as she applied for numerous grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and other funding bodies.

Carole Estabrooks was named to the Order of Canada in 2016 and is a fellow of both the Canadian and American academies of nursing. She is a member of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame and the Royal Society of Canada.

She advocates for a society-wide return to programs akin to ParticipACTION focused on older adults — encouraging physical activity and better nutrition in midlife to delay the onset of dementia, frailty and chronic disease — thereby enabling longer independent living.

Ultimately, her focus remains on the dignity of people in their final chapter of life. She points out the stark inequality in Canadian care for older adults who experience dementia or severe frailty: while those with enough resources may be able to afford private care at home, most Canadians in those circumstances must rely on long-term care and the goodness of strangers.

“People deserve to die with peace and have moments of joy,” she says. “They do not deserve to die suffering, lying in their diapers, in pain. It is not, of course, like that across the board, and the staff who work in long-term care do care deeply.’

“But if COVID showed us anything, it was the tragic impact of decades of under-investment in long-term care homes and older Canadians in general.”

BY GILLIAN RUTHERFORD

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New Research at University of Alberta Advances Fight Against Parkinson’s Disease

Edusehat — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:45:07 +0700

Researchers at the University of Alberta are reporting new progress in understanding and potentially treating Parkinson’s disease, offering hope for improved therapies in the years ahead.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed motion, and balance difficulties. It is linked to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. While current treatments can help manage symptoms, there is still no cure, and the disease continues to impact more than 100,000 Canadians.

The latest research from the University of Alberta focuses on better understanding the biological mechanisms behind the disease. Scientists are examining how proteins in the brain behave and how their dysfunction may contribute to the death of neurons. One key area of interest is the role of misfolded proteins, which can accumulate and disrupt normal brain function—a process believed to be central to Parkinson’s progression.

By identifying how these proteins interact and spread, researchers hope to uncover new targets for treatment. Early findings suggest that interrupting these processes could slow or potentially halt the progression of the disease, rather than simply treating symptoms after they appear.

In addition to studying disease mechanisms, the research team is also exploring innovative therapeutic approaches. These include strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable brain cells, improving cellular repair systems, and enhancing the brain’s ability to clear harmful protein buildup. Such approaches represent a shift toward disease-modifying treatments—an area of growing focus in Parkinson’s research worldwide.

Another important aspect of the work involves advanced laboratory models that allow scientists to study Parkinson’s more accurately. These models help researchers test potential treatments in controlled environments before moving to clinical trials, increasing the chances of developing safe and effective therapies.

The findings contribute to a broader global effort to better understand neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Canadian institutions, including the University of Alberta, are playing an increasingly important role in this field, supported by collaborations across academic, clinical, and industry partners.

Experts emphasize that while these advancements are promising, further research and clinical testing are required before new treatments become widely available. However, each step forward improves the scientific community’s ability to develop targeted therapies that could significantly improve quality of life for patients.

For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, ongoing research represents more than scientific progress—it offers hope. As understanding of the disease continues to grow, so too does the potential for treatments that not only manage symptoms but address the underlying causes.

The University of Alberta’s work highlights how sustained investment in medical research can lead to meaningful advances in complex conditions. While challenges remain, the latest findings mark another step forward in the long-term effort to change the trajectory of Parkinson’s disease.

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Can mRNA Vaccines Help Treat Pancreatic Cancer?

Edusehat — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:35:07 +0700

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and even with surgery and chemotherapy, recurrence rates are high. As a result, researchers are exploring new approaches — including personalized mRNA vaccines.

Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent infectious diseases, cancer vaccines are designed to help the body recognize and attack tumour cells. mRNA vaccines work by delivering genetic instructions that prompt the body’s cells to produce specific proteins. In the case of cancer, these proteins are based on unique mutations found in a patient’s tumour.

This personalized approach is key. Each tumour has its own genetic profile, so the vaccine must be custom-built for each individual. After surgery, tumour samples are analyzed to identify these mutations. Scientists then create an mRNA “blueprint” that trains the immune system to recognize cancer cells as harmful.

Early clinical trials are showing encouraging results. In a small study involving patients who had pancreatic tumours removed, half developed a strong immune response after receiving a personalized mRNA vaccine. Among those who responded, most were still alive several years later, suggesting the immune system may help control or delay the cancer’s return.

The mechanism is similar to how the body fights infections. The vaccine stimulates the production of T cells — immune cells that can identify and destroy cancer cells. In some patients, these responses have been long-lasting, which is a key goal in cancer treatment.

However, this research is still in its early stages. Most studies so far have involved small numbers of patients, and larger clinical trials are now underway to determine how effective these vaccines are across broader populations.

There are also practical challenges. Because each vaccine is personalized, it takes time to manufacture and cannot be produced in the same way as standard vaccines. In addition, researchers are still working to determine how best to combine mRNA vaccines with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Despite these limitations, experts view mRNA vaccines as a promising area of cancer research. They may offer a new way to target tumours that have historically been resistant to treatment.

While it is too early to consider mRNA vaccines a standard therapy for pancreatic cancer, ongoing studies will help clarify their role. If future trials confirm current findings, personalized vaccines could become part of a broader strategy to improve outcomes for patients facing this challenging disease.

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How AI is transforming patient care in Canada—before the first visit

Edusehat — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:00:09 +0700

HN Summary

• New study reveals most Canadians don’t turn to AI for mental health support, with 57% saying they never use AI chatbots for help in this area.

• Most Canadians use AI for mental and medical support because it is more convenient and immediate than seeing a real doctor (49%).

• Only 5% of Canadians use AI chatbots for medical advice on a daily basis. Nearly half (49%) never use it for this purpose.

Artificial intelligence is already influencing how Canadians understand, manage, and act on their health—often before they ever step into a clinic. For healthcare professionals, this shift is subtle but significant: patients are increasingly arriving with AI-informed perspectives, questions, and, in some cases, misconceptions.

New survey data from Compare the Market, based on more than 3,000 respondents across Canada, the United States and Australia, provides a clearer picture of how AI is being used in everyday health decisions. While adoption in Canada remains moderate, the data points to a growing role for AI as a front-line support tool.

AI is part of the patient journey

Even when AI use is not frequent, it is increasingly embedded in how patients gather information and make decisions about their health. Understanding this baseline behaviour is critical for clinicians navigating modern patient interactions.

• 57% say they never use AI for mental health support

• 49% say they never use AI for medical advice

• However, nearly half report using AI tools at least occasionally for health-related questions

Younger Canadians are leading adoption, suggesting that AI will become more embedded in patient behaviour over time.

How Canadians Are Using AI for Health Support

This chart highlights where AI is most commonly influencing patient behaviour, particularly in low-acuity and decision-support scenarios that often precede clinical visits.

Use Case % of Canadians

Cold/flu symptoms 37%

Decide whether to see a doctor 32%

Nutritional advice 31%

Medication advice 29%

Fitness/physical activity 29%

Mental health support 43%

Courtesy of: Compare the Market – “How AI is Transforming Health” study

What patients are asking AI

AI is often being used as a first step for reassurance, clarification, or emotional support. These early interactions can shape how patients interpret symptoms and frame their concerns in clinical settings.

In mental health, the most common uses include:

• Anxiety (57%)

• Stress (52%)

• Depression (40%)

In physical health, patients are using AI to:

• Interpret symptoms

• Determine next steps (e.g., whether to seek care)

• Get general lifestyle or medication guidance

Top Reasons Canadians Use AI for Health Support

Understanding why patients turn to AI helps explain its growing role in care pathways—and where it may be filling gaps in access, affordability, or comfort.

Reason % of Canadians

Convenience / immediacy 49%

Accessibility 41%

Affordability 37%

Curiosity 43%

Anonymity 28%

Courtesy of: Compare the Market – “How AI is Transforming Health” study

Clinical reality: Patients are arriving pre-informed

AI is not just a background tool—it is actively shaping patient expectations and perceptions before clinical encounters. Recognizing this can help clinicians better interpret patient concerns and starting points.

Patients may come into appointments with:

• Self-assessments or suspected diagnoses

• AI-generated advice or treatment ideas

• Reassurance that delays seeking care

• Anxiety based on incorrect or incomplete information

At the same time, some patients report positive impacts, with roughly half saying AI has improved their health in some way.

Talking to Patients About AI

Proactively addressing AI use can strengthen communication and reduce the risk of misunderstanding. Integrating these conversations into routine care helps align patient expectations with clinical guidance.

Practical approaches:

1. Ask directly—but neutrally

“Have you looked anything up or used any tools to understand this?”

2. Acknowledge effort

Patients using AI are often trying to be proactive. Recognizing this can build rapport.

3. Clarify limitations

Explain where AI is helpful—and where clinical expertise is essential.

4. Correct gently, not dismissively

Frame corrections as collaboration, not contradiction.

5. Set expectations

Help patients understand when to rely on AI and when to seek care.

A Complementary Role—For Now

While AI is becoming more visible in patient behaviour, it has not replaced traditional care pathways. Instead, it is emerging as an additional layer that patients consult alongside professional advice.

Despite growing use, most Canadians are not ready to replace human care with AI. Only a small percentage use AI daily, and many remain unsure of its effectiveness.

A notable proportion, however, view AI as comparable to professional support—particularly in mental health contexts.

As Steven Spicer, Executive General Manager of Health at Compare the Market, notes:

AI tools can provide fast, accessible support—but they should complement, not replace, qualified healthcare professionals.

What This Means for Healthcare Professionals

The growing presence of AI in patient decision-making requires awareness, adaptability, and clear communication. It represents a shift not in clinical authority, but in how patients arrive at the point of care.

Patients are:

• Seeking answers earlier

• Forming opinions before consultations

• Expecting faster, clearer guidance

For healthcare professionals, the opportunity lies in:

• Understanding AI’s role in patient behaviour

• Addressing misinformation early

• Reinforcing evidence-based care

• Integrating digital awareness into patient communication

The Bottom Line

AI is already part of your patients’ care journey—before the first visit. The opportunity for healthcare professionals is not to compete with it, but to contextualize it—ensuring patients receive accurate, safe, and personalized care in an increasingly digital-first world.

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Grey matters: The new old age

Edusehat — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:20:08 +0700

India’s ambition of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 rests on building strength across sectors. Much of which is powered by its young workforce, often seen as the engine of growth and productivity. But every engine runs on time as much as fuel. The same workforce driving this ambition today will, in the coming decades, transition into an ageing population with very different healthcare needs. The question, then, is not just how India builds for growth, but how it prepares to sustain it.

In numbers, by 2050, India’s population aged 60 and above is expected to reach nearly 347 million, accounting for close to one-fifth of the total population, according to the United Nations Population Fund. This shift signals a fundamental change in the kind of care infrastructure the country will require, moving from episodic treatment to long-term, continuous support.

India is preparing to be come a younger success story that will eventually need to support an older reality. The transition is gradual, but its implications are clear. Whether the country’s health care ecosystem is anticipating this shift, or will respond to it as it unfolds, is a question that now deserves closer attention.

Built in parts, not as a whole

India’s elderly care infrastructure is coming together, but more in pieces than as a system. Senior living communities, assisted care facilities, and home-based services are all expanding, yet largely along separate tracks. The result is an ecosystem that exists, but does not always connect. As Nilachal Mishra, Partner and Head, Government & Public Services, KPMG India notes, “preparedness for long-term elderly care remains uneven across regions and service segments,” even as demand is set to rise sharply in the coming decades.

India’s healthcare infrastructure is evolving to respond to the needs of its ageing population,but preparedness for long-term elderly care remains uneven across regions and service segments

-Nilachal Mishra Partner and Head,Government & Public Services, KPMG India

This unevenness is not just structural, but also systemic. While India has expanded access to primary and acute healthcare, long-term care continues to evolve at the margins. As Rohit Anand, Director-Research & Analysis, Medical Devices at Global Data puts it, the current system is “primarily designed for short-term medical treatment” and does not adequately address “continuous, long-duration care needs associated with ageing.” The gap, then, is not just capacity, but intent.

India’s healthcare infrastructure remains inadequately prepared to support the long-term care (LTC) needs of a rapidly ageing population

-Rohit Anand Director-Research & Analysis, Medical Devices at GlobalData

This fragmentation becomes most visible in how care is delivered. For a population that requires continuity, support still tends to be episodic and often anchored around hospital visits. As Dr Ritu Rana, Mission Head Healthcare, HelpAge India, puts it, “elderly care requires ongoing management of chronic conditions, including functional decline and psychosocial needs, that is close to their home.” The gap, then, is not just capacity, but design.

The single most transformative change India can make is to strengthen an inte grated primary care ecosystem linked with home-based services

-Dr Ritu Rana Mission Head- Healthcare, HelpAge India

From the housing side, the shift is already underway. According to Ankur Gupta, Joint MD, Ashiana Housing; Senior living demand is “no longer driven by compulsion” but by the need for safety, social connection, and access to care. That shift in intent matters. It signals that elderly care is slowly moving out of the mar gins and into mainstream consumption behaviour.

Yet, the supply side has not fully caught up. The organised market itself remains small relative to the scale of the need. Estimates suggest that India’s senior living and long term care market is still at a nascent stage with low penetration, even as it is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. Much of this supply remains concentrated in urban pockets, while a large share of India’s ageing population continues to reside out side metros. What emerges is a familiar imbalance. Demand is rising but infrastructure is limited, fragmented, and unevenly distributed. As Anand points out, long-term care in India still “relies heavily on family-based arrangements rather than structured, facility-based and professionally managed care services,” underscoring the absence of a scalable system.

The demand for age-focused housing in India is no longer driven by compulsion, it is increasingly being shaped by lifestyle needs and peace of mind

-Ankur Gupta, Joint MD, Ashiana Housing

What is emerging, there fore, is not a fully built ecosystem, but a set of responses trying to keep pace with a changing reality. The pieces are falling into place, but not yet into alignment.

So if the system is still assembling itself, the real story lies in who is stepping in to build the missing pieces.

Emergence of a new care economy

If the need for elderly care infrastructure is becoming clearer, the responsibility of building it is still being negotiated. With limited public provisioning for long-term care, much of the momentum is coming from private players, each approaching the opportunity from a different lens.

For real estate developers, this shift is pushing the boundaries of what housing traditionally meant. Senior living is no longer just about creating age-friendly spaces, but about building environments where care is embedded into everyday life. As Gupta explains, one of the biggest gaps in the current ecosystem is “the lack of integrated environments that combine housing with professional, continuous care.” He adds that seniors today are often navigating fragmented systems, “living separately, accessing healthcare externally, and relying on unstructured caregiving support.”

This has led to a new kind of collaboration, where developers are partnering with specialised care providers to bridge that gap. The idea is not just to co-locate services, but to create a more seamless continuum where medical support, assisted living, and community engagement exist within the same ecosystem. Models like these are attempting to solve for multiple layers at once, from chronic disease management and post-hospital recovery to day-to-day assisted living.

But building such integrated environments is not straightforward. Gupta points out that senior living is “not just a real estate product, it is an ongoing service ecosystem.” Designing these spaces requires anticipating how needs evolve over time, while operations demand consistent caregiving quality, trained manpower, and healthcare integration, challenges that go far beyond conventional residential management. Alongside developers, healthcare providers and home-care platforms are also stepping into this space, often extending their role beyond hospitals. The shift is being driven as much by necessity as by opportunity. As Dr Rana notes, traditional systems are not equipped to manage “multi-morbidity and other age-related conditions” in a continuous manner, which is pushing both providers and families to look for alternatives that offer greater consistency of care.

This is where home health care and technology-enabled platforms are beginning to carve out a distinct role. By bringing services closer to where patients live, they are attempting to address not just clinical needs, but also the logistical and emotional realities of ageing. In many ways, they are filling the gaps left by institutional infrastructure, even as that infrastructure continues to evolve.

What is taking shape, then, is less a single model and more a multi-player ecosystem, where developers, healthcare providers, and specialised eldercare companies are each building different parts of the same puzzle. The challenge will be whether these pieces can eventually come together as a coherent system, or continue to function as parallel solutions.

Because even as new models emerge, where they are being built may matter just as much as how they are being built.

Ageing across pin codes

As infrastructure is still taking shape, its distribution tells a more uneven story. The gap between where seniors live and where formal care is available continues to shape access.

As Mishra states; “India’s ageing is not a metropolitan phenomenon. A large part of it is unfolding in smaller towns and rural areas, where formal care infrastructure is either limited or missing.” This imbalance creates a situation where demand exists, but does not translate into organised consumption simply because options are absent.

This creates a structural mismatch. Demand is not con fined to metros, but supply largely is. As Gupta observes that, locations beyond major cities already show strong underlying demand drivers, including familiarity, lower cost of living, and proximity to existing social networks. In many cases, these are the very places where seniors would prefer to age. Yet, access to formal care infrastructure in such regions remains limited.

From an industry stand point, this misalignment is be coming harder to ignore. Anand points out, “the question is not just how much infrastructure we build, but where we build it. If supply continues to cluster in urban pockets, it will not address the larger need.” His observation underscores a key constraint. Expansion without distribution risks leaving the core problem untouched.

At the same time, the weight of this gap often falls on families. As Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist and Clinical Psychologist, Co-founder & CEO, Epoch Elder Care adds, “In India, particularly, the emotional dimension of caregiving is significant.” For many households, relying on informal support is not a choice but a necessity born of limited alternatives.

Care must function as a continuum: spanning home care,day programs, rehabilitation,and residential care

-Neha Sinha, Dementia Specialist and Clinical Psychologist, Co-founder & CEO, Epoch Elder Care

For emerging service providers, this has meant re thinking delivery models. Gaurav Dubey, Founder and CEO, Livlong 365 observes that models which rely less on physical infrastructure and more on distributed care, including home-based services, may be better suited to bridge these gaps. While still evolving, such approaches are beginning to extend care into regions where institutional infrastructure has yet to reach. The challenge, then, is not just building capacity, but ensuring it aligns with where ageing is actually taking place. Which, in turn, shifts the conversation from infrastructure alone to the very idea of care itself.

Models that rely less on physical infra structure and more on distributed care, including home-based services,may be better suited to bridge these gaps

-Gaurav Dubey Founder and CEO, Livlong 365

Care, redefined

As India’s elderly population grows, care is no longer being defined solely by where it is delivered, but by how continuous and accessible it can be.

At the centre of this shift is a gradual move away from episodic, facility-led care to wards models that extend beyond hospital settings. As Dr Rana explains, “elderly care requires ongoing management of chronic conditions, including functional decline and psychosocial needs,” adding that this is most effective when delivered closer to home. Her point reflects a broader transition. Ageing is not a one-time medical event. It is a long-term care journey.

This is where home-based care is gaining ground, not as a substitute, but as a necessary extension of the system. Dubey opines, “home health care is moving beyond convenience to becoming a core part of how chronic care is delivered, especially for elderly patients.” The model allows for continuity, something traditional systems have struggled to provide at scale.

From a systems perspective, the shift is also being driven by gaps in existing infrastructure. As Sinha points out; “Care remains largely hospital-centric, while the critical stages between treatment and recovery are often missing,” which creates friction when dealing with ageing populations that require sustained engagement rather than intermittent intervention.

Even within institutional settings, the expectation is be ginning to change. According to Anand, the future lies in “integrated care pathways where hospital, home care, and assisted living are not separate silos but part of the same continuum.” This signals a shift from isolated service delivery to coordinated ecosystems.

Yet, this transition is still underway. As Mishra observes, “the real test will be whether these models can scale beyond early adopters and become accessible across income segments.” Affordability and reach, not just innovation, will determine how widely these models can be adopted.

The longevity shift

As care models begin to evolve and private players expand their role, the question of system-level support becomes harder to ignore. Infra structure, after all, does not scale in isolation. It requires policy direction, financing frameworks, and a workforce equipped to handle the realities of ageing.

India has taken early steps in this direction through initiatives such as the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE), aimed at strengthening services for older populations. However, the gaps between framework and execution still exists.

Globally, ageing societies have approached this transition with more structured systems. Countries such as Germany and Sweden have built integrated ecosystems that combine residential care, assisted living, and home based services within formal long-term care frameworks. As Mishra states, “these systems did not emerge overnight. They evolved with sustained public investment and clear policy prioritisation of ageing as a long-term economic and social issue.”

For India, however, replication may not be straight forward. As Dr Rana emphasises, the country will need “a customised approach” that builds on family and community-based care, while strengthening formal systems around it. The path forward is likely to be hybrid, balancing institutional infrastructure with home-based and community-led models.

From an industry lens, this also raises questions of afford ability and scale. Anand points out that “for elderly care to truly scale, it has to move beyond premium segments and become accessible across income groups.” With out that, organised infrastructure risks remaining limited to a narrow slice of the population.

This brings the conversation back to a simple, but unresolved question. Not whether India will age, but whether it will be prepared when it does.

Because the measure of a developed system is not only how it builds for its present, but how it plans for those who will grow old within it.

neha.aathavale@expressindia.com

nehaaathavale75@gmail.com

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Improving Patient Experience Starts with How Teams Communicate

Edusehat — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:30:07 +0700

Healthcare teams are being asked to do more with less. Staffing shortages, rising patient volumes, and growing expectations around patient experience are putting pressure on every part of the organization. In many cases, communication systems have not kept pace, making coordination harder and increasing the burden on already stretched teams.

When systems are fragmented, simple tasks take longer than they should. Reaching the right colleague, coordinating a patient transfer, or managing follow ups can involve multiple steps and delays. Over time, these inefficiencies contribute to staff fatigue and impact the consistency of care.

As highlighted in Sunco’s recent white paper on modernizing community care environments, fragmented communication systems can lead to higher operating costs, inconsistent user experiences, and operational risk that can affect patient care. Many healthcare organizations are now rethinking how communication supports both clinical and administrative workflows.

A practical path forward

Improving communication does not require a complete system overhaul overnight. Many organizations are taking a phased approach that allows them to modernize at a manageable pace while maintaining continuity of care.

A more connected communication environment can help:

• Reduce delays in reaching care teams

• Improve coordination across departments and locations

• Support faster decision making with better access to information

• Ease the administrative burden on clinical staff

Automation also plays an important role. Tools such as intelligent call routing, appointment reminders, and patient follow ups can reduce repetitive tasks and help ensure patients receive timely information.

Built for healthcare environments

Security, reliability, and integration are essential in healthcare. Communication platforms must align with privacy requirements and work within existing systems such as electronic health records and clinical applications.

As a Mitel Healthcare Specialization partner, Sunco works with healthcare organizations to design communication environments that support these requirements while improving day to day operations. This includes enabling secure collaboration across care teams, supporting contact center capabilities for patient communication, and providing flexible deployment options that align with each organization’s needs.

Supporting both people and processes

The goal is not just better technology. It is better outcomes for both staff and patients. When communication improves, care teams spend less time coordinating and more time focusing on patients. This helps reduce burnout while creating a more consistent and responsive patient experience.

Healthcare leaders are continuing to evaluate how digital transformation can support long term sustainability. Communication is a practical place to start.

Sunco helps organizations take that step with clarity and confidence.

Learn how your organization can improve communication and support better patient care. Connect with Sunco.

www.sunco.ca

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AI scribes and documentation time: a ‘modest’ reduction

Edusehat — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:25:06 +0700

AI scribes can reduce documentation time among clinicians, a new study found.

Research in JAMA found that clinicians using AI scribes spend about 13 fewer minutes working in their EHR each day and 16 fewer minutes a day working on documentation. Researchers examined how 8,500-plus clinicians—a group that included physicians, residents and advanced practice clinicians—at five academic medical centers used AI scribes.

In addition to reducing documentation time, the study found that using AI scribes was associated with a 1.7% increase in weekly visits for those clinicians (0.49 visits per week) and a $167 increase in revenue per clinician.

The use of AI scribes produced the biggest changes among PCPs, advanced practice clinicians, female clinicians, and clinicians who used AI scribes in half or more of their visits. Researchers found that PCPs using the tech, for example, spent 25 fewer minutes a day working in their EHR and slashed time they spent on documentation by 27 minutes.

Providers who used AI scribes more frequently spent 21 fewer minutes working in their health records systems and 27 fewer minutes on clinical notes, according to the research.

One factor that wasn’t affected by using AI scribes: time spent by clinicians on EHR tasks outside of work hours. Researchers suggested that any time saved on EHR work was possibly being spent on tasks like responding to messages from patients or document reviews.

The study is one of the first to try to estimate the impact of AI scribes.

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New research links brain region to linguistic ability

Edusehat — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:40:08 +0700

The cerebellum, typically associated with movement, may also play a key role in reading and spelling — which could help us better understand disorders like dyslexia.

The cerebellum, a part of the brain traditionally associated with balance and movement, is also important for more complex tasks like reading and spelling, a University of Alberta study suggests.

Researchers took brain scans of 33 adults while they performed spelling tasks involving sound-based processing, memory-based retrieval of words, or both. Participants included typical readers and people with reading impairments such as dyslexia. Researchers then examined how different brain regions synchronized and worked together during the experiments.

The analysis revealed that the cerebellum showed strong connectivity with the brain’s language regions — signalling its active role in carrying out spelling tasks. The cerebellum’s involvement also varied depending on the type of task, showing it’s dynamic enough to support different linguistic processes.

As well, though some participants had more difficulty than others with their tasks, the brain connections looked similar in everyone, suggesting the cerebellum plays a fundamental role regardless of a person’s reading ability.

The findings could improve dyslexia research and literacy therapies, says Jacqueline Cummine, a professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine who co-led the study.

“Understanding how the cerebellum participates in spelling may help develop more accurate brain-based models of dyslexia, which can give clearer insight into why some people struggle with these skills,” she notes. “And interventions could be designed to strengthen these brain networks through approaches such as targeted reading practice.”

BY BEV BETKOWSKI

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People living with Parkinson’s face long wait times, inconsistent care across Canada

Edusehat — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:05:07 +0700

Parkinson Canada launches Limitless Parkinson’s Care campaign for this Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Accessing Parkinson’s care in Canada can be inconsistent and often depends on geography, income, and available services, leaving many in the Parkinson’s community waiting years for a diagnosis or without access to a specialist.

Parkinson Canada is dedicated to raising awareness of these challenges and advocates for more timely, equitable access to care for people affected by Parkinson’s in Canada. Through research, education, programs and services, Parkinson Canada is helping to ensure that people feel supported and understood. This April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Parkinson Canada is shining a light on the underserved Parkinson’s community, by highlighting care challenges across the country and the resilience of people living with the condition.

Despite advancements in research and support, access to Parkinson’s care continues to lack consistency nationwide:

• Many people report waiting up to 5 years to receive a formal Parkinson’s diagnosis.

• People in rural or underserved communities often have little to no access to a movement disorder specialist or neurologist.

• Some advanced treatments, including Deep Brain Stimulation, are not available in Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the territories. Those who do have access to the procedure in their province are still often required to travel and pay out of pocket for expenses.

• Canada has only half the approved Parkinson’s medications that are available in the United States, and public coverage varies by province.

• In 2024, the total economic cost of Parkinson’s in Canada was estimated at $3.3 billion, projected to reach $4.4 billion by 2034, and nearly 90% of these costs are carried by people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

Throughout April, Parkinson Canada is working to accelerate change by:

• Advocating with governments to improve access to care.

• Connecting people with Parkinson’s-informed professionals and programs through CareFinder, Parkinson Canada’s national directory.

• Investing in new models of care that aim at helping people receive an earlier diagnosis and better supports.

Parkinson Canada is encouraging people across Canada to help champion the Parkinson’s community. People are encouraged to:

• Raise their voices by signing up to participate in roundtable discussions that aim at shaping future advocacy efforts.

• Share their story online using #LimitlessParkinsonsCare on social media.

Together, we can remove barriers, improve care, and ensure every person with Parkinson’s gets the support they deserve. Visit www.parkinson.ca/PAM to take action and learn more.

Quotes

“Across Canada, too many people living with Parkinson’s face barriers that delay diagnosis, limit access to care, and add unnecessary stress to their daily lives. By working together alongside people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, health care professionals and governments, we can build a future where timely, equitable care is the standard.”

– Karen Lee, President and CEO, Parkinson Canada

“Living on an island off Vancouver means that every visit to my neurologist means early mornings, ferry rides, and hours of waiting in between. Living with Parkinson’s is already challenging, and no one should have to go to such lengths just to access proper care and supports.”

– Kathy Page, Author and living with Parkinson’s living in Vancouver, BC

“Accessing the right care wasn’t simple, especially without direct access to a specialist, and I had to rely on persistence and travel to get a clear assessment. I’m fortunate that I was able to make it happen, because I know others in the community may not have the same access to supports. Getting timely care should be something can count on, no matter where they live.”

– David Walker, living with Parkinson’s in Coquitlam, BC

“As Joey’s mom, I’ve learned that accessing the right care for a child with Parkinson’s can mean years of uncertainty, travel across provinces and significant financial strain just to reach specialists that understand his needs. While we’re grateful for the care he’s received, no family should have to work this hard or travel that far for support. Everyone deserves timely and appropriate care close to home.”

– Julie Johnson, care partner to son living with Parkinson’s in Saskatoon, SK

“I was fortunate to access a specialist and move through treatment without long delays, but I often think about how different my experience could have been if I hadn’t lived so close to proper care. Too many people are still waiting for referrals, assessments, or advanced treatments, and these delays are shaping their daily lives in ways they shouldn’t have to go through. Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you get the care that helps you keep living your life.”

– Elizabeth Rigley, living with Parkinson’s in Ottawa, ON

“I often meet people who have spent years navigating appointments and uncertainty before receiving a diagnosis, simply because access to specialized Parkinson’s care is limited and inconsistent. When care depends on where someone lives, people are left waiting far longer than they should. We need a system where people can access the care they need without delays, no matter where they live.”

– Dr. Sarah Lidstone, neurologist, scientist and movement disorders specialist in Toronto, ON

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How AI could help or hinder Canada’s health care system

Edusehat — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:40:07 +0700

HN Summary

• AI could help address Canada’s healthcare staffing crisis by improving efficiency, triage, and access to information for both patients and providers.

• It offers benefits like reducing administrative burden, empowering patients, and enhancing decision-making—but works best alongside clinicians, not as a replacement.

• Risks include inaccurate information, privacy concerns, and potential bias, highlighting the need for strong regulation and careful implementation.

Canada’s health-care system is chronically understaffed: Six million Canadians are without a regular healthcare provider. A recent Health Canada study concluded that the country’s medical schools cannot train enough doctors to ever close the gap (to meet demand, we’d need another 22,000 physicians). And of the doctors we have, nearly half are feeling burned out.

Artificial intelligence is an obvious solution to our lack of people power. It is already at work behind the scenes in hospitals, reviewing medical images and monitoring patients’ charts for signs of deterioration. Nearly 60 per cent of doctors who use AI say it helps them speed through administrative tasks.

But AI may soon play a larger role in our healthcare system. Recently, the companies behind ChatGPT and Claude unveiled new health-related features for U.S. users. (These tools are currently not available in Canada.) Both platforms can analyze users’ medical records, pull research from online databases and explain test results, among other functions. Claude can also help healthcare providers communicate with patients and insurance companies.

According to OpenAI, 230 million people ask ChatGPT for health information each week. Online threads are full of people recounting how AI helped diagnose a rare disease or make sense of unusual lab results. Patients with long-term conditions are also using it for advice on managing their symptoms and medications.

However, AI is still prone to hallucinations — responding to users with information that is inaccurate or, in some cases, wholly fabricated — and questions remain about whether the technology can be trusted. A new study from Germany found Google’s AI overviews are more likely to cite YouTube than any medical site for health queries.

Anthropic and OpenAI say they comply with healthcare privacy laws and rule out using chats on their health platforms to train their models. But experts have pointed out that the chatbot users have fewer legal safeguards than patients in a doctor’s office, where there are robust privacy rules and a duty-of-care expectation. In addition, AI companies often put disclaimers in the fine print that disavow the use of their tools for diagnosis or health advice, pushing responsibility for evaluating the validity of the information to the patient.

So, could prescribing this technology be a way to heal the infirmities of Canada’s medical system? Or will Dr. Robot prove to be a quack? We asked three experts for their views on the rise of AI in healthcare. They all expressed cautious optimism.

“These chatbots tend to be significantly more empathetic than the average clinician”

— Muhammad Mamdani, clinical lead in artificial intelligence, Ontario Health, director of the University of Toronto’s Temerty Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education in Medicine. Mamdani has been involved in the development of more than 50 AI tools used in hospitals.

The pros: “It has the potential to be incredibly exciting, if it’s done well. Currently, the health system is fairly broken. Fifteen to 20 per cent of people who go to the emergency department shouldn’t be there. We have long wait times and the decisions we make around certain treatments are poor. AI has the potential to say, ‘The emergency department is really crowded, and based on what you’ve told me, it sounds like you have a UTI. You may want to consider going to a pharmacy.’

“AI also makes available all sorts of health information that previously was only meant for clinicians. A doctor usually has seven to 13 minutes with you, and doesn’t know how you slept last night, and may not be able to understand all the patterns because they weren’t there. But now you’re wearing this watch that tracks a bunch of stuff. You can feed the data into an AI and have a conversation with it for hours. And several studies have shown that these chatbots tend to be significantly more empathetic than the average clinician.”

The caveats: “I’m a little concerned about making sure these solutions have been vetted before making them publicly available. While there’s potential to really do good for people, for clinicians and for the health-care system, there’s also potential to make things worse. AI is linked to the web and the best available evidence and guidelines, which can be so powerful. But it doesn’t have the experience that a clinician does. It can lie, it can make up stuff and confabulate or hallucinate. Studies have looked at ChatGPT for health, and the accuracy of the information can range from 20 per cent to 95 per cent. The 20 per cent worries me.”

“It could allow a patient to be more direct in the treatment they’re seeking”

Lori Casselman, CEO and founder of June Health, a virtual care platform for women’s health.

The pros: “Data and information can empower a patient to advocate for themselves. The more education and understanding you have, the more informed a conversation you can have. In cases where a practitioner doesn’t have a particular specialization, it could allow a patient to be more direct in the treatment options or referrals they’re seeking. But being able to access that data in isolation is not what we’re striving toward. Putting reliable data in a patient’s hands can be very valuable, but [it should be] in partnership with care providers and clinicians who can support a holistic treatment plan.”

The caveats: “Historically, women’s health has been under-researched, under-diagnosed and often dismissed. Leveraging AI systems that have been trained on existing health-care data could unintentionally reinforce these gaps. AI can absolutely improve women’s care — if it’s designed and ethically trained with women’s health, symptoms and care realities in mind. So, it’s important that we have broad and inclusive data sets for model training.”

“AI will not replace a physician — nor do I think it should”

Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association, which has advocated for greater use of AI — in tandem with thorough regulatory oversight — to relieve the administrative burden on physicians while safeguarding privacy.

The pros: “AI will be important in synthesizing the rapidly expanding body of knowledge in the medical field. Personalized medicine and therapeutic development are taking off, and having a reputable site where that information is accurately distilled and presented will be a valuable tool for physicians and care teams.

“AI will not replace a physician — nor do I think it should. Part of being a physician is developing that trusting relationship. It’s presenting options to patients, understanding their goals for care, giving them enough information to make the decision that’s best for them.

“Patients will come to physicians’ offices with information that has been generated through AI. So, patients and citizens will need to be not only health literate, but also AI literate. If we can educate the public to access safe and appropriate information, and that enables them to understand and be more involved in their care, I think that’s a great attribute.”

The caveats: “AI features that decrease administrative burden, improve patient flow or transcribe notes are lower risk. But as you move toward higher risk, with managing side effects and treatment algorithms, then there needs to be caution. Physicians using AI need to know what the training set was — is it representative of the patient that is sitting in front of them? Has it respected confidentiality, digital sovereignty? Who owns the data, who can access the data?

“It’s like drug development: You need the pharmaceutical industry to provide the drug and scale up manufacturing. But you need a regulatory authority to ensure that the drug and all its development have been seen by an independent body, that it’s safe, that its side-effect profile risk has been clearly articulated. Having oversight and regulations and knowing where the data is and who has access to it are critically important.”

Interviews were condensed and edited for clarity. This article was submitted by MaRS Discovery District Staff. Hospital News has partnered with MaRS to highlight Canadian innovations in health technology.

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In fight against corporate medicine, Oregon ED group says national staffing firm is breaking state law

Edusehat — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:35:03 +0700

In the latest fight against corporate medicine, an emergency medicine group in Oregon is claiming that the decision to replace it with an out-of-state staffing firm is violating one of the country’s newest laws to prevent corporate medicine from muscling into local markets.

Earlier this year, PeaceHealth announced that it was hiring ApolloMD to staff EDs at three hospitals in the Eugene area beginning this summer. The health system would not renew the contract of Eugene Emergency Physicians, a 41-member group that has worked for Peace Health for 35 years.

In March, the ED group sued, claiming that PeaceHealth’s decision to bring in ApolloMD violates a 2025 Oregon law that aims to keep corporations and private equity firms from controlling medical practices. State law requires that medical groups be owned and governed by physicians who are licensed in the state. Analysts say the changes give Oregon the toughest laws in the country to prevent national corporations and private-equity investors from taking over medical groups.

To get around this type of law in Oregon and other states, staffing groups often use what’s called a “physician-friendly model.” Groups name a local physician as the owner of a group and claim that the physician is running that group on its behalf.

According to reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting, the local ED group is accusing ApolloMD of using this model.

ApolloMD has said a new group known as Lane Emergency Physicians is owned by Johne Philip Chapman, MD. In a letter to Oregon lawmakers, ApolloMD said the company will handle “nonclinical administrative support” like billing and HR, but Chapman will make all clinical decisions.

In its lawsuit, the ED group argued that the model being used by Apollo “is exactly the business model that Oregon’s corporate practice of medicine laws prohibit.” It maintains that ApolloMD is violating Oregon law by allowing the company to control the new group and control its clinical operations.

The ED group’s lawsuit added that Chapman, who has worked with Apollo in the past, is from Illinois and got his Oregon medical license on March 17. The new ED group was registered in Oregon in February.

The lawsuit is the first to be filed in the state since Oregon updated its laws regulating corporate influence in medicine. The local ED group is asking the courts to void the pending contract between PeaceHealth and ApolloMD and to allow the local group to continue working for PeaceHealth while the lawsuit proceeds.

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On National Caregivers Day, ALS Canada expands national mental health supports for caregivers with funding from Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation

Edusehat — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:40:07 +0700

Virtual program connects caregivers to mental health support anywhere in Canada.

In recognition of National Caregivers Day, caregivers for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) across Canada will have access to an expanded national mental health support program through the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada), made possible with generous funding from the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation.

An ALS diagnosis is life-changing, not only for the person receiving it, but for the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend who steps into the role of caregiver. As the disease can progress rapidly and care needs intensify, caregivers often become full‑time coordinators, advocates, and hands‑on providers of complex daily care while confronting grief, fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty about the future.

Through a partnership with AWC Grief Support, the expanded program will provide caregivers across Canada with access to provincially licensed therapists for up to four virtual therapy sessions. Offered as part of ALS Canada’s National Mental Health Program, the therapy services build on national caregiver supports, including virtual support groups, webinars, and fact sheets. The program is designed to help caregivers manage stress, anxiety, anticipatory grief, burnout, and the isolation that can accompany caring for someone living with a progressive and terminal disease like ALS.

“Caregivers for people living with ALS carry an extraordinary emotional and physical load,” said Kim Barry, Vice‑President, Community Services, ALS Canada. “They are adapting in real time to constant change while witnessing a loved one lose function and independence. That emotional impact can be overwhelming. Access to timely mental health support can make a critical difference in helping caregivers sustain themselves through the progression of the disease and what comes next.”

Today, nearly 4,000 Canadians are living with ALS, a neuromuscular disease that progressively paralyzes people as the brain loses the ability to communicate with the muscles we move at will. As mobility, speech, and breathing are affected, care needs intensify. For many caregivers, this means providing complex daily support while balancing employment, parenting, other family responsibilities, navigating medical appointments, securing equipment, and finding their way through a complex health‑care system, often at the expense of their own mental health.

“Family caregivers are the silent backbone of our communities and we are honoured to support ALS Canada in expanding this vital national mental health program,” said Leila Fenc, Executive Director, Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation. “Through our funding, we’re pleased to help make these enhanced supports accessible to caregivers across Canada, so they can access the professional mental health care they need, wherever they live. Ensuring family caregivers are valued, recognized, and supported is the heart of our mission.”

This national expansion builds on learnings from the ALS Canada Caregivers Support Program, a caregiver mental health pilot launched in Ontario in 2025, generously funded by the Rexall Care Network. Strong community uptake and feedback underscored the need for the program to be available nationally. Delivered virtually, the program ensures caregivers can access support regardless of where they live in Canada.

On National Caregivers Day, ALS Canada recognizes the resilience of caregivers and reminds them that they are not alone. ALS Canada’s Community Leads provide direct support to people living with ALS in Ontario, along with national information and resources, including virtual webinars and support groups, available at als.ca.

For more information about eligibility and how to access the ALS Canada Caregiver Mental Health Support Program, visit als.ca/mentalhealth.

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Cancer clinicians call for three actions Canada’s health systems should take to improve cancer care

Edusehat — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:05:07 +0700

April Cancer Awareness Month a good time for concrete action

The Cancer Clinician Advocacy Forum (CCAF) has three concrete suggestions during Cancer Awareness Month in April for actions provincial and territorial health systems should take without delay to help clinicians provide care better for Canadians with cancer.

Members of CCAF are cancer clinicians, including nurses, pharmacists, and oncologists, helping Canadians face cancer every day. Fortunately, recent advances in knowledge and technology allow them to help many – while also seeing what could be done to make things better.

“We know our health systems face many challenges and demands that won’t be solved overnight, but we are proposing three practical actions that can and should be taken right away to help meet the needs of Canadians who are living with a cancer diagnosis,” said CCAF Co-Chair Dr. Sandeep Sehdev, a medical oncologist at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre.

The three actions are the following:

ONE – Inter-provincial “free trade” in health services: Agree to better share across provincial and territorial boundaries – with a minimum of bureaucratic obstructions – the use of facilities and services to speed up access in all jurisdictions (particularly the smaller ones) to sophisticated diagnostic and molecular genetic testing for cancer.

As technology and skills become more specialized and expensive, jurisdictions need to share much more seamlessly to allow Canadians everywhere to benefit. Our 13 different health systems need to make it much easier to care for patients from different jurisdictions so someone in Yukon or Prince Edward Island can get the same quality of cancer care as someone in Alberta or Ontario.

TWO – Ease the administrative burden: Provinces and territories should undertake an urgent review, and take rapid follow-up action, to remove unnecessary processes and administrative obstacles that provide little or no value but take up precious time that clinicians could otherwise spend helping their patients.

Health professionals need relief. While there’s no doubt more health professionals are also needed, cutting bureaucracy and simplifying processes would be far faster, and cheaper, to bring much-needed assistance for current clinicians, better care to patients and improvements to wait times.

THREE – Faster access to new cancer therapies: Even after the many months it takes Health Canada to review and approve new cancer treatments, the government’s own figures show it then takes an average of another 628 days (21 months) for the mandatory economic evaluation and price negotiations. But even then, when a price has been agreed, it takes another three and a half months (107 days), on average, for public drug plans in each province to actually make the treatment available and that average hides some much longer delays in some provinces.

Governments should commit to a 30-day timeframe to make new cancer treatments available through public drug plans and for hospital use from the time a pricing agreement for a new medicine is reached with the pharmaceutical company.

About Cancer Clinician Advocacy Forum

CCAF emerged out of a two-day forum in Toronto in September 2023, which resulted in a formal report published in Current Oncology in February 2024, co-authored by 19 experts from across Canada. This report highlights the frustration clinicians experience due to lengthy delays in the approval and funding of optimal technologies and therapies for their patients. For more about CCAF, visit the website at cancerclinicianadvocacy.ca.

The post Cancer clinicians call for three actions Canada’s health systems should take to improve cancer care appeared first on Hospital News.

Only 4 days left to nominate your Nursing Hero

Edusehat — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:30:08 +0700

2026 – Celebrating Canada’s Nurses and Their Contributions!

Along with having their story published, Hospital News Nursing Hero Award, and the winners also will take home:
CASH PRIZES: 1st PRIZE $1,500 2nd PRIZE $1000 3rd PRIZE $500

Have you been inspired, encouraged or empowered by an employee or a colleague?
Have you or your loved one been touched by the care and compassion of an outstanding nurse?
Do you know a nurse who has gone above and beyond the call of duty?
Hospital News will once again salute nursing heroes through our annual National Nursing Week (May 11th to 17th) contest.
Nominations can be submitted by patients or patients family members, colleagues or managers.

Please submit nominations by April 10, 2026 and make sure that your entry contains the following information:
• Full name of the nurse
• Facility where he/she worked at a time
• Your contact information
• Your nursing hero story

Please email submissions to editor@hospitalnews.com

The post Only 4 days left to nominate your Nursing Hero appeared first on Hospital News.

Keeping EDs Open & Reducing Wait Times

Edusehat — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:55:07 +0700

Strategic solutions to support emergency departments under strain.

Emergency Departments (EDs) are the essential safety net of healthcare, but globally, this net is breaking. The results are familiar: unexpected closures, grueling wait times, and clinician burnout. Solving this cannot rely solely on slow infrastructure projects or traditional approaches to staffing. Instead, the path forward requires smarter pathways to access care and innovative ways of sharing clinical demand across distributed networks.

Virtual Urgent Care: A Practical Lifeline Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) is emerging as a proven component of this strategy. By introducing a robust virtual entry point, health organizations can systematically triage and redirect patients to the appropriate level of care before they ever enter a physical waiting room. When departments face staffing shortages, VUC options enable them to maintain operations and prevent outright closures.

An innovative program deployed across a network of over 20 EDs and urgent care sites has successfully reduced wait times and improved access to care.

“Think Research’s Virtual Care program was swiftly implemented, improving access to care while delivering financial benefits, optimizing resources, and easing pressure on emergency services.” — Derek, Vice President at a regional health authority.

Redefining the Front Door Studies estimate that roughly 10% of ED visits do not require in-person treatment. Redirecting these patients can dramatically reduce pressure on physical departments. A robust virtual triage allows systems to prioritize case acuity instantly. Patients who might wait hours for low-acuity issues can be seen virtually within minutes—freeing up beds and staff for critical cases. Successful models have reduced median waits from four hours to just 15–20 minutes.

Strategic Workforce Augmentation A sustainable strategy must integrate into existing workflows while offering clinical augmentation. Effective VUC models achieve this through:

• Process Integration: Supporting internal metrics like Time to Physician Initial Assessment (PIA).

• Distributed Capacity: Tapping into a trusted network of virtual emergency physicians and nurses who work alongside local teams to share the clinical burden.

Lessons from Implementation Jurisdictions adopting this framework have seen immediate results. System-wide implementation across 20+ emergency and urgent care sites demonstrated:

•3,200+ potential ED closure days prevented.

•34,000+ patients received faster care.

•18-minute median wait time for virtual patients.

•4.59/5 average patient satisfaction score.

Smarter Systems, Not Bigger Buildings ED overcrowding is often a symptom of outdated pathways rather than inevitable population growth. The success of the VUC model proves that adaptive technology can optimize resource allocation and sustain hospital operations.

Think Research is proud to collaborate with health leaders to strengthen innovation across the continuum of care—supporting over 6,000 facilities and touching 90% of Canadian patients through its connected digital health ecosystem.

The post Keeping EDs Open & Reducing Wait Times appeared first on Hospital News.

This mobile NICU unit aims to improve care for premature infants

Edusehat — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:30:07 +0700

Salim Kandedi was born 17 weeks early. As a micropreemie, he had a less than 30 percent chance of survival — in his home country of Gabon, 16 per cent of babies are preterm and the neonatal mortality rate is 22 deaths for every 1,000 live births. Against all odds, he “lived and thrived,” as he puts it. And although he may not have conscious memories of those early days, they have shaped his professional mission.

While studying biomedical engineering at the University of Guelph, Kandedi threw himself into exploring how to bring health-tech innovations to market. Well before completing his degree in 2024, he worked at various medical device startups; those jobs fuelled his desire to develop a product that could improve outcomes for some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals.

After he graduated, Kandedi founded Corvita Biomedical, a company dedicated to creating “an advanced life support medical device for premature babies.” His goal is to improve outcomes for preterm infants particularly in regions that lack the resources to support the kinds of technological interventions that can literally be the difference between life and death. Corvita’s product consists of two parts: the ARK Incubator, a portable NICU unit that includes a suite of monitoring, diagnostic and life support tools, and NOA, an AI-powered software tool that leverages computer vision and sensor inputs to provide real-time insights.

Here, Kandedi explains how he learned about the power of innovation, how his algorithm can improve inclusivity in care and how he’s carrying on his mother’s legacy.

Your background is in biomedical engineering. How did you wind up taking a more entrepreneurial path?

My mother is an electrical engineer and an entrepreneur; she instilled that spirit in me. I remember her saying that as an engineer, you can do so much for this world, and if the chances are not out there, you can always start out on your own. When I was 16, as a student just getting into engineering, I got my first real job at a firm that was linked to [the University of Toronto’s health innovation hub] H2i and MaRS: Shiphrah Biomedical. We were looking into how to help pregnant mothers have a better position while they were sleeping, because sleep position affects the baby. I started as a research assistant and moved up the ladder — leading the R&D side, then eventually manufacturing, quality control and launch. When one of my friends was pregnant, I gave her our product. A few months later, I held that baby, and I understood what innovation can do. It’s not just cool technology you create. There are real problems out there that have no solution, and if you sit down and do the work, you can make other people’s lives better.

Neonatal care is a somewhat unexpected focus for a young guy with no kids. What sparked that interest?

When my mother was pregnant with me, she had a uterine wall rupture from a previous C section and ended up having to deliver me at 23 weeks. They weren’t sure if I was going to survive, but I did. Jump 23 years later, and I was working in robotics at a company called Able Innovation. A friend of mine had an aunt who was the president of an NGO and they couldn’t get incubators in remote areas. They knew I was a biomedical engineer, and everybody knew I loved building stuff at home, so they asked me to build a portable incubator for them. As I talked to people, I saw that this is not just an NGO problem — it’s also a problem in Canada’s North. If you go up north, babies don’t have the same chances. Mothers have to be separated from their families, sometimes for weeks before they have to deliver, because the hospital in their community cannot afford the equipment they need to support the baby.

I imagine similar issues could come up in Ontario, where our hospital system is under-resourced as well.

When I talked to people from big hospitals — SickKids, Sinai, Sunnybrook — I saw that it’s very expensive for them to expand their NICUs. You need to spend $150,000 per bed to increase capacity, and on top of that, add $200,000 per month in staff. And you have to figure out some way to buy 12 devices per baby every five years. It’s quite complex. For the hospitals here in Canada, you have to make sure that they can increase capacity at a very low cost just by having one device, one transaction. You can bring the technology to the North and make it infrastructure independent. Those recommendations came straight from doctors.

The ARK Incubator isn’t simply a single-device solution, correct? There’s also an AI component?

The most important task in a NICU is monitoring and diagnosis, because that’s what leads to intervention. We have very smart doctors who can figure things out. But if you fail at monitoring, your baby can perish. For the past year, we’ve been looking at jaundice. The transcutaneous sensors on the baby will sometimes have false readings for infants with darker skin, so infants of Black, Indian, Southeast Asian, mixed, Mexican and sometimes South American descent can have hyperbilirubinemia at a more advanced stage. So, there are more brain damage cases caused by jaundice in populations that have dark skin, and nobody’s doing anything about it. I put a few cameras in the ARK Incubator, and because I’ve connected those sensors to a central computer, I can build the first advanced AI neonatologist right into the device. It will be able to assess symptoms and screen for jaundice in all babies, regardless of skin colour, because we’re looking at all the little things that doctors would look into.

A challenge with AI is that algorithms often replicate systemic errors. Unless the models are trained on diverse data, they can default to standards that are based on a very limited demographic.

The ARK Incubator and NOA account for demographics: if your infant is of African descent, the algorithm will automatically change. We’re still in the early stages — the computer vision model is near completion, the product has been designed. Now we’re doing the hard task of building it. My plan is to pilot the device in Canada, Panama, Guyana, three countries in Africa, one in the Middle East, maybe in Asia. We want to train NOA — the software tool — on data that spans all those populations, so we can service them in an equitable way. I like representing Canada in the world, but I want to build something that’s good for everybody.

When you first told your mother about this idea, how did she respond?

She started laughing and said, “Wow, I would have never thought that experience would’ve turned into something big.” She told me to go for it, and she supported me both financially and by putting me in touch with people she knew. My dad was also there, and this was the first time I’d heard his side of the story. He said, “There was nothing I could do. I was going to lose my wife and my son. The baby has been delivered and taken away, and my wife is still on the operating table. I didn’t know who to follow.” My dad said he saw the doctor trying to resuscitate me for a long time. It was a night shift, so after a while the doctor had to come back and work on my mom. But the nurse said, “We can’t let that baby die,” and she worked on me for a long time. My dad said, “If you can do something good for this world, make sure that parents who are feeling that kind of helplessness can trust in the fact that something will look after their babies.” New parents will feel helpless regardless, but this can give them a little more support and comfort.

Sarah Liss writes about technology for MaRS Discovery District. Hospital News has partnered with MaRS to highlight Canadian innovations in health and life sciences.

The post This mobile NICU unit aims to improve care for premature infants appeared first on Hospital News.

Patient care runs on mobile devices. Is your fleet holding you back?

Edusehat — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:45:12 +0700

Dead batteries. Lost devices. Outdated software. Rising security threats.

These are all mobility threats that have a direct and negative impact on patient care. If any of those headaches sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Across the world, healthcare organizations, frontline staff and IT teams are under increasing pressure to do more with technology that doesn’t always keep up.

Mobile devices were designed to improve care. And they do—when deployed and managed correctly. The right mobility fl eet enables faster documentation, real-time communication, and better access to patient information at the point of care. But when devices are outdated, poorly managed, or incompatible with evolving systems, they can become a source of frustration and operational risk that directly impacts patient care.

Solving this problem requires more than just modern devices. You need a full, lifecycle mobility partner who can help source, deploy, and maintain your mobile device fleet.

PiiComm, the largest managed mobility service provider in Canada, helps healthcare organizations overcome these challenges. As a strategic partner in mobile technology sourcing and management, PiiComm provides clinical-grade devices and comprehensive lifecycle support to ensure frontline staff can work effi ciently, safely, and without interruption.

Where PiiComm delivers real impact

• Sourcing, staging, and deploying mobile devices that are tailor-made for your healthcare environment.

• Replace aging, end-of-life devices across clinical units.

• Ensuring devices integrate with current and upcoming electronic health record (EHR) systems.

• Improving speed, accuracy, and workfl ow effi ciency for frontline staff.

• Maintaining compliance with infection-control and data-security standards How PiiComm optimizes mobile devices.

PiiComm works closely with healthcare

IT and clinical teams to deploy durable, clinical-grade mobile devices designed for continuous use in healthcare environments.

These devices offer:

• Faster processors and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity.

• Expanded storage capacity and advanced barcode scanning.

• Disinfectant-ready, healthcare-certifi ed enclosures.

• Seamless integration with current and future EHR systems.

With PiiComm’s managed mobility solutions, organizations experience improved device reliability, higher staff productivity, and a stronger foundation for ongoing digital transformation and growth.

Most healthcare organizations don’t know their mobility gaps. Do you? Take our 60-second quiz to test your knowledge of healthcare mobility, and to identify gaps in your fleet that might be impacting patient care.

Scan the QR code to get started.

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Designing the future of care: Advancing an AI-enabled hospital system

Edusehat — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:45:10 +0700

HN Summary

• William Osler Health System is embedding AI into its new Epic hospital information system to enhance clinical decision-making, improve patient safety, and streamline care ahead of its 2026 launch.

• The initiative is clinician-led and grounded in strong governance, ensuring AI supports care delivery while maintaining privacy, ethics, and human oversight.

• By integrating AI into everyday workflows, Osler aims to reduce administrative burden, improve coordination, and deliver more efficient, patient-centred care.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in everyday use in health care, hospitals across Canada are adopting these tools, supported by strong safeguards and oversight, to improve patient outcomes, support clinical decision-making and improve care across the system. For William Osler Health System (Osler), that work is accelerating ahead of a major milestone: in fall 2026, the organization will become one of the first hospital systems in Ontario to redesign its workflows with AI embedded as it implements the Epic electronic medical record as its new hospital information system (HIS). This marks an important milestone in Osler’s clinical modernization story, enabled by the responsible and strategic use of digital tools.

“Epic is widely recognized as a global leader in the electronic health record and HIS space, with a digital platform that truly reflects high quality, safe, modern clinical practice,” said David Stankiewicz, Vice President, Digital Transformation, and Chief Information and Privacy Officer, William Osler Health System. “Leveraging its AI capabilities as we design our clinical workflows is a game-changing approach that will assist clinicians with real-time decision-making, enhance quality of care and patient safety, streamline workflows, and boost patient and family engagement.”

With its new HIS system, Osler has a unique opportunity to explore and integrate AI capabilities during the planning and design process, rather than retrofitting them later. This approach enables teams to thoughtfully assess where AI can add value and configure the system to align with Osler’s clinical environments, operational needs, and the diverse communities it serves. This supports innovation while maintaining a strong focus on safety, ethical use of AI, privacy and security protections, and people-centred care.

“First and foremost, we have invested time in getting the fundamentals right prior to HIS implementation,” said Sharon MacSween, Associate Vice President, Health Information System, William Osler Health System. “This includes focusing on our people, processes and standards at Osler to support safe, effective and responsible use of AI, as well as on the planning, training and governance practices that underpin a major clinical transformation.”

To ensure patients can feel confident in how their care is delivered, Osler has taken a thoughtful, safety-first approach to introducing AI. Osler developed guiding principles to ensure that AI is used transparently, responsibly and always aligned with people-centred care. Osler also embedded clinical, digital, privacy and quality oversight into its decision-making around the use of AI tools, including specific AI frameworks and proposed legislation that are shaping the regulatory climate for best practice use. Importantly, AI-enabled tools within Epic do not make decisions on their own. Care decisions will always rest with clinicians, with AI functioning as an added layer of support to inform judgement rather than replace it. Data quality has also been a critical focus – AI systems rely on structured data, so Osler has proactively prioritized standardized documentation across care settings. This includes capturing more accurate information related to a patient’s name, gender, language, and social drivers of health, to help reveal inequities and better recognize patterns of need across patient populations.

The transition to Epic and its integrated suite of AI-enabled tools is a substantial change for clinicians across the health system’s five sites, all focused on enhancing patient care and experience. As a result, the HIS renewal has been intentionally designed as a clinician-led initiative, supported by digital and information systems teams ensuring safe, seamless and people-centred implementation.

More than 700 frontline staff, physicians, and managers participated in extensive workflow redesign sessions to examine how care is delivered and how Epic’s AI-enabled features could be integrated into real-world practice and enhance patient care.

“Through targeted work groups, clinicians looked at opportunities to leverage generative and predictive AI tools within specific workflows to boost operational efficiencies, inform decision-making, enhance patient safety, reduce burden, and streamline care coordination, among other benefits,” said MacSween. “Our application teams are now configuring the system to align with clinician decisions regarding those tools.”

In practice, this means AI-enabled tools will be embedded directly into select workflows to surface relevant information at the point of care – such as highlighting potential risks earlier, supporting clinical prioritization, or streamlining routine documentation tasks. For example, in the Emergency Department, Epic with AI-enabled will help clinicians quickly identify key patient information, flag potential risks, and prioritize care. This supports faster decisions, smoother handoffs between care teams, and clearer communication. Patients spend less time waiting, repeat their health history less often, and feel more confident that their care is timely and well-coordinated.

To support a safe transition at launch, Osler is taking a phased, people-centred approach focused on readiness, training, and on-site support.

“We have a comprehensive change management strategy in place that includes ensuring Osler teams all understand why and how AI-enabled tools within Epic will be used to enhance clinical workflows,” said Stankiewicz. “This will be followed by role-based training and education to ensure staff and physicians learn what is most relevant to their practice and how the enhanced workflows will further support safe, efficient, high-quality care.”

Following its Epic go-live, Osler will closely monitor key clinical, safety, and operational indicators using built-in reporting and strong clinical oversight. This information will help teams stabilize the system, make ongoing improvements, and thoughtfully introduce additional AI-enabled capabilities over time, with patient safety and quality of care guiding each step.

“This clinical transformation is a cornerstone of Osler’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, and it will enable us to deliver even greater value to patients, families, learners and health system partners,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “We will be able to plan and respond more effectively to the needs of our communities, free up more time for people-centred care, provide higher-quality data for our researchers to advance clinical innovation, and enable learners at our hospitals to leverage the latest in technologies to support safe, high-quality care.”

Osler’s new HIS is slated to go live on October 3, 2026.

The post Designing the future of care: Advancing an AI-enabled hospital system appeared first on Hospital News.

Extending the monitoring period for severe pregnancy complications shows more than 40% of cases previously missed

Edusehat — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:45:07 +0700

Extending the monitoring period for severe pregnancy complications showed more than 40% of cases were missed using traditional delivery-focused monitoring, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) that extended monitoring from conception to 6 weeks postpartum.

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) describes complications in pregnancy that can result in death, extended hospitalization, or long-term disability. Current practices in Canada monitor and report cases of SMM during labour and delivery, but evidence suggests extending the surveillance period from conception to 6 weeks postpartum could have benefits and would align with guidance from the World Health Organization.

These findings also align with coroner’s data from Ontario that show most maternal deaths occur outside the labour and delivery window, with 47% in the prenatal period and 46% postpartum.

Led by researchers from McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, the study looked at all births from 20 weeks’ gestation in Ontario, Canada, between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2021, using linked administrative and clinical registry data from ICES, an independent, not-for-profit research and analytics institute. The research team extended the surveillance period from conception to 6 weeks postpartum, encompassing a much wider time frame. Of the almost 1.1 million births, the rate of SMM was 27.24 per 1000 births, which translates to nearly 10 000 people in Canada experiencing these severe maternal complications every year.

“Severe maternal complications aren’t just a delivery room issue — they occur across pregnancy and after birth, and many first appear in emergency departments rather than obstetric units,” says Dr. Giulia Muraca, senior author and a perinatal epidemiologist and an associate professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Health Research Methods, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. “Improving maternal safety requires a whole-system approach, involving emergency care, primary care, maternity care teams, and postpartum follow-up.”

Study findings:

• Severe hemorrhage, severe preeclampsia, and sepsis were the most common types of SMM; acute appendicitis and sepsis were the most common SMM events in the prenatal and postpartum periods, respectively.

• Sixteen per cent of SMM events occurred in the prenatal period, 55% during labour and delivery, and 29% in the 6-week postpartum period.

• Of all those who experienced an SMM event, 19% visited an emergency department, mostly in the pre- and postnatal periods.

• Risk factors for SMM vary depending on when the event occurred. For example, complication rates during labour and delivery and in the postpartum period were highest among the youngest and oldest parents, but pregnancy complications before labour were especially common among those aged 15–24 years.

• Common factors associated with SMM in all periods include first pregnancy, maternal race, pre-existing medical conditions, multiple fetus pregnancies, immigrant status, low income, rural/remote residence, substance use during pregnancy, and assault.

• Type 1 diabetes had the strongest association with prenatal SMM.

“Our findings, combined with the knowledge that most maternal deaths do not occur during delivery, highlight that focusing only on the intrapartum period will not adequately serve to recognize, prevent, or respond to SMM (and maternal deaths),” the authors write. “As a result, outpatient surveillance to identify and prevent maternal sepsis is warranted, such as postpartum home monitoring (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure) for individuals at increased risk.”

The authors emphasize that SMM is an important medical and public health problem that needs support, and that extending the surveillance period in pregnancy will capture many more preventable cases of severe maternal illness.

“These findings underscore the importance of accessible and timely postpartum care, particularly among people with higher SMM risk. Suboptimal access to primary care and decreasing access to ambulatory obstetrical care during the postpartum period in Ontario leaves many individuals without adequate care after childbirth.” nH

“Severe maternal morbidity from conception to 6 weeks postpartum in Ontario: a population-based, longitudinal cohort study” is published March 16, 2026.

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Still managing fax referrals manually?

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:26 +0700

Despite decades of digital transformation initiatives, one technology still dominates referral intake across hospitals in Canada: the fax machine.

Diagnostic imaging departments, specialty clinics, and central intake teams receive thousands of fax referrals every week. These referrals must be manually reviewed, sorted, entered into systems, and triaged before patients can be scheduled.

The result is a process that is both inefficient and risky.

Administrative teams spend hours each day processing fax referrals manually. Important information is often missing, requiring additional follow-ups with referring physicians. Manual data entry increases the risk of transcription errors, and urgent referrals can be delayed because intake teams lack tools to systematically prioritize cases.

In an environment where wait times and patient outcomes are under increasing scrutiny, hospitals are looking for ways to modernize referral management without disrupting existing physician workflows.

Because while hospitals want digital workflows, referring providers still overwhelmingly rely on fax.

Forward-thinking healthcare organizations are now taking a different approach: instead of trying to eliminate fax, they are digitizing the workflow around it.

Process Fusion’s PF360 Intake Solution converts incoming fax referrals into structured digital workflows that automate intake, triage, and scheduling.

Incoming faxes are captured electronically and analyzed using intelligent document processing technology that extracts key information such as patient demographics, referring practitioner details, service type, and priority level.

The system then automatically routes referrals to the appropriate department or clinic while prioritizing urgent cases through dynamic work queues.

Integration with leading electronic health record systems, such as Epic, enables hospitals to synchronize referral information with scheduling systems, allowing staff to book appointments faster and with greater accuracy.

Automated exception handling identifies incomplete referrals and sends structured requests for missing information back to the referring provider — eliminating the need for manual follow-ups.

The result is a referral management workflow that significantly reduces administrative workload while accelerating patient access to care.

Hospitals using automated referral workflows are seeing dramatic improvements in operational efficiency, with referral processing time reduced by up to 70 percent.

At the same time, healthcare organizations benefit from stronger compliance and security controls through a cloud-native platform designed to meet Canadian healthcare privacy standards.

As Canada’s healthcare system continues to push toward greater digital interoperability, modernizing referral intake represents one of the most impactful improvements hospitals can make today.

Process Fusion will be demonstrating its PF360 Intake solution at the eHealth Conference.

Visit us at booth #42 to see how hospitals are transforming referral workflows while keeping physician communication simple.

The post Still managing fax referrals manually? appeared first on Hospital News.

Designing the future of care: Advancing an AI-enabled hospital system

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:24 +0700

HN Summary

• The initiative is clinician-led and grounded in strong governance, ensuring AI supports care delivery while maintaining privacy, ethics, and human oversight.

• By integrating AI into everyday workflows, Osler aims to reduce administrative burden, improve coordination, and deliver more efficient, patient-centred care.

To support a safe transition at launch, Osler is taking a phased, people-centred approach focused on readiness, training, and on-site support.

Osler’s new HIS is slated to go live on October 3, 2026.

The post Designing the future of care: Advancing an AI-enabled hospital system appeared first on Hospital News.

Beyond Health Data: Connecting Care Across Canada

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:22 +0700

Canada’s healthcare system is at an inflection point. Leaders nationwide are working to strengthen access, ease pressures on care teams, and improve outcomes – all while facing workforce shortages and fiscal constraints. Meanwhile, expectations are shifting. Patients and providers seek more connected, coordinated, and personalized care.

Across Canada, momentum is growing for more integrated, interoperable health systems. National frameworks and digital health investments support this shift. These efforts expand access to clinical data, enable better decision-making by allowing clinicians to see complete patient histories, and reduce duplication by coordinating care among providers. However, access alone is only part of the journey. Many healthcare organizations now recognize that moving beyond data is necessary to address new challenges.

Health outcomes are shaped not only by medical history. They are also influenced by community support, access to services, and individual circumstances. Social determinants like housing and income are often disconnected from clinical systems. Connecting these data points is the next logical step, enabling integrated, person-centred care in which care teams can coordinate, tailor interventions, and deliver support that addresses the full context of a patient’s needs.

Achieving this level of integration is complex. More than technology is needed. It takes partners who know the Canadian healthcare system and have delivered within it. Across Canada, this shift is already underway.

Orion Health is not simply operating in Canada – it has delivered here.

For over two decades, Orion Health has supported digital health transformation across Canada. Deployments span Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Working with public sector partners, Orion Health has built long-standing relationships and a track record of delivery at scale.

Orion Health integrates health records and data platforms, enabling secure information flow across systems. This seamless integration unifies fragmented environments and gives clinicians a more complete longitudinal patient view, leading to better-informed decisions, improved care coordination, and more proactive, preventative care.

Canada’s healthcare system is recognized globally for its complexity and potential. Drawing on this experience, Canadian innovation is gaining international influence. This positions the country as a reference market for digital health transformation. As transformation accelerates, focus is shifting from connecting data and systems to connecting care itself.

This is what it means to move beyond health data – connecting care across Canada.

Orion Health combines deep Canadian experience with global capability – bringing local credibility and international scale to help health systems deliver more integrated, person-centred care.

Canada-tested. Canada-trusted. Built for what comes next.

Learn more: orionhealth.com/ca

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Privacy-First AI: How Federated Learning Is Transforming Canadian Cancer Research

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:20 +0700

Imagine training an AI model on patient data from hospitals in Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax without a single record ever leaving its original institution. No data transfers. No privacy breaches. No regulatory grey zones. Just powerful, collaborative intelligence built at the edges.

This is the promise of Federated Learning and it is no longer theoretical. It is happening today in Canadian healthcare.

DT Health AI, the specialized healthcare AI division of DT Consulting Group, a Canadian AI and technology consultancy, has been actively contributing to one of the country’s most ambitious digital health initiatives: a pan-Canadian precision medicine platform led by one of Canada’s largest non-profit research institutes. This federated network is designed to accelerate precision medicine research in oncology and neuroscience, uniting hospitals, research institutions, AI institutes, and industry partners across every province.

At the core of DT Health AI’s contribution is the integration of the FLWR framework, an open-source, production-grade Federated Learning platform, into the platform’s infrastructure. Federated Learning enables participating institutions to collaboratively train machine learning models across distributed datasets while ensuring that sensitive patient data never crosses institutional or jurisdictional boundaries. Each hospital retains full ownership and control of its data. Only model updates — not patient records — are shared across the network.

This architecture is not just a technical achievement. It is a fundamental shift in how Canadian health researchers can collaborate.

Traditional AI model development in healthcare has long been constrained by data silos. Patient data is governed by provincial privacy legislation, hospital ethics boards, and federal frameworks like PIPEDA and PHIPA. Aggregating datasets across institutions is slow, expensive, and fraught with compliance risk. Federated Learning dissolves these barriers while preserving the trust patients place in their care providers.

For cancer research specifically, the stakes are enormous. Precision medicine requires vast amounts of data, more than any single institution in Canada can generate alone. By enabling researchers to query and analyze distributed datasets — including clinical, genomic, imaging, and treatment outcome data — this Federated Learning platform creates the scale needed to uncover meaningful patterns in rare cancers, treatment response, and disease progression.

DT Health AI brings specialized engineering expertise to this space: end-to-end Federated Learning architecture design, FL framework deployment, OMOP data standardization, and privacy-preserving pipeline development. Our work ensures that the infrastructure is not only technically sound, but audit-ready and compliant by design.

Canada has a rare opportunity to lead globally in privacy-preserving AI for health. This initiative proves it is possible. The infrastructure exists. The next step is scaling and DT Health AI is ready to help Canadian health organizations take it.

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Making Clinical Research a Care Option: How Digital Infrastructure is Expanding Access to Clinical Trials in Canada

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:18 +0700

Across Canada, there is growing recognition that clinical research should not be viewed as a last resort, but as an important component of healthcare. When patients are aware of and able to access clinical trials, research becomes part of the care continuum, offering potential new treatment options while advancing medical knowledge.

Yet despite the strength of Canada’s research institutions, many patients never learn about clinical trial opportunities. A 2025 Angus Reid poll found that over 90% of Canadians know little or nothing about clinical trials, underscoring a significant awareness gap. Much of this stems from how difficult trials are to discover, with information fragmented across hospital websites, registries, and research networks. For patients in rural and remote communities, these barriers are even greater.

A new generation of digital infrastructure platforms is helping address this challenge by making clinical research easier to discover and access. These platforms provide patient-friendly portals where individuals can search for clinical trials based on condition, location, and eligibility, while enabling hospitals and research teams to manage recruitment and patient engagement more efficiently.

By improving visibility and simplifying how patients express interest in studies, these platforms support the broader goal of positioning research as a care option, helping patients and clinicians consider research opportunities earlier in the care journey.

In Atlantic Canada, provincial health systems have begun implementing this approach. NovaStudies Connect, launched with Nova Scotia Health, and NL Studies Connect, with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, provide centralized online portals where residents can learn about clinical studies within their province. These platforms can present study information in plain language and create a clear pathway for patients to express interest directly to recruiting sites.

Beyond improving awareness, modern clinical trial engagement infrastructure supports research teams behind the scenes. Recruitment management tools, workflow automation, and integrated dashboards help sites manage expressions of interest, track recruitment pipelines, and reduce administrative burden on study teams.

Equally important is the role of data and analytics. Insights into recruitment performance, patient engagement trends, and areas where trials may struggle to reach participants enable organizations to continuously improve how studies are presented and how potential participants are supported.

For hospitals and research networks, this infrastructure can also help attract new studies. Sponsors increasingly seek sites that can support decentralized and multi-centre trials, reach broader populations, and demonstrate the ability to engage participants efficiently. Modern digital recruitment infrastructure signals readiness for these models.

As Canada’s population grows and becomes more diverse, ensuring equitable access to clinical research will be increasingly important. By improving discoverability, supporting research teams, and expanding reach into rural and underserved communities, digital clinical trial infrastructure can help make research more visible, accessible, and integrated into everyday care.

This article was sponsored by Sciteline. To learn more, visit www.sciteline.com

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Small Care Homes to support aging population

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:15 +0700

HN Summary

• Vancouver Coastal Health is launching Small Care Homes, a home-like long-term care model for seniors.

• The approach provides personalized, 24/7 care in smaller settings, improving quality of life and relationships.

• VCH plans to add 200 beds by 2029, helping seniors stay in their communities.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is introducing a new model of long-term care designed to better support the region’s growing and increasingly complex aging population. Known as Small Care Homes, the approach focuses on delivering more personalized, home-like care environments that emphasize dignity, autonomy and meaningful connection to community.

Small Care Homes are licensed long-term care residences created within existing houses that have been adapted to meet accessibility and clinical care requirements. Each home typically accommodates up to 10 residents and features private bedrooms alongside shared living spaces such as kitchens, dining areas, laundry facilities and outdoor spaces. The goal is to create an environment that feels familiar and comfortable—more like a home than an institution.

“Small Care Homes offer seniors the dignity, comfort and sense of belonging that come from living in a more home-like setting,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne. “They are an important part of B.C.’s continuum of seniors’ care, bridging the gap between independent living and long-term care, and providing the right level of support as people’s needs change.”

The model is designed to support seniors who require full-time care but want to remain in environments that feel personal and connected to their lives. By locating homes in communities of all sizes—urban, suburban and rural—VCH aims to help individuals stay close to loved ones, maintain cultural connections and continue participating in their communities for as long as possible.

The first three Small Care Homes are expected to open in spring 2026, marking the beginning of a broader rollout across the region.

Residents in Small Care Homes will receive around-the-clock clinical care while also taking part in daily routines and activities tailored to their abilities and preferences. The smaller scale of the homes allows for more flexibility in care delivery, helping to create a sense of normalcy and purpose for residents.

Familiar environments can also play a significant role in improving emotional well-being. Research shows that smaller, more personalized care settings can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, particularly for seniors living with cognitive decline. By integrating care into a home-like setting, Small Care Homes aim to foster stronger social connections and a greater sense of belonging.

The model also has implications for care providers. Smaller, consistent staffing teams make it easier to build trusting relationships with residents, which can lead to better care outcomes and a more positive work environment. VCH notes that this approach may also improve staff satisfaction and retention—an ongoing challenge across the health-care sector.

“Small Care Homes are an innovative concept that enables Vancouver Coastal Health to rapidly expand long-term care capacity while creating personalized, familiar and culturally safe home environments that improve individuals’ health outcomes and emotional well-being,” said Yasmin Jetha, Vice-President, Community Services at VCH.

In partnership with BC Housing, VCH plans to create 200 new beds through this model by 2029, significantly increasing capacity while offering a different type of care experience than traditional facilities.

Another key advantage of Small Care Homes is the speed and efficiency with which they can be established. By retrofitting existing houses rather than constructing large-scale institutional buildings, projects can be completed more quickly and with less disruption to surrounding communities. This approach also reduces environmental impact and construction-related costs, making it a more sustainable option for expanding long-term care.

VCH is working closely with a range of partners—including BC Housing, local governments, Indigenous communities and philanthropic organizations—to identify suitable locations and ensure the homes reflect the needs and values of the communities they serve. This collaborative approach is intended to support culturally safe care and ensure that services are responsive to diverse populations.

Once operational, Small Care Homes will complement and expand the existing continuum of care offered by VCH. They are part of the Province of British Columbia’s broader strategy to strengthen long-term care services by introducing more flexible, community-based options that allow seniors to age in place whenever possible.

Advocates say the model aligns with what many seniors and families are looking for in long-term care.

“These homes help ensure that seniors can live in familiar, comfortable settings where they feel valued, connected and supported,” said Susie Chant, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “But it’s about more than adding spaces—it’s about creating environments that truly feel like home.”

B.C. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt echoed that sentiment, noting that Small Care Homes provide a practical and compassionate response to increasing demand for long-term care.

“Small Care Homes are the ideal solution for seniors who need full-time care and also want to age in a comfortable home in the neighbourhoods where they have lived, often for decades,” he said. “They are an innovative, pragmatic option that rightly prioritizes the well-being of older adults.”

As demand for seniors’ care continues to grow, VCH’s Small Care Homes model represents a shift toward more personalized, community-based care—one that balances clinical needs with quality of life, and recognizes that where care is delivered can be just as important as how it is delivered.

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Beyond the White Coat: Rethinking Work-Life Balance for Physicians

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:13 +0700

HN Summary

• Physicians face growing pressures from long hours and administrative demands, making traditional work-life balance difficult to achieve.

• Setting boundaries, reducing administrative burden and prioritizing rest are key to sustaining performance and well-being.

• A cultural shift toward support, flexibility and redefining success is critical for long-term physician health and quality patient care.

For many physicians, work-life balance can feel like an ideal that exists more in conversation than in reality. Long hours, increasing administrative demands and the emotional weight of patient care often blur the line between professional and personal life. Even when the workday ends, charts remain unfinished, messages unanswered and clinical decisions continue to weigh on the mind.

Medicine has long been a profession associated with sacrifice. The expectation to go above and beyond — to stay late, take on more and always be available — is deeply ingrained in the culture. But as burnout rates rise and more physicians report feeling stretched beyond their limits, it is becoming clear that this model is no longer sustainable.

Rethinking work-life balance in medicine does not necessarily mean working fewer hours. Instead, it means approaching work with greater intention, setting boundaries where possible and recognizing that long-term sustainability is essential — not optional.

Redefining What Balance Means

One of the challenges in discussing work-life balance is that it can mean very different things to different people. For some physicians, balance may involve spending more time with family or being present for key moments at home. For others, it might mean pursuing academic interests, engaging in research or simply having the time and energy to rest.

The first step toward achieving balance is defining what it looks like for you. Without that clarity, it is easy to fall into a pattern where work expands to fill all available time. Taking the time to identify personal priorities can help guide decisions about scheduling, commitments and how energy is allocated.

Setting Boundaries in a Boundary-Less Profession

Medicine is, by nature, unpredictable. Patient needs do not follow a schedule, and emergencies rarely occur at convenient times. This can make setting boundaries feel difficult — or even inappropriate.

However, boundaries are not about disengagement; they are about sustainability. Protecting time away from work, limiting after-hours charting when possible and being selective about additional responsibilities are all ways to create space for recovery.

Even small boundaries can have a meaningful impact. For example, setting a consistent time to stop checking emails in the evening or designating one day a week as protected personal time can help re-establish a sense of balance.

The Weight of Administrative Work

For many physicians, the most significant source of stress is not clinical care but the growing volume of administrative tasks. Electronic medical records, documentation requirements and system inefficiencies often extend the workday well beyond scheduled hours.

Addressing this challenge requires both individual and systemic approaches. On an individual level, physicians can explore workflow strategies, delegation and the use of support staff where available. On a broader level, healthcare organizations must recognize the impact of administrative burden and work toward more efficient systems.

Reducing administrative load is not just about improving physician well-being — it also allows more time and focus for patient care.

Making Space for Recovery

Physicians are often trained to push through fatigue, but chronic exhaustion comes at a cost. It can affect clinical judgment, reduce empathy and increase the risk of errors.

Recovery is not simply about taking time off; it is about using that time intentionally. Activities that support physical and mental well-being — such as exercise, time outdoors or meaningful social connection — can help counterbalance the demands of the profession.

Equally important is allowing for true rest. Unstructured downtime, free from professional obligations, is essential for recharging and maintaining resilience.

Reconnecting with Purpose

Many physicians enter medicine with a strong sense of purpose. Over time, however, that sense of meaning can become overshadowed by workload, administrative pressures and system constraints.

Reconnecting with the aspects of work that feel meaningful — whether it’s patient relationships, teaching or a particular area of clinical interest — can help restore a sense of fulfillment.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that purpose does not have to come exclusively from work. Personal relationships, hobbies and community involvement all contribute to a more balanced and satisfying life.

Changing the Culture

Perhaps the most significant barrier to work-life balance in medicine is cultural. There remains a perception that prioritizing personal well-being is a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.

This mindset is gradually shifting. Increasingly, there is recognition that physician well-being is directly linked to patient outcomes, team dynamics and the overall functioning of the healthcare system.

Peer support, mentorship and wellness initiatives are becoming more common, providing physicians with resources to navigate the challenges of the profession. Open conversations about burnout and mental health are also helping to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

A Sustainable Future for Physicians

Work-life balance is not about achieving a perfect equilibrium. It is about creating a career that can be sustained over time — one that allows physicians to continue doing meaningful work without sacrificing their own health and well-being.

For physicians, caring for others is at the heart of the profession. But that care must also extend inward. By setting boundaries, prioritizing recovery and advocating for systemic change, physicians can build a healthier relationship with their work.

In doing so, they not only protect their own well-being but also strengthen the quality of care they provide. A more balanced physician is a more present, engaged and effective one — and that benefits everyone.

The post Beyond the White Coat: Rethinking Work-Life Balance for Physicians appeared first on Hospital News.

Sleeping against the clock: How hospital shift workers can protect their health

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:11 +0700

HN Summary

• Shift work disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, increasing risks of fatigue, burnout and long-term health issues.

• Consistent sleep routines, a controlled sleep environment, and strategic use of light, caffeine and nutrition can help improve rest.

• Prioritizing recovery time and recognizing early signs of burnout are essential to maintaining both personal health and patient safety.

In hospitals, care is delivered around the clock — and so is the work. For nurses, technologists, support staff and many others, shift work is not the exception but the norm. Early mornings, overnight shifts and constantly rotating schedules are all part of keeping the system running.

But while patients depend on this continuity of care, the human body does not naturally operate on a rotating schedule. Over time, the demands of shift work can take a toll — not just on sleep, but on overall physical and mental health.

At the centre of this challenge is the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep, hormones, digestion and energy levels. It is designed to follow a predictable pattern of light and dark. When that rhythm is repeatedly disrupted — as it often is with shift work — it can lead to chronic fatigue, impaired concentration, mood changes and increased risk of long-term health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.

While shift work is unavoidable in healthcare, there are practical strategies that can help reduce its impact and support better rest.

Treat Sleep as Essential, Not Optional

One of the biggest challenges for shift workers is that sleep often becomes secondary to everything else — errands, family responsibilities, or simply trying to stay awake during the day. But sleep is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity.

Creating a protected “sleep window” is one of the most effective ways to support recovery. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted time, even if you don’t sleep the entire period. Consistency is key. Going to bed at roughly the same time after each shift helps signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

Communicating this boundary is equally important. Let family members or housemates know when you need uninterrupted time, silence notifications and use “do not disturb” settings when possible.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Daytime sleep presents unique challenges — sunlight, noise and household activity can all interfere with rest. Small environmental changes can make a significant difference.

Blackout curtains or eye masks can help simulate darkness, while white noise machines or fans can reduce disruptive sounds. Keeping your bedroom cool and minimizing light from electronics can also improve sleep quality.

Over time, these cues help your brain associate the space with rest, even when it’s daytime outside.

Use Light to Your Advantage

Light is one of the most powerful regulators of the circadian rhythm. Strategic use of light can help shift workers stay alert when needed and wind down more easily after a shift.

During night shifts, exposure to bright light — especially in the first half of the shift — can improve alertness. On the way home, limiting light exposure by wearing sunglasses can help signal to your body that it’s time to prepare for sleep.

When transitioning between shifts, gradual adjustments to light exposure can help your body adapt more smoothly than abrupt changes.

Be Strategic with Caffeine and Nutrition

Caffeine can be an effective tool for maintaining alertness during a shift, but timing matters. Consuming caffeine too late in your shift can interfere with your ability to fall asleep afterward.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid caffeine in the last four to six hours before your intended sleep time. Hydration is equally important, as dehydration can worsen fatigue.

Nutrition also plays a role. Heavy meals before sleep can disrupt rest, while lighter, balanced meals can support better digestion and sleep quality.

Prioritize Recovery Time

Days off are not just for catching up on errands — they are essential for recovery. After a stretch of night shifts, your body needs time to reset.

Whenever possible, avoid overscheduling your recovery days. Gentle physical activity, time outdoors and exposure to natural light can help re-establish a more typical sleep-wake cycle.

Recognize the Signs of Burnout

Persistent fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and disrupted mood are not just inconveniences — they are warning signs. Over time, these symptoms can impact both personal well-being and patient safety.

If you’re experiencing these signs, consider speaking with a manager about scheduling options or accessing wellness resources through your organization. Peer support can also be invaluable.

A Culture of Care — for Caregivers

Healthcare workers are trained to prioritize others, often at the expense of their own needs. But protecting your health is not only important for you — it is essential for the quality of care you provide.

Shift work will always be part of healthcare. But with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference — helping you rest better, feel better and continue doing the work that matters most.

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Healthcare is a human right

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:09 +0700

Federal government cannot let privatization erode access.

Canadians are rightly worried about access to healthcare. Long waits, delayed and cancelled surgeries and difficulty finding primary healthcare are no longer isolated problems. They’re a daily reality.

As Canada’s population ages and demand outpaces growth in the health workforce, access to care is becoming more fragile. Instead of strengthening the public system and investing in safe public long-term care to meet the growing need, provincial governments are turning to private, for-profit delivery. This puts timely, equitable access at risk and threatens the future of public healthcare in Canada.

It’s time the federal government act to safeguard our health system.

Nurses and healthcare workers point to chronic understaffing and unsafe workloads as the most urgent challenges in healthcare in our country. Policy choices that funnel public dollars towards privatization compound these pressures.

The consequences are already being felt at the bedside.

Public employers can’t compete with private nursing agency rates and conditions, leaving permanent positions unfilled. For-profit nursing agencies cost taxpayers billions annually. Yet this approach doesn’t add lasting capacity, and nurses in the public system still face overwhelming patient loads and moral distress.

Many nurses are leaving the profession entirely due to sustained strain. Over one in three nurses in Canada say they are considering leaving their job or the profession because conditions in the public system have become untenable.

As staffing deteriorates, we will see longer waits, reduced services and widening inequities in access to care – particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities.

At the same time, provinces are expanding private delivery of care. The Ontario government, for example, announced plans to outsource 50 per cent of surgeries and diagnostic tests to private clinics. Similar proposals are emerging elsewhere across the country, including in Alberta where the government has expressed interest in introducing a Health Care Savings Account that would require people to pay out of pocket for care.

Cataract surgeries take place in private clinics in Nova Scotia. Diagnostics are done in private clinics in Saskatchewan. This outsourcing still doesn’t address capacity issues. The MRI wait list in Saskatchewan doubled from 2015 to 2019 despite government efforts to extend hours and allow paid scans.

Across the country, patients increasingly must pay for upgraded products, block fees, tests, screenings and more. Together, these changes signal a steady erosion of public healthcare delivery and a growing threat of two-tier access.

The risks of privatization are especially stark in long-term care.

The pandemic exposed the deadly consequences of privatization in long-term care. During COVID-19, residents in for-profit long-term care homes were significantly more likely to contract the virus and die from it than residents in non-profit homes. Yet little has been done to address the risks in private long-term care.

Staffing levels are a key driver of patient outcomes. For-profit long-term care homes have 17 per cent fewer staff than non-profit homes. Nurses are calling for safe staffing levels and for funds to go towards care, not profit.

The federal government should advance promised federal legislation on safe long-term care that would mandate adherence to national standards as a condition for receiving federal funding.

Transparency is also at risk. Private clinics often operate behind confidentiality agreements that obscure how much public money is being spent and what Canadians are getting in return.

Ottawa should establish conditional health funding agreements that require provinces and territories to demonstrate how federal dollars are being used to recruit, retain and support permanent nurses in the public system. They should also prohibit the use of federal health funding for private healthcare initiatives, while funding provinces through the transition away from agency nursing.

The federal government must also assess whether provincial reliance on agencies is compatible with the Canada Health Act’s principles of public administration and accessibility. Stronger compliance reviews and consequences when provinces allow private delivery to take hold are urgently needed.

The stakes could not be higher. International evidence shows that countries with higher levels of for-profit care have worse health outcomes, including higher mortality rates. When profit plays a bigger role in care, people fall through the cracks.

Canada’s public health care system was built on the promise that care should be available based on need, not ability to pay. That promise is now under threat.

Canada’s public healthcare system is worth protecting. The federal government spends hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare each year, representing roughly 12 per cent of Canada’s GDP. That investment must strengthen public care. If public investment is not prioritized now, Canadians risk losing the timely, equitable access to care that they value most.

Losing access is more than losing a prized public institution, it can mean losing a life.

Funding decisions made now will determine whether Canadians will continue to have access to public healthcare in practice, not just in theory. Policy makers must choose to strengthen public healthcare now, before access is lost.

Linda Silas is the President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.

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Smartwatches show promise in identifying increased risk of heart failure hospitalization

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:20:06 +0700

A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that data from a consumer smartwatch can detect early signs of worsening health in people living with heart failure, often days to weeks before unplanned medical care is needed.

Led by researchers at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and part of the Transform HF initiative, the study shows that smartwatch data can reliably monitor daily cardiopulmonary fitness in people living with the condition. As the largest study of its kind, it also demonstrates that meaningful, clinically relevant declines in fitness levels can be detected days to weeks earlier than usual.

Notably, a drop of 10 per cent or more in daily cardiopulmonary fitness was associated with a more than three-fold increase in the risk of unplanned health care use, such as hospitalization or urgent treatment, opening the door to more proactive and timely interventions.

“Heart failure often worsens silently between clinic visits. By tapping into information captured through everyday wearable tech, this study shows we can detect significant changes much earlier, and potentially intervene before a health crisis occurs,” says Dr. Heather Ross, Head of Cardiology at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and co-senior author.

Key findings

The three-month observational study followed 217 people with heart failure as they went about their daily lives. Participants wore an Apple Watch while researchers collected data such as heart rate, physical activity, and oxygen saturation levels. Participants were instructed not to change their usual activity routine.

Using a UHN-developed and externally validated artificial-intelligence model, the research team analyzed patterns in this wearable data to estimate daily cardiopulmonary fitness–a key measure of how well the heart and lungs work together. These smartwatch-based fitness estimates closely matched results from gold-standard clinical exercise testing at the beginning and at the end of the study.

“By combining clinical insight on day-to-day changes in activity capacity with advanced modelling expertise, we can track activity and physiological signals over time and flag declines that might otherwise be missed between clinic visits.”

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Rebuilding a life after brain injury: The impact of personalized care

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:10:17 +0700

HN Summary

• After a life-threatening traumatic brain injury, Benjamin Finlan spent four years at St. Michael’s Hospital undergoing complex surgeries and intensive rehabilitation.

• His recovery was driven by highly personalized, team-based care — involving multiple specialties and strong support from his caregiver — focused on rebuilding both function and quality of life.

• Through resilience, innovative treatment and coordinated care, Ben progressed from critical condition to celebrating milestones and preparing to return home.

Benjamin Finlan is used to being stopped in the halls of St. Michael’s Hospital. On his way through the Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower or past the Trauma & Neurosurgery Inpatient Unit, staff pause to say hello — often to hug him. It’s not just his easy warmth or unmistakable presence that makes him memorable. It’s that, for four years, this hospital was his home.

In December 2018, at just 28 years old, Ben’s life changed in an instant. While travelling in London, England with friends, he was the victim of an unprovoked attack that left him with multiple skull fractures and a severe traumatic brain injury. The prognosis was grim.

Back in Toronto, his girlfriend, Katherine Smith, received the call no one expects. Within hours, she was on a flight to London, preparing for what doctors warned could be a final goodbye.

“We were going there under the impression that we were going to say goodbye,” she recalls. “They didn’t think he was going to survive the night.”

But Ben survived.

After days in a coma, he began to stabilize. Part of his skull had been removed to allow his brain to swell safely, and he had developed meningitis, but he was strong enough to be transported back to Canada. When he arrived at St. Michael’s Hospital — a Level 1 trauma centre specializing in complex neurological injuries — his journey was just beginning.

The first priority was survival and stabilization. But as Ben’s condition improved, it became clear that recovery would not be simple — or quick. Traumatic brain injuries are among the most complex conditions to treat, with no predictable path forward. Progress can be uneven, setbacks sudden and severe.

Ben’s experience reflected that reality. After initial improvements and a transfer to rehabilitation, his condition deteriorated rapidly. Without the protection of his skull, pressure on his brain caused a sharp decline, and he was rushed back to St. Michael’s. It was a turning point — and a realization that his recovery would require long-term, highly coordinated care.

For Katherine, it meant putting her own life on hold. She left her job to become Ben’s full-time caregiver, advocate and constant presence. She documented his progress in handwritten notes, tracking everything from eye movement to small physical gains. Over time, she became so attuned to his condition that she could sense how he was doing before anyone else.

“I could tell how he was feeling by how much he could open his eyes,” she said.

At St. Michael’s, Ben’s care was anything but routine. His case required an interdisciplinary team that spanned nearly every corner of the hospital — surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and more. Together, they formed a coordinated system of wraparound care designed to support every aspect of his recovery.

Equally important was the philosophy guiding that care: personalization.

“They approach every case so differently,” Ben says. “It’s not one size fits all.”

Rather than following a standardized plan, his care team built a recovery strategy around who Ben was — not just his injury. Before the attack, he had been active and athletic, so his physiotherapy incorporated movement and exercises that reflected those interests. Even in the early stages, when he couldn’t sit up or stand, therapists found ways to keep him engaged physically and mentally.

Verity Tulloch and Martha Miller.

Progress came slowly, often measured in seconds. Sitting upright for five to ten seconds became a milestone. Standing, eventually, was another. The first attempt resulted in a broken toe — a setback that might have discouraged others, but not Ben.

“He never lost his fight,” said one of his physiotherapists.

Goal-setting became a central part of his recovery. His occupational therapists worked with him to identify what mattered most: returning to activities he loved and rebuilding a sense of purpose. Ben set his sights on playing 18 holes of golf again — and on becoming a motivational speaker.

To support those goals, his care team got creative. They introduced tools to help him rebuild strength and coordination, and as his cognitive abilities improved, encouraged him to take online courses. Certificates from completed programs soon filled the walls of his hospital room — tangible reminders of progress and possibility.

Meanwhile, the medical side of his recovery remained complex. Over the years, Ben underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct his skull and address complications. One of the most critical procedures involved implanting a titanium mesh plate to replace the portion of his skull that had been removed.

Later, he faced another major hurdle: reconstructing his scalp. Surgeons needed to transplant tissue from his abdomen to his head, carefully connecting blood vessels in an area where few viable options remained. The procedure required extraordinary coordination across specialties — and carried significant risk.

But it succeeded.

For Ben and Katherine, it was one more step forward in a journey defined by persistence, resilience and trust — in each other and in the team around them.

Throughout his time at St. Michael’s, Ben says one of the most striking aspects of his experience was the sense of connection.

“It’s truly unbelievable… how much like family you feel when you’re staying there,” he says.

That sense of partnership — between patient, caregivers and clinicians — is at the heart of personalized care. It recognizes that recovery is not just physical, but emotional and psychological, shaped by relationships, goals and identity.

After four years, Ben reached a moment that once seemed impossible. On his 32nd birthday, he celebrated outside the hospital with friends and family — a simple milestone, but one that carried enormous meaning. It marked not just survival, but progress.

And it signalled that, at last, he was close to going home.

Ben’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when advanced medical care is combined with compassion, collaboration and a commitment to treating the whole person. His recovery was not defined by a single breakthrough, but by thousands of small steps — each supported by a system designed to meet him where he was.

Today, as he walks the halls of St. Michael’s — no longer as a patient, but as a familiar and welcome presence — those steps are visible in every greeting, every hug, and every reminder of just how far he has come.

View a video of Ben’s Journey

Olivia Lavery works in communications at Unity Health. This story is a condensed version of two full articles about Ben’s journey.

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Black adults less likely to fill a prescription for medication because of cost

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:10:14 +0700

Affordability in Canada is a growing problem, with high costs of food, shelter, medications, and more forcing Canadians to prioritize where to spend. New research found that rates of cost-related prescription nonadherence, defined as not filling prescriptions, delaying filling prescriptions, or splitting or skipping doses due to financial constraints, were higher among Black adults than White adults. The study was published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

To understand the association between Black racial identity and cost-related prescription nonadherence, researchers studied data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, representing 10 Canadian provinces in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022. The analysis included 181 511 adults aged 18 and older, with 2997 Black and 178 514 White participants. The researchers found that the rates of cost-related prescription nonadherence in Black adults ranged from 15% in 2015 to 10% in 2022, compared with about 6% in White adults over the same time frame. As well, fewer Black adults than White adults had insurance coverage for prescription medications (72% v. 80% to 83%).

“We found a significantly higher annual prevalence of cost-related prescription nonadherence among Black adults who reported having a prescription in the last year in Canada, compared with White adults,” writes Dr. Oluwabukola Salami, professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, with coauthors.

Research in the United States has found similar trends in Black Americans.

“Although factors such as education, income, chronic conditions, health perceptions, and insurance coverage partially mediated this association, Black racial or cultural background remained independently associated with a higher prevalence of cost-related prescription nonadherence,” write the authors. “Furthermore, having insurance coverage significantly reduced the prevalence of cost-related prescription nonadherence among both Black and White adults.”

The authors call for more research to understand the reasons for these discrepancies in prescription adherence and to understand the effect of recently introduced national pharmacare coverage. The authors also call for equity-focused pharmacare coverage.

Another article published in the same issue of CMAJ provides a snapshot for clinicians on how to support families facing financial challenges.

“Disparities in cost-related prescription nonadherence between Black and White adults in Canada” and “Low-income families” are published March 23, 2026.

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First-of-its-kind study finds prehabilitation for living liver donors can improve recovery after surgery

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:10:12 +0700

HN Summary

• A UHN feasibility study (PROPELLER) found that prehabilitation (prehab)—exercise, nutrition, and mental health support before surgery—can safely improve recovery for living liver donors.

• Donors who participated felt better prepared and recovered faster, addressing both physical and psychological challenges commonly experienced after donation.

• The program also encouraged lasting lifestyle changes and peer support, showing promise for broader adoption as standard donor care pending further research.

Matt Delorme never thought donating a piece of his liver would give him the tools to live a healthier life.

Through UHN’s prehabilitation (prehab) program — a service designed to optimize a patient’s health before surgery — Matt quit smoking, took up running and came out of the experience feeling stronger than ever.

He went back to daily activities in weeks. Within months, he was running 10 kilometres regularly.

“I didn’t even think it was possible,” says Matt, 52, who made the donation when he was 49. “I hadn’t exercised like that since I was a teenager. But there I was doing it.

“I don’t think I would have done it if it weren’t for prehab. That experience is really what triggered my mindset.”

Prehab helps patients recover after surgery by preparing them mentally and physically before their procedure. Clinicians work with patients to create a personalized plan that includes daily monitoring, physical conditioning, nutrition guidance and psychosocial support.

While UHN has offered prehab to organ recipients for years, it has never been researched in donors before.

In a recently published feasibility study, PRehab tO PreparE Living Liver Donors for Enhanced Recovery (PROPELLER): A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Drs. Daniel Sibley and Daniel Santa Mina set out to understand how prehab could benefit living liver donors, such as Matt, a participant in the research.

Participants reported prehab physically and mentally prepared them for surgery and expedited their recovery. The study demonstrated prehab is a safe and potentially effective approach to reduce commonly experienced adverse outcomes in living liver donors.

“Some [earlier] studies have shown participants up to two years after their donation have not fully recovered physically to their pre donation abilities,” says Dr. Sibley, a kinesiologist and post-doctoral researcher at UHN.

Donors can also experience psychological disturbances such as anxiety, depression and sleep problems, he adds.

“Organ donation is such a selfless act. It does compel us to do as much as we can to preserve a donor’s well being,” says Dr. Santa Mina, co-director of the prehabilitation program.

“If prehab can, in even a small way, help them manage the stress of surgery — we should try to do that.”

Lifestyle changes for stronger liver donor recovery

Drs. Sibley and Santa Mina began their feasibility study, an early clinical trial to assess if prehab could be implemented in a donor’s care and how well they engaged with it, in 2023.

Through the study, Matt learned practical ways to exercise, underwent fitness testing, nutrition counselling and connected with a peer support advocate ahead of the procedure.

As someone who had been smoking for years, it motivated him to change his lifestyle.

“I had just assumed because I had smoked a bunch in my life and was in my late 40s that it was too late to do anything about it,” Matt explains.

“It was really reassuring to see that I was actually quite healthy and there was still time to carry on … because I was sort of giving up.”

Matt worked up to running three times a week only months after recovering. He also found the means to exercise in smaller, but still impactful ways.

“It opened up my mind to the concept that opportunities for exercise are everywhere,” he says.

“I can exercise anywhere, anyhow, anytime — I don’t have to go to a gym.”

Guidance for donors, from donors

Another key element of the study was the peer support advocate, Sonia Munoz, who used her lived experience as a donor to help others going through the same.

“I basically gave [participants] an idea of what happened to me, what I felt I lacked and what was helpful in going through the transplant process,” Sonia says.

Sonia spoke with Matt before his surgery, shared her story and answered the questions she remembers having on everything from recovery timelines to managing fear.

“When some of these things were happening afterwards, I thought, ‘Oh yeah, that’s normal,’ because I’ve talked to someone who went through it,” says Matt.

For example, one of the biggest barriers patients face in their recovery is difficulty using their abdominal muscles.

Sonia recommended that Matt strengthen his back in advance of surgery to offset that effect, enabling him to get up and move around properly on his own.

“I wish someone had told me that if I put more effort into strengthening my back, my recovery could have been easier,” says Sonia, who was a donor for her father in 2018.

“My dad was healthy … then he was sick. Then he had three months left to live,” she recalls. “It all happened so quickly.”

She says being a donor for a critically ill parent was a whirlwind. At the time, UHN didn’t offer a prehab program and Sonia navigated much of the process on her own.

“It’s a really great program, and I’m just grateful that people can now talk to someone whose been through it, because I definitely would have benefitted from that.”

Sonia has supported six donors to date and hopes to keep doing so.

The next phase of the study will assess how effective prehab is for a larger pool of donors before it can be implemented routinely at UHN.

“Living liver donors perform an incredible act of altruism,” says Dr. Sibley.

“They undergo a major surgery with no benefit to themselves, and they deserve to be protected.”

Shauna Mazenes works in communications at University Health Network.

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This Canadian startup is decoding the health data revealed in our eyes

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:10:10 +0700

If you’ve had a fluorescein angiography (FA), chances are you remember it. The procedure requires that dye be injected into a vein in your eye so that a specialized camera can then map oxygen supply and potential leakage in your retina’s blood vessels.

For more than 60 years, FA has been the gold-standard test for diabetes-related retinopathy and macular degeneration — conditions that lead to vision loss — which affect 1 million and 2.5 million Canadians, respectively. While relatively safe, the procedure is expensive, time consuming and may cause patient discomfort and, in rare cases, allergic reaction.

In Halifax, healthtech startup Emagix is developing a non-invasive method using generative AI. Using cameras already employed in routine eye exams, its GenFA model can produce a fluorescein angiography image without the need for dye injection. By making the test easy and affordable, the hope is that doctors will diagnose ailments early, improving patient outcomes with better preventative care and monitoring. The company is currently testing GenFA with ophthalmologists and retina specialists to understand how to best translate their novel data into insights doctors need.

We spoke with Emagix chief technology officer Colyn Munn about taking career inspiration from Star Wars, the future of preventative medicine, and what’s involved in developing AI that uses the eye as the window to cutting-edge diagnostics.

Why we need better eye exams

“Emagix is trying to reduce the uncertainty in doctors’ decisions, as well as their workflow complexity, by giving them solutions based on complex image data. It allows them to know whether a patient needs treatment or follow-up, or to measure treatment effectiveness.

“Our core product, GenFA, is non-invasive so you don’t need a dye injection. That means you don’t need a nurse on staff or a whole support system in case a patient goes into anaphylactic shock from the dye. So you could use this in more settings.”

How it works

“If you go to an optometrist to get your vision checked, they’ll take an image of the back of your retina. GenFA provides analysis based on those images and the data will be ready immediately.

“We’re studying different eye diseases — like diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration — to understand how this tool can impact different scenarios.

“I love that we’re building something that is going to have a positive impact on people — not getting diseases or being treated for diseases earlier. There’s a myriad of benefits to that, not only for quality of life, but economic impact, too.”

What it’s like being CTO

“A lot of what I’m doing is solving technical puzzles. As a healthcare company, we’re analyzing complex image data and are looking to distill it. I have to figure out how to bridge the gap from the complex to the simple. It’s a bit like playing with Lego and figuring out what technical pieces I want to put in that gap.

“I’m doing a combination of researching and learning — reading scientific papers, understanding what the new engineering techniques are and what the new findings in the ophthalmology sphere are. Then, I’m building out those solutions and running experiments on the data.

“The most rewarding part is seeing that people are excited to use our technology. I love that. The feedback we’re getting from doctors is that they’re absolutely stoked to have this tool that they’ve never had in the 60 or so years they’ve been doing this imaging. This will reduce a lot of their burden.”

What drew him to the field

“I’ve always been interested in biomedical engineering. As a kid, it started with my interest in sci-fi movies, like Robocop and Star Wars, and the idea of using technology to augment a person or restore their capabilities. When I was 14 or 15, a gentleman at my mother’s workplace said, ‘If you love this stuff, you should do biomedical engineering. It’s a no-brainer.’

“I did a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering at the University of New Brunswick, with a specialty in biomedical engineering. And during that time I got to work on motion-capture systems for analyzing how people walk and then work on exoskeletons. I built training devices for kids with congenital limb loss that could allow them to train their muscles and eventually be able to wear a prosthetic.

“When I graduated, I was really interested in doing something with medical imaging. Not even a month later, the job came up at Emagix to do exactly that in retinal images. I submitted my application within the hour the job was posted.”

What’s next

“In our current paradigm of healthcare, we’re mostly reactive. We need more solutions that are preventative to be able to reduce the burden on the system. With patient data becoming aggregated and standardized, the solutions we’re developing are going to get much easier to implement. And doctors will be able to make more informed, personalized decisions.

“A lot of the work we’re doing is cutting-edge — there is no product that does this.. We’re pushing the current understanding of ophthalmology, but also the understanding of the outcome applications of AI. It’s really cool.”

Dominique Ritter writes about technology for MaRS Discovery District. Hospital News has partnered with MaRS to highlight Canadian innovations in health and life sciences.

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HHS Urgent Medicine Day Unit a provincial first

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:10:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Hamilton Health Sciences’ Urgent Medicine Day Unit (UMED) is a first-of-its-kind pilot providing rapid, hospital-level outpatient care to patients with complex conditions, helping them avoid emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

• The program offers same-day diagnostics, treatment, and specialist consultations with inpatient-level priority, improving patient flow while preserving hospital capacity.

• Early results show UMED is enhancing patient experience and outcomes by delivering faster, coordinated care that allows patients to recover safely at home.

Innovative pilot program reduces ED visits and overnight stays.

aneck Mistry has been rushed to the emergency department (ED) at Hamilton Health Sciences’ Hamilton General Hospital (HGH) more times than he can count, frequently being admitted for help getting his health issues under control.

Debilitating complications from weight-loss surgeries, including dangerous dehydration, have plagued Mistry for over a decade. These bouts of dehydration were so severe, Mistry would lose balance or even consciousness and fall, triggering an ED trip.

“Most of the time I would be admitted to hospital,” says Mistry, whose long-term health complications also include being prone to infections. His hospital stays lasted days or even weeks depending on the issue.

Lately though, Mistry and the HGH ED team haven’t been crossing paths. That’s because instead of living crisis-to-crisis, Mistry was referred to the hospital’s new Urgent Medicine Day Unit (UMED) pilot program for care and monitoring.

Launched last fall at HGH, the UMED program is the only one of its kind in Ontario, and possibly in Canada. Its goal is simple: get patients the care they need quickly so they can stay well and avoid being admitted to hospital.

Open weekdays, UMED is staffed by doctors and nurses who provide rapid follow-up care for people living with serious, long-term health conditions that can worsen quickly. Patients are referred by the hospital’s ED and internal medicine team. So far, the UMED has seen more than 500 patients across about 800 visits. UMED patients are given the same high priority as hospitalized patients.

Proactive care

Early intervention by the UMED helps prevent multiple trips to the ED and also frees up hospital beds by safely providing hospital-level care in an outpatient setting.

The UMED also treats people who arrive at the ED with a sudden, potentially serious issue like chest pain. If their ED doctor feels, based on an examination and testing, that they can safely return home, they’re booked into the UMED the next day for follow-up care including additional testing.

UMED’s care includes blood work; X-rays, CT scans and MRIs; IV infusions; and consultations with specialists. It all happens on the same day, and it’s also common for patients to receive test results and a diagnosis the same day.

“It’s an easy in-and-out for patients, and the doctors and nurses do a great job,” says Mistry. “The best thing they did for Hamilton General Hospital, and for its emergency department, was to establish the UMED.”

Solving complicated problems fast

UMED is one of several initiatives underway at HHS to improve patient flow and safeguard hospital capacity amid growing demand. As a regional centre for specialized care, HHS serves patients from well beyond Hamilton — making it critical to preserve access to beds for those requiring complex treatment.

“Given the choice, most people would rather be at home than in a hospital bed or crowded ED waiting for a bed,” says Dr. Samir Raza, deputy chief of medicine at HHS and UMED physician lead. “With the UMED, we’re delivering hospital-level care on an outpatient basis. Patients get the urgent, comprehensive treatment they need while resting and recovering at home.”

The UMED team was able to give Mistry the hydration he needed without using an IV, PICC or Hickman line – methods that left him vulnerable to infections. An IV line is a small tube placed in a vein to give fluids or medication, while PICC and Hickman lines are longer-term tubes placed in larger veins when someone needs ongoing treatment over weeks or months.

Instead, the team used a different kind of small needle that goes into the skin, with a much lower chance of infection.

Mistry’s started at the UMED with once-a-week visits that tapered down. Now, he visits on an as-needed basis. “If I have an issue I call the UMED and they book me in immediately,” he says.

Equal urgency for UMED and hospitalized patients

It is standard practice in hospitals for inpatients (hospitalized patients) to get priority over outpatients (who visit from home for care) when it comes to urgent follow-up care, like scans and appointments with specialists.

“Tests for outpatients aren’t given the same priority as inpatients, so booking appointments and getting results can take much longer,” says Raza. That’s why, prior to UMED, it was common practice for HGH’s physicians to admit patients to hospital, even when it was safe to send them home, so they could get fast follow-up tests. But this also meant that medically stable patients were occupying hospital beds.

UMED’s patients have the same high priority as hospitalized patients. “They move to the front of the line for urgent follow-up care, so they don’t have to spend weeks or even months going for tests and appointments,” says Raza, adding, “They aren’t bounced around. They visit our UMED and get everything they need in one place, very quickly.”

Next Steps

There has been a lot of interest in UMED since it launched last fall, says Raza, adding that the team has received funding to incorporate virtual care and enhanced at home monitoring of patients.

“UMED’s goal is to always consider ways to provide faster, coordinated and comprehensive care to those whose health is rapidly deteriorating, as outpatients, so they can safely stay in their homes.”

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Real-time symptom reporting helps Sofia stay in the game during cancer treatment

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:10:06 +0700

Sofia is tough—on and off the field. The 13-year-old is a forward on her soccer team, likes to play volleyball and is the oldest of three energetic younger siblings.

So when a lump in Sofia’s neck led to a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2025, her care team focused not only on treating her cancer, but helping her stay active. That means, in part, responding quickly when her treatment makes her feel sick or causes an adverse side effect.

A symptom reporting and management tool called SSPedi, developed in-house at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) by Drs. Lillian Sung and Lee Dupuis, helps patients report symptoms in real time from the comfort of their home.

“The burden of symptoms that children with cancer face is troublesome,” says Dr. Adam Yan, Oncologist and Associate Chief Medical Information Officer (Academic Pediatrics) at SickKids. “We don’t see patients in clinic every day, so we don’t ask them how they’re feeling every day. If we don’t ask, we don’t know how to help with any new or evolving side effects.”

SSPedi prompts a patient or parent several times a week to complete a brief questionnaire online covering physical symptoms, emotional well-being and overall health.

Recently Dr. Yan and the Remote Care Management team, led by Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, Bren Cardiff and Ashley Graham, worked together to integrate SSPedi into MyChart, allowing both patients and care teams to report and respond to any emerging side effects, linking every response and action back to the electronic health record.

Sofia has felt that impact firsthand.

“I was really nauseous one day, so I put it into the app,” she says. “Twenty minutes later they called us and said we could go to the pharmacy and pick up something to help. I like it because it feels like there’s always somebody there.”

Her dad Matt agrees. “As a parent, I’ve found it very helpful. It’s set up on my phone so it’s easy to access, and if there is something that comes up, it goes directly to someone who can help.”

Beyond symptom reporting, SSPedi also offers tailored tip sheets and guidance for managing symptoms at home.

Now more than halfway through treatment, Sofia says that although she doesn’t feel great the first few days after receiving chemotherapy, she’s happy she can keep going to school, playing soccer and connecting with friends.

Integrating the right technology to provide individualized care

SickKids is the first hospital in the world to integrate SSPedi into Epic, a milestone that reflects the organization’s commitment to embedding digital tools directly into clinical workflows. The work was recently published in JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics.

“The data is unequivocal that any friction you introduce into the digital space, the less likely any of those interventions will be adopted,” says Dr. Rosenfield. “Having all the information in one place improves its use, and most importantly it’s better for patient safety and continuity through their care.”

It’s a meaningful shift that embodies Precision Child Health, a movement that relies on data-driven insight to individualize care to each child’s specific needs.

SSPedi was recently selected for inclusion in Epic Foundations, a cluster of tools that Epic provides to every hospital using the Epic electronic health record, meaning any children’s hospital that uses Epic can adopt it into their own workflows. The selection signals its potential to reduce burden on patients and families and strengthen team-based management and follow-up.

“We’ve built the tool and implemented it,” adds Rosenfield. “Now we’re sharing to better paediatric care for children with cancer around the world.”

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How did primary care do in the 2026 Match?

Edusehat — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:40:06 +0700

The 2026 Match was the biggest ever, but there were some soft spots in primary care and a drop in the number of applicants who needed visa sponsorships that may point to bigger problems in the future.

First, the good news: The 2026 Match offered 1,107 more positions than last year—412 of them in primary care alone—for a total of 44,344 positions. That’s a 2.6% increase in positions offered in 2025.

There were also 842, or 1.8%, more applicants in this year’s Match: 53,373. Of those, 38,354 matched to a PGY-1 position. A total of 41,482 applicants matched to a PGY-1 or PGY-2 position.

Match trends by citizenship status

More than 93% of positions were filled in the Match, with fill rates for U.S. citizens growing or holding the line from previous years. But 2026 Match data may also point to a looming problem with non-U.S. citizens applying for training slots in the U.S.:

5% of U.S. MD seniors matched, the same as in 2024 and 2025.
2% of U.S. DO seniors matched, a 0.6% increase from 2025.
70% of S. citizen IMGs matched, up 2.2% from 2025.
4% of non-U.S. citizen IMGs matched, down 1.6% from 2025.

The drop in fill rates among non-U.S. citizen IMGs was significant enough that the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) examined differences between applicants who did and who didn’t need visa sponsorship. A press release noted that applicants who needed visa sponsorship had a 54.4% match rate among PGY-1s. Non-U.S. citizen IMGs with permanent legal residence (usually a green card), by comparison, had a 67.9% match rate among PGY-1s.

The match rate for green card holders was a new high for the Match, but the rate for applicants who needed visa help was nearly five points lower than the highest rate, which was seen in 2023. A statement from the NRMP said that recent changes in immigration policy “have increased attention to visa sponsorship considerations in residency recruitment for foreign-born candidates.”

This year’s data, the organization said, may be highlighting how “broader policy conditions could shape future Match outcomes for non-U.S. citizen IMG candidates.” That could mean changes in how training programs recruit noncitizen trainees in the future, the statement added, which could have dramatic impacts on the physician workforce.

Analysts in a MedPage Today article predicted that the drop in fill rates for applicants who need visa help may only accelerate in coming years. They noted that plans for visa sponsorships are made years in advance, so the impact of the Trump administration’s $100,000 filing fee for H-1B visas, which went into effect relatively recently, may be felt more strongly in coming years.

Those analysts also said that uncertainty or problems navigating the visa process could cause some residency program directors to back away from matching non-citizen candidates if they think visa rules may leave their programs understaffed.

Specialty performance in the Match

In primary care, the 2026 Match offered 20,712 primary care slots. This year’s fill rate was 92.1%, which is a 1.4% drop from 2025.

Internal medicine added 280 more slots for 2026. The fill rate was 95.2%, a 1.6% drop from 2025.
While pediatrics offered eight fewer slots this year, its fill rate of 94.4% was still down 0.9% from last year.
Family medicine added 134 more slots, but its fill rate was 83.6%, down from 85% in 2025. That left 899 positions unfilled.

Family medicine matches dropped for the second year in a row in 2026, which got the attention of Match officials. The NRMP said that it plans to convene a “blue-ribbon panel” of family medicine leaders and stakeholders this year to examine factors in the specialty’s growth and sustainability.

Emergency medicine offered 130 more positions this year for a total of 3,198 positions. While its fill rate of 95.6% was 2.3% lower than 2025, the specialty saw a 1.8% increase in matched applicants. The good news is that the specialty has largely recovered from two rough years in the Match in 2022 and 2023.
Psychiatry offered 128 additional positions from 30 new training programs in 2026 and ended up filling 71 more positions than in 2025. That gave the specialty a total fill rate of 97.4% or 2,451 filled positions. While psychiatry has seen a steady uptick in match rates among US. DO seniors and non-US IMGs over the last five years, Match rates among US MD seniors have fluctuated.

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Your Guide to Affordable Long-Distance Medical Transport Services

Edusehat — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:50:13 +0700

When someone you love requires long-distance medical transport, you may be worried about the cost and the logistical challenges. Fortunately, there are several trustworthy, affordable companies that can handle the entire process, often from bedside to bedside. Here are the top three affordable air ambulance providers to consider.

1. AirCARE1

Statistics show that there were 208,689 airborne medical facility transfers in 2021, which is the last year for which data is available. For families needing this service, AirCARE1 is the top choice. It carries out affordable medical transport services and cross-country flights in the U.S. and beyond. Your all-inclusive quote is based on your actual needs of distance and medical support, with no hidden fees. Holistic care options such as noise cancellation and aromatherapy is included as standard.

Every AirCARE1 air ambulance Learjet flight is staffed with a critical-care-trained medical crew and equipped as an airborne intensive care unit. Patients can bring two family members and small pets. The company provides bedside-to-bedside care, with the medical crew accompanying the patient to the receiving medical facility. AirCARE1 handles all the logistics, including ground transportation if required.

Key Features

All-inclusive pricing and clear cost breakdowns
ICU-level holistic, bedside-to-bedside care
Ready to fly in as little as two hours once paperwork is completed

2. REVA

REVA has completed over 33,000 air ambulance flights across more than 90 countries. The company handles all of the logistics, including clinical and travel documentation and ground transportation. It also determines insurance coverage and manages the reimbursement process. You can request a free, detailed quote directly on the website.

REVA’s fleet includes cost-effective jet and turboprop options to match differing needs and budgets, all with licensed medical crews and international expertise. Its customer service team is available 24/7 to handle any queries or concerns.

Key Features

Online quotes and direct phone support
Diverse aircraft fleet to fit cross-country and budget needs
24/7 operations with global repatriation options

3. AeroCare Air Ambulance Service

AeroCare Air Ambulance Service provides medical transportation and evacuation flights worldwide. You can request a quote online, and once accepted, the company’s 24/7 case management team coordinates flight logistics, including ground transportation at both ends where required. Every flight consists of at least two medical crew, including a critical care-trained nurse and a flight paramedic or respiratory specialist.

AeroCare Air Ambulance Service is sensitive to patients’ budgetary needs and can help minimize costs through efficient scheduling and one-way pricing arrangements. Its reimbursement specialists will also liaise with your insurance company.

Key Features

Assistance with cost minimization and insurance
Bedside-to-bedside care, including ground transportation
Over 30 years of experience

Compare Costs of the Top 3 Affordable Air Ambulance Providers

All three of these enterprises make it easy to obtain detailed, transparent quotes for the exact service you need.

Company	Pricing Transparency	Range	Notes
AirCARE1	All-inclusive, up-front pricing	U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean	No hidden fees, fast availability
REVA	Free online quotes	U.S., Canada, International	Multiple aircraft types, insurance help
AeroCare Air Ambulance Service	Online quote request	U.S., Canada, International	One-way pricing arrangements

Your Next Steps

To determine the best air ambulance service for your loved one’s needs, the next stages are to:

Get a quote for a cross-country medical flight that matches requirements.
Compare costs of the top 3 affordable air ambulance providers.
Review testimonials, and safety and accreditation details.
Contact your chosen company directly for scenario-specific advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Distance Air Ambulance Flights

What factors impact the final price of a cross-country air ambulance flight?

The key factors are distance, patient needs, aircraft type and the number of passengers. It is often possible to minimize costs if the flight is not time-critical.

How long does it take to arrange an air ambulance for a cross-country flight?

Most companies can arrange flights within 24-48 hours, depending on availability and paperwork.

What is included in an “all-inclusive” air ambulance quote?

An all-inclusive quote will usually cover the medical crew, equipment, flight costs, ground transfers and patient care.

Flying With Care

Affordable medical transport services for cross-country flights in the U.S. and beyond do exist. These specialist air ambulance providers can handle the logistics for you at an affordable, transparent cost. Reach out to a provider today to ease your stress and bring you peace of mind as your loved one is transported with the utmost care.

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Leading AI Note-Taking Solutions for Mental Health Professionals

Edusehat — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:50:11 +0700

If you’re a therapist in Canada, you already know the real work starts after the session ends. Notes pile up fast and details blur, but you still need records that hold up clinically and legally. The best AI note-taking tools for therapists in 2026 can help you focus on your clients while remaining accurate, private and in alignment with cleaner workflows.

Fast drafts are great until you have to fix them, so these companies lean toward compliance, clarity and clinical accuracy first, and savings second. This order will protect you in the long term.

1. Owl Practice

If you want a Canada-first option that speaks directly to mental health workflows, this is the one to start with. Owl Practice is a dedicated partner for mental health professionals. The focus is on helping you stay present with your client while reducing the drag of documentation.

Key Features

AI-assisted note creation is designed for therapy notes with a review step
Privacy and compliance messaging that references Canadian expectations, including PIPEDA and PHIPA
Built for mental health practice management software needs
A product tone that feels empathy-led and clinician-minded

2. Upheal

If you want a notetaker that behaves like a sidecar to your existing workflow, Upheal is worth serious consideration. It leans into fast drafts and session-level insights, which can be a relief when you have back-to-back appointments and your brain is already onto the next client.

Key Features

AI-generated notes with formats you can adapt to your style
Compliance messaging that references Canadian privacy expectations, including PIPEDA and PHIPA
Exports that let you keep your current EHR or record-keeping process intact
Pricing tiers that make it easier to start small and then expand

3. Heidi Health

Heidi Health is a strong option when your priority is quick, structured output from dictation or session recap. It tends to feel direct and practical, which is important when you’re already carrying a full clinical load.

Key Features

Structured note generation geared for clinical documentation
Public-facing resources around Canadian privacy and PIPEDA alignment
Tiered plans, including a free option
Safety and data protection materials

4. Twofold

Twofold is for therapists who want a clean scribe experience without a heavy platform feel. It focuses on capturing what matters and turning it into a usable draft. For many clinicians, that’s the point of their note-taking.

Key Features

Scribe-style note drafting with simple exports
Published pricing
Clear HIPAA-oriented compliance language
Works on mobile and desktop devices

5. Eleos Health

Eleos Health usually shows up in larger organizations such as teams, supervision structures or governance. If you are in a clinic network or an agency environment, it can be a serious contender because it’s built with oversight in mind.

Key Features

Security posture and assurance language geared for organizations
Behavioral health focus
Enterprise workflow support
Resource center for learning about software

How These Tools Were Chosen

You need notes you can trust and privacy alignment, with a workflow that doesn’t leave you cleaning up drafts late at night. A critical piece of this is knowing which AI note-taking tools are compliant with Canadian privacy regulations. These companies were chosen based on real therapy documentation. Factors included:

Clinical note quality
Canadian privacy signals
Workflow fit
Time savings

At a Glance

If you’re still having trouble deciding which option is best for you, take a look at them side by side to compare them, especially regarding how much AI note-taking software typically costs for therapists.

Tool	Best For	Canadian Privacy Signals	Integration Style	Typical Cost
Owl Practice	Canada-focused therapy practices	PIPEDA and PHIPA language published	Notes inside the platform	Varies by plan
Upheal	Draft notes and session insights	PIPEDA and PHIPA stated	Works alongside your EHR via exports	Published monthly tiers
Heidi Health	Dictation to structured notes	PIPEDA resources published	Add on workflows and exports	Free and paid tiers
Twofold	Simple scribe workflow	HIPAA emphasis published	EHR agnostic exports	Published monthly pricing
Eleos Health	Larger teams and orgs	Security posture published	Enterprise workflows	Quote based

Keep Your Patients’ Concerns Noted

A good AI note-taker should fade into the background. You should finish your session, then wrap up your notes while the details are still warm. Pick one tool and run a short pilot with real sessions. Check note accuracy, consent and retention. When you’re satisfied with all of that, roll out wider.

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Innovative shower room design shown to ease distress in people with dementia

Edusehat — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:10:07 +0700

HN Summary

• The Specialized Dementia Unit at University Health Network’s Toronto Rehab University Centre redesigned its shower rooms to reduce distress for people with dementia, creating a warmer, calmer, and less institutional environment that feels safer and more familiar.

• The redesign was guided by research from KITE Research Institute and OCAD University, identifying 34 best practices (e.g., soft lighting, reduced noise and glare, temperature-controlled showerheads, privacy features, soothing visuals, and staff training in personalized care).

• Early observations suggest the new design improves patient comfort and behaviour, supporting the broader goal of making dementia care spaces more therapeutic, with future plans for additional calming and supportive environmental changes.

For many people living with dementia in long-term care homes and hospitals, showering isn’t just uncomfortable — it can feel overwhelming and even frightening.

They’re undressed by someone else, led into a cold, echoing room, and asked to go under the water, without the experience feeling familiar and without understanding why it’s necessary. Showering often becomes a source of stress for both residents and the staff who assist them.

To improve comfort for patients, the shower space in the Specialized Dementia Unit at UHN’s Toronto Rehab University Centre was redesigned to create a warmer, more calming environment.

While the impact of the redesign and training is currently being evaluated, Dr. Andrea Iaboni, medical lead of the Specialized Dementia Unit who led the project, says anecdotally, the unit is already seeing benefits. “Our impression is that this new shower space has made a big difference and had a big impact,” she says.” It’s more serene, calming and less claustrophobic, and provides lots of options to support patients who are receiving their showers.”

The changes were shaped by a recent review from UHN’s KITE Research Institute, in collaboration with Associate Professors Maya Desai and Bruce Hinds in the Design for Health graduate program at OCAD University, which shows that thoughtful design can have a profound benefit for patients.

“The OCAD team came and evaluated all the spaces in our unit in terms of how they could be improved for design in dementia, and the shower rooms really stood out as a particular pain point,” says Dr. Iaboni, who is also a scientist at KITE and a geriatric psychiatrist.

The redesigned shower space includes a spacious and soothing visual design, in addition to a place to sit and change. (UHN)

But there wasn’t good evidence around how to design bathrooms for dementia patients. So, Dr. Iaboni led a study that identified 34 best practices for shower and bath design in dementia units.

The research, titled Best practices for the design and evaluation of bathing spaces for older adults with cognitive impairment in residential care settings: A scoping review, was published in the issue of the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

Warmer, more private spaces in bathrooms for patients

Its recommendations include offering music or sounds; concealing institutional elements and storage; installing temperature-regulated, detachable showerheads; creating warmer rooms; providing privacy barriers; and minimizing glare, noise and echoes.

It also covers areas unrelated to design, such as staff training programs, offering residents more choices and mindful communication.

Those principles informed the redesign of the shower room in the Specialized Dementia Unit including:

• A soothing visual design

• A large, accessible shower

• A towel warmer

• Soft lighting that reduces glare

• A designated area for sitting and changing

• Calming art installations

• A spacious layout including an accessible toilet

• A dedicated grooming station

• A heating panel for added warmth

• Slip-resistant flooring

Along with the new shower room, unit staff are being trained on improved dementia shower care procedures. The training includes using personalized approaches and building trust with patients.

The bathroom is the latest design change the team has studied. Previous interventions included adding decals to the unit doors and posting pictures of clouds and blue sky to the ceilings for a brighter, friendlier feeling. “We’re constantly trying new design innovations to make things better,” says Dr. Iaboni.

The shower renovation is part of a larger design overhaul in the Specialized Dementia Unit that the team hopes to complete over the next few years. Future changes include creating a quiet activity room that offers patients a place to decompress; making cooking and food more visible in the dining room to provide cues that support eating well and staying hydrated; and improving lighting across the unit to help reduce falls and support good sleeping habits.

Although it’s not always top of mind, design can have a large influence on behaviour for people with dementia, says Dr. Iaboni. “Many people come to our unit because they have responsive behaviours [like aggression or restlessness], and the environment can contribute to that,” she says.

However, patients’ unwanted behaviours often improve when they are transferred from acute care to dementia-friendly units, Dr. Iaboni adds. “The treatment, in many cases, is to change the environment.”

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Why Procrastination Hijacks Your Brain

Edusehat — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:16 +0700

We have all done it. A report sits unfinished. An email waits days before being sent. A simple task turns into tomorrow’s problem. Procrastination often feels harmless — even normal — but neuroscience shows it has real, measurable effects on how our brains work, how we handle stress, and how productive we can truly be.

Far from being just “bad habits,” repeated delays can reshape mental patterns and quietly erode motivation, focus, and emotional well-being.

The Brain’s Internal Tug-of-War

At the center of procrastination is a conflict between two key brain systems.

The prefrontal cortex handles planning, decision-making, and self-control. It helps us focus on long-term goals and resist distractions.

The limbic system manages emotions and prefers immediate comfort. When a task feels difficult or stressful, it pushes us toward avoidance.

If the prefrontal cortex is tired or overwhelmed, emotional avoidance often wins.

Dopamine and the Comfort Trap

Procrastination is closely tied to dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical.

Quick distractions release dopamine and create short-term relief. Over time, the brain learns that avoiding work leads to instant rewards.

This builds a habit loop where comfort is prioritized over effort.

Stress That Builds in the Background

Many people think procrastination reduces stress. Research shows the opposite.

Unfinished tasks keep stress hormones active in the background. Even during “relaxation,” the brain remains tense.

Chronic procrastination is linked to anxiety, poor sleep, and burnout.

Memory, Focus, and Mental Clutter

Delayed tasks remain “open loops” in the brain. This mental clutter consumes working memory and makes focus harder.

As a result, procrastinators often feel mentally overwhelmed.

The Self-Esteem Connection

Repeated delays weaken confidence.

Negative self-talk builds over time, leading to lower self-esteem and higher risk of depression.

The issue is not ability — it is trust in follow-through.

Why Willpower Alone Rarely Works

Procrastination is about emotional regulation, not laziness.

The brain avoids discomfort, not work. Until that discomfort is reduced, motivation remains unstable.

Small steps and time limits help calm emotional resistance.

Rewiring the Procrastination Habit

The brain is adaptable.

Completing small tasks creates dopamine from achievement. Over time, effort becomes associated with reward.

Exercise, sleep, routines, and mindfulness strengthen focus and self-control.

The Bottom Line

Procrastination is not a character flaw. It is a brain-based response to discomfort and stress.

Left unchecked, it increases anxiety, weakens confidence, and reduces focus. With small, consistent changes, these patterns can be reversed.

When you stop procrastinating, you are not just finishing tasks. You are retraining your brain for clarity, resilience, and confidence.

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Why Rest Is Part of Training

Edusehat — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:14 +0700

Exercise is widely promoted as medicine, but the benefits of physical activity do not come from training alone. They come from the body’s ability to recover. Recovery is when muscles repair, inflammation resolves, and the nervous system resets. Without adequate recovery, even well-intentioned exercise can contribute to fatigue, injury, and declining health.

Modern lifestyles often reward constant activity while undervaluing rest. Research now shows that recovery is not a passive process—it is a biological requirement for adaptation and long-term resilience.

What the science shows

Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that adequate recovery improves strength gains, cardiovascular adaptation, and immune function. Studies comparing continuous daily training to programs that include planned rest days consistently show better performance and lower injury risk when recovery is built in.

Sleep plays a central role. RCTs show that sleep restriction impairs muscle protein synthesis, increases inflammatory markers, and slows tissue repair. Conversely, adequate sleep supports hormone regulation and immune balance.

Active recovery also matters. Trials comparing complete inactivity with low-intensity movement—such as walking or mobility work—show faster recovery of muscle function and reduced soreness.

What’s still emerging

Research on specific recovery tools, such as cold exposure, compression garments, and massage, is mixed. Some studies show short-term relief of soreness, while others suggest potential interference with muscle adaptation when overused.

Scientists are still determining which recovery methods are most appropriate for different populations, training intensities, and health goals.

Practical, science-backed tips

Based on RCT evidence, effective recovery does not require specialized equipment:

• Schedule at least one full rest day per week

• Prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep for most adults

• Use light movement (walking, stretching) on recovery days

• Rotate training intensity across the week

• Pay attention to persistent fatigue or declining performance

Recovery should be planned, not improvised. Why this matters:

Without recovery, the body remains in a state of elevated stress and inflammation. Over time, this can negate the benefits of exercise and increase injury risk.

Recovery is not time off—it is the process that allows exercise to improve health rather than undermine it.

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7 Creative Activities to Boost Your Mental Health

Edusehat — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:12 +0700

You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from creativity. Research from the University of British Columbia shows that simply engaging in creative expression — painting, music, cooking, journaling, or even gardening — can lower stress hormones and improve mood. Creativity activates the same neural networks involved in mindfulness, helping the brain reset and build resilience.

Here are seven fun, science-backed ways to use creativity to lift your mental health — starting today.

1. Draw, Paint, or Doodle Without Rules

Art therapy isn’t about talent; it’s about process. Studies from Concordia University’s Creative Arts Therapy Department found that unstructured drawing for just 20 minutes reduces cortisol levels and anxiety.

Keep a sketchbook handy. When your mind feels cluttered, grab a pen and let your hand move freely. Don’t judge the result — the goal is self-expression, not perfection.

2. Try Journaling for Clarity

Writing helps organize thoughts and release emotion. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that expressive writing improves self-awareness and coping skills. Start small: jot down three sentences about your day or one thing you’re grateful for.

For deeper reflection, the “three-part” method works well — describe what happened, how you felt, and what you learned. Over time, journaling builds emotional perspective and problem-solving ability.

3. Cook Something New

Cooking combines creativity, sensory engagement, and self-care. A 2023 Journal of Positive Psychology study linked frequent home cooking with higher life satisfaction and lower depressive symptoms.

Try a new recipe each week or modify an old one — add Canadian-grown herbs or switch up ingredients. When you cook, you’re using mindfulness: staying present, measuring, tasting, adjusting. It’s meditation you can eat.

4. Make Music or Move to It

You don’t have to play an instrument — singing in the car or dancing in the kitchen counts. Music activates the brain’s reward centre, releasing dopamine and oxytocin, both “feel-good” chemicals.

McMaster University’s Institute for Music and the Mind found that group singing lowers stress and builds social connection. So, join a local choir, or simply turn up your favourite playlist and let your body move.

5. Step Into Nature Photography

Combine art and the outdoors. Photography encourages mindfulness — noticing light, colour, and detail. Canadian researchers from the University of Alberta discovered that taking photos during nature walks increases feelings of gratitude and joy by reinforcing attention to beauty.

Use your phone camera on daily walks. Focus on patterns in leaves, reflections, or clouds. When you review your photos later, you’ll relive the calm of that moment.

6. Garden or Grow Indoors

Working with plants provides both physical activity and sensory grounding. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, horticultural therapy is linked to lower stress and improved focus.

No yard? A few potted herbs by the window — basil, mint, parsley — still count. Watching something grow reinforces patience, routine, and connection to life cycles, all proven mood stabilizers.

7. Join a Creative Community

Humans are wired for belonging. Group creativity — whether pottery classes, book clubs, or community theatre — multiplies the benefits.

A 2024 Statistics Canada survey found that Canadians who participate in community art programs report 40 per cent greater life satisfaction than those who don’t. Shared creativity builds social ties, boosts confidence, and combats isolation.

The Takeaway

Creativity isn’t reserved for artists — it’s a wellness tool available to everyone. When you write, paint, sing, or garden, you engage the parts of your brain that foster calm, curiosity, and connection.

You don’t need hours; even 15 minutes a day of creative play can lower stress, sharpen focus, and invite more joy into your routine. The key is showing up — with an open mind, a playful spirit, and permission to create without judgment.

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The New World of Snacking: Health, Science, and What’s Coming in 2026

Edusehat — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:10 +0700

Snacking isn’t what it used to be. Once dismissed as little more than chips, candy bars and cookies, today’s snacks are evolving into purposeful, science-informed foods that contribute to health, energy and even meal replacement. In Canada and across North America, snacking now plays a significant role in daily energy intake, with research showing snacks can contribute about 23 % of total daily calories in Canadians, particularly among children and younger adults.

This shift is driven by changing lifestyles and rising health awareness. Busy schedules and on-the-go routines mean many people reach for snacks instead of traditional meals. At the same time, consumers increasingly look for options that support overall well-being, not just hunger satisfaction. The healthy snack market reflects this shift: globally, the healthy snacks category is projected to expand rapidly through the rest of the decade, and North America — including Canada — remains a leading region in this growth.

Healthier Choices, Better Ingredients

Today’s healthier snack options focus on nutrient density and clean labels, with an emphasis on fewer artificial ingredients, lower added sugars, and more whole, recognizable foods. Products featuring nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetable bases are popular because they can deliver protein, healthy fats, fiber and micronutrients — all while offering convenience. These components not only provide energy but also help support steady blood sugar levels and prolonged satiety compared to ultra-processed snack foods.

Plant-based proteins are another major trend. Ingredients like pea protein, legumes and nut blends are increasingly found in bars, chips, and bite-sized snacks. Not only do these provide sustainable protein sources, but they also align with broader shifts toward plant-based eating and environmental consciousness. Canadian snack producers are responding with innovative formulations designed to meet both nutritional and ethical preferences.

Science Behind Better Snacking

Nutritional science increasingly treats snacking as an opportunity for diet quality improvement. Research suggests the right snacks can fill nutrient gaps and contribute positively to overall diet quality when chosen carefully. Functional ingredients — such as probiotics for gut health, omega-3 fatty acids for brain function, and specific fibers for digestive wellness — are now being added to snacks to target specific health outcomes. Functional foods that support immunity, digestion and metabolic health continue to rise in popularity, supported by emerging consumer demand for more than just calories.

Snacks are also being designed to balance energy needs throughout the day. High-protein snacks, for example, are linked to improved satiety and can be strategic tools for appetite control. Choosing snacks that blend complex carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats helps avoid the rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with high-sugar snacks.

Meal Replacement and Functional Foods

The line between snacks and meals is blurring. Many new products aim to provide meal-replacement solutions that offer balanced macronutrients and fortified vitamins at smaller portion sizes. These are especially appealing to busy professionals and active individuals looking for convenient, nutritionally complete options. As consumers demand more from every bite, snacks that can double as partial or complete meal substitutes are gaining footholds on shelves and in e-commerce catalogs.

Trends to Watch for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, several key trends are expected to shape snacking:

• Functional snacking for wellness: Products formulated with ingredients targeting gut health, immunity, and cognitive performance are accelerating.

• Clean labels and transparency: Canadian consumers are increasingly discerning about ingredient lists, favouring minimal, recognizable components.

• Plant-based and sustainability: Growth in vegan, vegetarian and eco-friendly snack options continues.

• Snack-as-meal: On-the-go meal replacements will continue to evolve with more balanced nutrient profiles.

The future of snacking is not about abandoning meals but augmenting nutrition in smarter, evidence-based ways, offering Canadians food choices that are both satisfying and supportive of long-term health.

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Why Taking Care of Your Toes Is Essential for Overall Health

Edusehat — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:08 +0700

Your toes play a critical role in balance, mobility, and overall foot health, yet they are often overlooked in daily care. Each step you take depends on proper toe alignment and strength to help distribute body weight evenly. When toes are neglected, small problems can quickly lead to pain, instability, and reduced movement over time.

Healthy toes support balance and posture. They help stabilize the body while walking, running, or standing, allowing muscles and joints throughout the legs and back to work efficiently. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails can interfere with this natural alignment, placing extra stress on the feet, knees, and hips.

Good toe care also helps prevent infections and skin problems. The warm, enclosed environment inside shoes makes feet vulnerable to fungal infections, irritation, and skin breakdown. Keeping toenails trimmed properly, maintaining hygiene, and wearing well-fitting footwear reduce these risks.

Circulation is another important reason to care for your toes. Reduced blood flow, especially in people with diabetes or vascular conditions, can lead to slow healing and increased risk of complications. Regularly checking toes for cuts, swelling, or colour changes helps identify problems early.

Maintaining flexibility and strength in the toes can also improve movement and reduce injury risk. Simple exercises, stretching, and choosing supportive footwear help preserve function.

Taking care of your toes supports comfort, mobility, and long-term health—starting from the ground up.

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Add Years to Your Life and Life to your Years

Edusehat — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:20:06 +0700

Longevity isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about extending vitality. The average Canadian now lives over 81 years, but according to Statistics Canada, the healthy life expectancy (years lived without chronic disease) lags behind. The good news? Evidence shows that how you live today has more influence on lifespan than genetics.

1. Eat the “Canadian Mediterranean” Way

A balanced plate rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fish can lower the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. Try local twists — wild salmon, lentils from Saskatchewan, and canola oil instead of olive oil.

2. Strength Train Twice a Week

Muscle is one of the best predictors of longevity. Resistance training improves insulin sensitivity and bone strength — key for healthy aging. You don’t need a gym: body-weight squats and resistance bands at home can make a difference.

3. Embrace Heat and Cold

Contrast therapies, like sauna or cold plunges, are gaining popularity in Canada for their cardiovascular and mental benefits. Studies from Finland and emerging Canadian research show regular sauna use can lower all-cause mortality and improve circulation (in observational studies).

4. Stay Curious and Connected

Cognitive engagement — learning new skills, reading, socializing — stimulates neuroplasticity. The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging found that older adults who engage in mentally stimulating activities are 25% less likely to develop cognitive impairment.

Longevity isn’t luck — it’s the sum of consistent, joyful habits. Focus on movement, community, and curiosity. Living longer starts with living better today.

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Physician use of artificial intelligence doubled since 2023

Edusehat — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:00:06 +0700

Physician use of artificial intelligence has doubled since 2023, reflecting growing confidence in the technology and what many doctors think is the potential to reduce burnout.

A survey of nearly 1,700 physicians the AMA released last week found that 81% of physicians use AI in their work. That number was only 38% in 2023.

The survey, which contacted physicians from Jan. 15 through Feb. 2, 2026, found that more than three-quarters of respondents said AI provides an advantage in the ability to care for patients, an increase from 65% in 2023.

Physician uses of AI

Here are some of the top ways physicians are using artificial intelligence:

39% of physicians are using artificial intelligence to summarize medical research and standards of care. That number is up from 13% in 2023.
Discharge planning. 30% are using AI to create discharge instructions, care plans and progress notes. That number is up from 20% in 2023.
28% are using the technology to document billing codes, medical charts or visit notes. That number is up from 21% in 2023.
Chart summaries. 28% of physicians are using artificial intelligence to generate chart summaries. That number is up from 12% in 2023.
Portal messages. 19% are using AI to create draft responses for patients to see in patient portals. That number is up from 9% in 2023.
18% of physicians are using the technology for translation services. That number is up from 14% in 2023.
17% are using the technology for assistance in making a diagnosis. That number is up from 12% in 2023.

About 70% of respondents to the survey said they see opportunities for AI to automate clinical and administrative tasks contributing to burnout. Along those lines, more than half of physicians said they’re optimistic using AI to document billing codes/medical charts/visit notes and to generate chart summaries, even though only 28% are currently using the technology for those purposes.

By the end of the year, 70% of respondents said they expect to be using artificial intelligence to summarize medical research, up from the 39% who are using the technology now. Sixty five percent of physicians said they expect to use AI to create discharge instructions, care plans and progress notes, even though only 30% are currently doing so. And 64% of respondents said they plan to be using the technology to generate chart summaries by the end of the year.

Physician concerns about AI

When the survey asked concerns physicians have about using artificial intelligence, the top concern was patient privacy. Forty-one percent of survey respondents identify privacy, making it the biggest concern among physicians The next top concern was the technology’s effect on the physician-patient relationship, which 34% of physicians identified as a major worry about AI.

When asked how artificial intelligence will affect physicians, 70% of respondents said they were very or somewhat concerned about the loss of skills in trainees. Forty percent were concerned that their colleagues would lose their clinical skills, and 28% were worried that they would lose clinical skills because of AI.

Finally, 30% of physicians said they thought that most of their patients were using AI. Seventy percent of doctors said that using AI chatbots to get health information or decision-making is positive and has no impact.

In fact, majorities of physicians surveyed want patients to use AI for things like questions about medications and side effects (68%), researching general health questions (64%), answering specific questions about their health (55%) and reviewing notes from their last visit (60%).

Many physicians, however, said they prefer patients avoid AI for tasks requiring clinical judgement. Nearly half, for example, said they would never want patients using AI to interpret radiology or pathology results.

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New podcast explores why ‘Sleep is the New Sex’

Edusehat — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:35:06 +0700

U of A researchers and expert guests delve into our other cultural obsession about what happens between the sheets.

In a stress-filled world, people everywhere are chasing a decent night’s rest, fuelling a global sleep-aid industry worth more than $1 billion.

Today’s “sleep crisis” is often driven by circumstances beyond our control, such as exploitative labour conditions or shift work, says University of Alberta political scientist Cressida Heyes.

Whatever the reasons, she says, in many ways it has become the “new sex.”

To unpack the meaning of sleep in our lives and how it is culturally represented, Heyes has launched a new podcast called Sleep is the New Sex, an extension of her long-term research project on the topic designed for a popular audience.

With the help of political science doctoral student Joshua Ayer and Tom Merklinger of the Sound Studies Institute, the podcast explores how our notions of sleep reveal complex constructions of gender, identity, sexuality, work and the economy. In some ways, says Heyes, it’s a symbol for everything that’s wrong with our lives.

“It has taken over from sex, or at least is alongside it, as a subject of tremendous cultural anxiety. Are other people getting more and better? Am I doing it right?

“We’re trying to get underneath the superficial layer of sleep anxiety to say, what’s it really about?”

Each episode of the podcast features a different guest expert and covers a range of topics including beauty sleep, sleep coaching, working from bed, sexual violence and “cultures of fast and slow.”

“Research suggests that more people — especially more women — crave sleep than sex, and sleep has taken over from sex in the popular imagination as a topic for cultural anxiety and thwarted need.

“In an era of sexual saturation but widespread exhaustion, sleep is a prime target of desire.

She also points to a curious feature of this manosphere moment, whereby some men believe sleep deprivation signifies masculinity, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “sleep machismo.”

One 2021 study found that even as the sleep industry booms, many men are not getting enough sleep, often sacrificing it to appear — if only to themselves — as more assertive and in control.

“Some elite men are still interested in telling us they don’t sleep and that this is a sign of virtue,” says Heyes.

“There is this hustle and grind mentality that just won’t die,” she says, “that we should all work ourselves into an early grave in the prospect of some kind of economic or personal success.”

As a feminist philosopher, Heyes became interested in the cultural politics of sleep when she experienced a severe deficit of her own — “falling apart,” as she puts it — after giving birth to her first child.

“I became incredibly confused and unreliable, unable to see a story or even a thought through from beginning to end,” she told Folio in 2016. “Every task was difficult. I can see why sleep is a central technique of torturers.”

She wrote about sleep in her award-winning 2020 book Anaesthetics of Existence: Essays on Experience at the Edge and has pursued her inquiry ever since, becoming increasingly convinced of the role of slumber in maintaining our very sense of self. Describing it as “like a little death,” she says for many it is the closest thing we have to regularly surrendering our ego.

“Sleep provides an opportunity to untether yourself from individuality. In western culture, we’re constantly told the goal of all of our self-making is to be an individual … but that is belied by sleep, because you lose control over yourself.

“You sort of merge with oneness, which is, of course, a part of many religions and spiritualities. Sleep (and dreaming) is a small version of that. Sometimes people resist it, partly because they’re so attached to the idea that they have to be in control of their whole life.”

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Hospitals score a win in fight against Leapfrog safety ratings

Edusehat — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:45:04 +0700

A health network in Florida has won a victory in its fight against the hospital safety ratings issued by the Leapfrog Group, claiming that the organization was punishing its hospitals for refusing to cooperate with the group.

On Friday, March 6, 2026, a federal judge ordered Leapfrog to take down its safety ratings for five hospitals that are part of the Palm Beach Health Network. The hospitals, which are owned by Tenet Healthcare, claimed that Leapfrog retaliated against them for not providing survey data by issuing bad patient safety scores.

At issue is a change Leapfrog made to its methodology in 2024, which a federal judge said assigns “arbitrarily low scores for several measures” when hospitals don’t provide data. The Palm Beach Network hospitals argued this move “deliberately” defamed hospitals that chose to not participate in Leapfrog surveys.

The hospitals, claiming that Leapfrog’s poor safety grades—they received a “D” or an “F”—hurt their reputation, asked Leapfrog to take the grades down, but the group refused. The judge ordered Leapfrog to take down several years of safety ratings for the five hospitals, ruling that Leapfrog’s new methodology “unfairly penalizes non-participating hospitals and misrepresents hospital safety.” The judge also ruled that when Leapfrog positions its safety grades for hospitals as an accurate representation of patient safety, it is being “deceptive.”

For years, hospitals have protested that Leapfrog punishes hospitals that don’t participate in its surveys. In this latest case, the Florida hospitals complained that the group’s methodology assigned “arbitrarily low scores for several measures” and changed the weighing on those measures for nonparticipating hospitals,

A statement from Tenet health care, which owns the Florida hospitals, said: “Leapfrog aggressively pushes hospitals to pay for its consulting services and promotional licenses in exchange for better grades. Those who decline to participate are punished with artificially low ratings.”

A statement from Leapfrog said that the organization will appeal the verdict, but it plans to move forward with its 2026 ratings. It will not, however, report ratings on hospitals using the methodology it used to calculate safety grades for the Florida hospitals.

The Leapfrog statement also claimed the case presented first amendment issues. “We cannot accept the decision’s main conclusion, that Florida citizens—and all Americans—don’t have a right to hear Leapfrog’s expert perspective on how well these five for-profit Tenet-owned hospitals care for patients.”

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From injection to ingestion: Can yeast make vaccines more accessible?

Edusehat — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:35:06 +0700

HN Summary

• Oral Yeast-Based Vaccines: Researchers, including Emilija Vasiliunaité at Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, are developing vaccines using genetically modified yeast, which produce viral antigens and can potentially be ingested rather than injected, making immunization more accessible, affordable, and acceptable.

• Mechanism and Evidence: Yeast cells protect antigens from stomach acid and may act as natural immune stimulants; experiments in mice and preliminary human trials (e.g., “beer vaccines”) show immune responses, demonstrating proof-of-principle for edible vaccines, though further research is needed.

• Implications and Challenges: Oral vaccines could reduce psychological and logistical barriers, simplify production, and increase coverage, but regulatory hurdles, safety testing, and understanding the immune mechanisms remain critical before widespread use.

The idea of consuming a vaccine rather than receiving it by injection may sound implausible. Yet together with colleagues at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center and collaborators from the National Cancer Institute in the United States, we are exploring yeast-based oral vaccines as a potential way to make immunisation more accessible, affordable, and acceptable worldwide. Our research raises broader questions about how vaccines could be produced and delivered in the future.

Is injection the only way to vaccinate?

In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly recognised that even when effective and safe vaccines exist, accessibility often remains insufficient. This became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although mRNA technology enabled vaccine development at unprecedented speed, production and distribution required complex infrastructure, including ultra-low storage temperatures. In some parts of the world, these requirements became major obstacles.

At the same time, vaccination coverage has been declining in many countries. Even a growing body of safety and efficacy data has not fully reversed this trend. The reasons are varied: fear of needles, scepticism toward the pharmaceutical industry, and fatigue from intensive vaccination schedules — particularly in infancy.

As both a researcher and the mother of a young baby, I have personally experienced how emotionally demanding infant vaccination visits can be for parents. Interestingly, orally administered vaccines, such as the rotavirus vaccine that babies often sip willingly, tend to feel less distressing than injectable vaccines that may require multiple injections during a single appointment.

For these reasons, attention is increasingly turning to edible or oral vaccine formats. Such vaccines could potentially reduce psychological barriers and simplify manufacturing. If a vaccine were perceived more like a food product or dietary supplement than a medical injection, production might be more flexible and less costly. Importantly, there would be no need for extensive antigen purification, as is required for traditional injectable vaccines.

Yeasts – unexpected allies in vaccine development

In our joint work between Vilnius University Life Sciences Center and the National Cancer Institute, we adapted a genetic engineering approach previously developed at our centre. We introduce circular DNA molecules into yeast cells, encoding a target viral antigen. In simple terms, we provide the yeast with a “recipe,” enabling it to produce the desired viral protein itself. The genetically modified yeast cell then becomes a kind of vaccine “container.”

To ensure that only yeast cells successfully producing the antigen are selected, we apply a genetic selection method that Lithuanian researchers have used since 1992. Yeast cells are briefly exposed to formaldehyde; only those carrying a protective genetic instruction survive. Importantly, formaldehyde is not present in the final product. After selection, the yeast is grown and prepared without it, and residual concentrations remain below levels permitted in drinking water. Compared to antibiotic-based selection systems, this method offers advantages.

In mouse studies, we observed that both fresh yeast biomass and dried yeast “crisps” induced an immune response when administered orally. Notably, the mice willingly consumed this preparation. For humans, delivery could involve capsules, but in principle, yeast could also be integrated into fermented beverages such as kvass or beer.

This unconventional idea was explored by U.S. virologist Chris Buck, who attempted to incorporate vaccine-antigen-producing yeast into beer brewing. After analysing his own blood samples before and after consumption, he observed an increase in specific antibody levels. While this self-experiment does not meet the criteria of a clinical trial and must be considered anecdotal, it suggests that the concept may function beyond laboratory models.

To continue his work independently, Buck founded the nonprofit Gusteau Research Corporation and, together with our team, published results and brewing guidelines on the open research platform Zenodo. Although preliminary, these findings provide proof of principle that edible yeast-based vaccines warrant further investigation.

Why have food-based vaccines been considered impossible?

The primary challenge of oral vaccination lies in human biology. During digestion, proteins — including vaccine antigens — are broken down in the stomach. Moreover, immune cells capable of recognising vaccine antigens are located primarily in the intestines, not the stomach. Therefore, an effective oral vaccine must survive gastric acid and reach intestinal immune tissue intact.

Historically, successful oral vaccines have been limited mainly to live, attenuated vaccines targeting intestinal pathogens — such as rotavirus vaccines for infants. These vaccines contain weakened but whole viruses, which strongly stimulate the immune system and are naturally adapted to the gut environment.

In contrast, component or inactivated vaccines — composed of isolated pathogen fragments — often fail to generate sufficiently strong immune responses when taken orally. Even if protected by encapsulation, they frequently induce only local intestinal immunity rather than systemic antibody responses detectable in the bloodstream. This occurs partly because the gut maintains immune tolerance mechanisms that prevent overreaction to food proteins and the microbiota.

In yeast-based vaccines, we believe the yeast cell itself plays a dual role. It protects the antigen from stomach acid and simultaneously acts as a natural adjuvant — an immune-stimulating agent that activates intestinal immune cells. The precise mechanisms remain under investigation.

Our antigen model is the major capsid protein of polyomaviruses. In yeast cells, this protein forms virus-like particles — structures that mimic the shape of a virus and consist of hundreds of protein copies. Purified versions of these particles are already known to be highly immunogenic when administered by injection. Interestingly, in our edible vaccine model, the intact yeast cell is crucial: when disrupted yeast cells containing the same antigen were fed to mice, no immune response developed.

Scientific curiosity meets caution

Naturally, the concept of a “beer vaccine” invites scepticism. No comparable studies have been conducted to date, and regulatory considerations are substantial — especially within the European Union, where genetically modified microorganisms in food are strictly regulated.

However, examples from the United States show that fermented beverages produced with genetically modified yeasts can be legally consumed. Technological feasibility therefore exists, even if regulatory pathways remain complex. Considerable independent research, safety evaluation, and clinical trials would be required before such vaccines could become widely available.

Looking ahead

For me, a Fulbright fellowship and collaboration with U.S. scientists marked the beginning of sustained polyomavirus research in Lithuania. I continue this work with colleagues at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, supported by a project funded by the Research Council of Lithuania titled Studies of Polyomavirus Pathogenicity and Host Specificity Factors.

Our goal is not to replace injectable vaccines entirely, but to explore whether alternative formats could complement existing strategies — particularly in regions where cold-chain logistics, costs, or vaccine hesitancy limit coverage.

If we are to improve global immunisation equity, we must be willing to rethink long-standing assumptions. Perhaps, in the future, protection against certain diseases could begin not with a syringe, but with something as simple as a sip.

Emilija Vasiliūnaitė is a Master of Genetics and PhD Student at Vilnius University.

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The Cost of Silence: Why Black Youth Mental Health Can’t Wait

Edusehat — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:40:10 +0700

When we talk about mental health in Canada, the general numbers often hide a much deeper crisis. National data shows that roughly 26% of all Canadian youth rate their mental health as “fair” or “poor”. However, for Black youth, this reality is significantly more severe. According to a recent survey conducted by Future Black Female, an Ontario-based nonprofit championing better mental health care for young Black women and girls, a staggering 58.5% of Black youth have struggled with mental health issues lasting longer than three months—a rate more than double the national average. For young Black women and non-binary individuals, that number climbs even higher to 61.6%. This isn’t just about a few “bad days”; it’s about a long-term burden that frequently goes unseen and unsupported.

“As a demographic, the girls and women we serve are less likely to afford mental health care. When hospitalized, due to anti-Black racism in the wider healthcare system, they are often disbelieved, dismissed and sometimes even punished for not fulfilling the stereotypical expectations of providers,” Future Black Female executive director Dr. Tapo Chimbganda says. This reality underscores the need for an intersectional approach, which recognizes that different forms of discrimination do not exist in isolation. Instead, they overlap and compound, creating a unique, layered impact on a Black woman or girls’ entire experience.

The Health Equity Gap

At the heart of this disparity is a lack of health equity. True equity isn’t just about giving everyone the same resources; it’s about recognizing that Black youth face unique systemic barriers—like anti-Black racism and socio-economic exclusion—that require tailored solutions. Recent reports highlight a “distress gap” where Black youth become significantly less likely to access care as their mental health struggles worsen.

The barriers are often structural. Research reveals that racial discrimination can make individuals 18 times more susceptible to depression. Furthermore, the wait for help is unequal: while white youth wait an average of 7 months for care, Black youth often face a wait of 16 months. When the system isn’t built to see or validate your lived experience, the “help” available often feels like another barrier.

Relationships and Digital Realities

Environment plays a massive role in these outcomes. 38.1% of Black youth identify social relationships as the top factor impacting their wellbeing. The protective impact of support is clear: among Black women, the prevalence of mental health issues is 43.8% when families encourage open conversation, but jumps to 71.4% when those struggles are dismissed.

Because traditional systems feel culturally insensitive, many turn to digital spaces. Over 70% of Black youth get information from social media like TikTok and Instagram. Nearly half (49.6%) are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for support—a trend most common among those feeling lonely or facing discrimination. However, these tools are built within biased systems and aren’t a substitute for culturally safe care. Currently, professional apps are missing the mark, with nearly 40% of Black youth users finding them “not helpful at all.”

“Canada’s Black population is growing, and with it the demand for systems that understand them. Our mental health sector needs to align with the needs of all people, including Black youth in Canada. If we do not offer culturally relevant services that make the necessary adjustments and accommodations for these young people, we will continue to see an entire generation suffer. Their suffering has far-reaching consequences.” ~Dr. Tapo Chimbganda, Founder of Future Black Female.

Change is achievable through the championing of culturally grounded care and investment in community-led programs like Future Black Female, a provider of essential, pro-Black support. Our collective commitment to better outcomes for Black youth ensures they no longer have to navigate their mental health journeys in isolation. We can build a future of wellness together.

By Amie Archibald Varley, RN, MSN & Host of The Gritty Nurse Podcast & Dr. Tapo Chimbganda, Founder of Future Black Female

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Infectious disease fellows down, female residents take majority

Edusehat — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:50:03 +0700

New data show that the number of physicians choosing infectious disease fellowships continued to drop in this year’s Match while more than half of all residents were female in 2025. Here’s a look at trends in physician training.

Infectious disease: 2026 Match

Early data from the 2026 Match reported by Axios show that interest in infectious disease fellowships continues to slide among young physicians.

According to data from the National Residency Matching Program, 319 physicians applied for infectious disease fellowships that will begin in 2026, filling only about 60% of open slots. By comparison, 404 residents applied in 2021, filling 88% of slots. That was the highest number of ID slots filled since the pandemic.

Axios quoted Wendy Armstrong, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, who chalked up dwindling interest in her specialty to “the environment that we are in right now where our specialty has frankly been under attack.” Analysts say that the federal government’s overhaul of vaccine policy and cuts to health funding likely has tamped down interest in infectious disease as a specialty.

The Axios report also noted that as ID specialists are among the lowest paid physicians. A recent Medscape compensation report, for example, found that the specialty earns an average of about $277,000 a year, lower than pay for internists.

In addition, ID specialists are expecting to see their Medicare pay drop 6% this year.

Female physicians: 2025 recap

For the first time ever, female physicians last year made up a majority of residents. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges’ 2025 “Report on Residents” show that in 2025, 50.2% of medical residents were women.

The AAMC also found that female residents account for more solid majorities in the following specialties: obstetrics and gynecology (88.8%), pediatrics (75.8%), family medicine (56.3%) and psychiatry (53.9%).

Males, by comparison, still have a solid majority in orthopedic surgery residents (76.3%), neurosurgery (72.9%) and anesthesiology (61.8%).

Other trends in medical residency

The AAMC also found that in 2025, the number of medical residents had grown for the seventh year in a row to a total of 163,189 physicians. Since 2019, the number of medical residents has increased by about 4,000 a year.

International medical graduates accounted for 24.2% of medical residents, up slightly from 23.4% in 2023-2024.

The AAMC report also looked at trends in the number of medical students who change the specialty they want to match into.

For the past three years, between 27% and 30% (29.4% in 2025) kept their specialty preference the same. The specialties that saw the lowest rates of medical students changing their minds in 2025 were orthopedic surgery (54.1%), neurosurgery (47.5%) and pediatrics (41.9%).

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Infectious disease fellows drop, female residents take majority

Edusehat — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:10:03 +0700

New data on medical training show that the number of physicians choosing infectious disease fellowships continues to drop while more than half of all residents are now female. Here’s a look at those trends.

Infectious disease: 2026 Match

Early data from the 2026 Match reported by Axios show that interest in infectious disease fellowships continues to slide among young physicians.

In addition, ID specialists are expecting to see their Medicare pay drop 6% this year.

Female physicians: 2025 recap

Males, by comparison, still have a solid majority in orthopedic surgery residents (76.3%), neurosurgery (72.9%) and anesthesiology (61.8%).

Other trends in medical residency

International medical graduates accounted for 24.2% of medical residents, up slightly from 23.4% in 2023-2024.

The AAMC report also looked at trends in the number of medical students who change the specialty they want to match into.

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Women living with Parkinson’s are overlooked and under-researched

Edusehat — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:20:07 +0700

Nearly half of Parkinson’s diagnoses are women, yet their care, support and research is lagging behind men with the same condition.

Nearly half of the 120,000 Parkinson’s diagnoses in Canada are women. Yet, women with Parkinson’s are often overlooked, under researched, and are less likely to be diagnosed. Women living with Parkinson’s often face unique challenges alongside their symptoms such as parenting, caregiving roles, pregnancy and balancing a work/social life.

“Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, yet women’s symptoms and needs have too often been overlooked. The gap in research and understanding has real consequences for diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life,” says Karen Lee PhD, President and CEO, Parkinson Canada. “We’re committed to ensuring no one is limited by Parkinson’s through greater awareness, crucial research, and a strong commitment to equity.”

The limited research on women with Parkinson’s shows that most women will experience a tremor as their first symptom. But women also report more severe non-motor symptoms than men, including anxiety, depression and fatigue. Coupled with hormonal stages that women experience, including menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy, women with Parkinson’s are facing a complex condition, for which no roadmap exists. Younger women with Parkinson’s have limited to no guidance on how their condition and medications interact with their hormonal cycles.

“Parkinson’s impacts my mental health just as much as my physical health. During my period, I can sometimes feel suddenly overwhelmed,” says Li Jiang, 35-year-old student and living with early onset Parkinson’s. “There have been moments when I’ve been journaling and suddenly find myself crying, almost caught off guard by this intense need to let it all out.”

Facts on women & Parkinson’s

Women may experience more dyskinesias (involuntary movements) as a side effect of levodopa
Women are less likely to receive advanced treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) despite having greater reported improvements in quality of life compared to men following DBS.
Women are less often diagnosed and encounter greater hurdles in getting an accurate diagnosis.
Women report different symptoms than men and are more likely to downplay their symptoms.

Parkinson Canada’s commitment to women with Parkinson’s

Parkinson Canada is committed to advancing understanding and addressing the unique experiences of women living with Parkinson’s.

Through investments in research focused on women and Parkinson’s, we aim to close knowledge gaps around sex and gender-related differences in the condition.
Parkinson Canada also offers peer-led support groups tailored to women, including a virtual support group dedicated to women living with early-onset Parkinson’s.
Parkinson Canada is raising awareness of women’s experiences with Parkinson’s, through sharing of information and women’s personal stories here: parkinson.ca/women The organization has also created a free downloadable resource on the topic, to help empower women as they navigate their own Parkinson’s care.

Women in the Parkinson’s community have been overlooked and left out of research for too long – forcing many to navigate the health care system that was never designed with them in mind. Visit parkinson.ca/women to learn more. Join the conversation on social media using #WomanEnough to help ensure women’s voices and concerns are heard and understood.

About Parkinson Canada:

At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. We empower the Parkinson’s community through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of individuals living in Canada impacted by Parkinson’s. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada fulfills its mission through the generosity of donors.

Please visit parkinson.ca, call 1-800-565-3000 or email info@parkinson.ca in English or French for more information, to get involved or to support individuals affected by Parkinson’s by making a donation.

Join the conversation, find Parkinson Canada on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Antibiotic resistance in Canada: What you can do

Edusehat — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:55:06 +0700

It’s normal to want quick relief when you’re sick fighting an infection. Antibiotics seem like a good fix, but using them too often or for the wrong reason has created a serious problem. Some infections have become stronger and no longer respond to treatment.

Some people call them “superbugs.” They’re not super, but they’re hard to kill.

“Our antibiotic toolbox is getting smaller,” says Dr. Victor Leung, Physician Lead for Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Providence Health Care. “That’s not a future problem. It’s happening now.”

What is antimicrobial resistance

Every year, thousands of people in Canada face infections that don’t respond to antibiotics. This is called antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, and it’s a crisis that is one of the world’s biggest health threats.

“Antimicrobial resistance occurs when either bacteria, fungus, parasites or viruses, become resistant to treatment with medications that we use,” says Dr. Leung.

AMR can affect basic care, such as treating a surgical wound or infection after childbirth. If antibiotics stop working, minor infections can become serious.

“We’re seeing infections that used to be easy to treat. Now they’re stubborn, and sometimes deadly,” he says.

How hospitals are affected

Travel adds to the problem. Germs move between countries as easily as people do. Someone carrying resistant bacteria might not even know it. Once inside a hospital, those germs can spread to others.

“The challenge is then making the diagnosis of what’s causing the infection and administering the best options for treatment,” says Dr. Leung.

When first line antibiotics don’t work, recovery takes longer. You might need different antibiotics that cause more side effects. Patients stay longer in hospitals, which increases the transmission risk.

“This isn’t just a hospital issue,” says Dr. Leung. “AMR affects the continuum of care and people can acquire AMR infections in the community.”

Canada faces another problem. Doctors have fewer treatment options because some newer medications are available in other countries but not here.

What Providence Health Care is doing

Providence Health Care inves ted early in tackling this threat. In 2013, it started the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) to help prescribers use antibiotics wisely. The program supports both acute and long-term care areas. The goal is simple: optimize the treatment of infections, while keeping antibiotics effective for the future.

“We want to slow down the development of antimicrobial resistance, reduce the collateral damage from indiscriminate antibiotic use, and at the same time optimize treatment outcomes,” says Dr. Leung.

The results have been strong. The approaches, pathways and tools developed by Providence ASP have spread across BC and Canada.

The Firstline app

Providence ASP was the second hospital network in the world to co-develop the Firstline app, a phone and web tool that gives point of care treatment advice. Patients benefit from local guidelines. The app helps providers decide if antibiotics are needed, which one to use, and when to stop.

Firstline is now the most popular antibiotic app in the world and is used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and health networks and hospitals globally.

A call for leaders to act on the national AMR plan

In September, Dr. Leung met with lawmakers in Ottawa to talk about the growing threat of AMR. Canada is leading G7 health talks this year and made AMR a top priority. The high-level AMR meeting enabled colleagues from G7 to provide updates on progress in addressing AMR.

Dr. Leung joins a panel in Parliament to explain how antimicrobial resistance impacts people working in hospitals and clinics.

“We’re not waiting for a crisis to worsen. We’re acting now and we need policy to keep up,” says Dr. Leung.

Dr. Leung supports the Pan-Canadian Framework for AMR that was released in 2022. The plan calls for funding, clear strategies, and a “One Health” approach that treats human, animal, and environmental health as connected.

He called on lawmakers to back the national framework to fight drug-resistant germs and step forward on policy, tracking, and funding that will create real change.

Canada’s role in fighting AMR

With G7 health leadership and strong surveillance, Canada has a window to act. Its strong infrastructure positions Canada to play a global leadership role.

“The best way to deal with antimicrobial resistance is to prevent it from occurring. For that to happen, we need better access to vaccines and new treatments, stronger support for stewardship, and policies that help hospitals do this work well,” says Dr. Leung.

In October, Dr. Leung was also invited as a witness at the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Science and Research for their study in Antimicrobial Resistance.

What you can do

Dr. Leung says resistance will always develop, but you can slow it with a few simple actions:

• Use antibiotics only when needed (e.g. don’t take antibacterials for viral infections like the flu)

• Stay up to date on vaccinations

• Learn about antimicrobial resistance. It affects everyone.

You can download the Firstline app at https://firstline.org.

“Smart antibiotic use isn’t about cutting back. It’s about using the right drug, at the right time, for the right reason,” says Dr. Leung.

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Smarter tissue and organ repair thanks to next-gen hydrogel

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:45:06 +0700

HN Summary

• uOttawa multidisciplinary team has built new hydrogels from synthetic peptides that can be customized as needed – a defining hallmark in the emerging era of personalized medicine.

• Offers game-changing potential to impact future biomedical applications, from sealing traumatic wounds to closing surgical incisions.

• Bonding strength is comparable to commercially available tissue adhesives.

A research team from the University of Ottawa has engineered a customizable biomaterial offering game changing potential for future biomedical applications, including soft tissue repair, closing surgical incisions or sealing wounds.

Harnessing the power of collagen-inspired peptides (short chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins) and light-triggered chemistry, they developed a new biomimetic hydrogel that combines strength, adaptability, and biological compatibility. Hydrogels are made of water-based material that has a gelatinous texture. Its bonding strength is comparable to commercially available tissue adhesives such as LiquiBand, meaning the material can close flesh wounds while safely breaking down in the body over time. Unlike many existing biomaterials used as soft tissue adhesives, it doesn’t rely on any synthetic polymers which can trigger unwanted immune responses.

“This new body of work is a leap in the space of biomimetic materials for tissue and organ repair. One of the most important aspects of this research is that we develop a stand-alone peptide-based material for tissue bonding,” says lead author Dr. Emilio Alarcón, professor at the Faculty of Medicine and scientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Lab-designed materials that mimic nature

The research team carefully designed peptides inspired by the triple-helix structure of natural collagen but produced synthetically, allowing for fine control over composition, performance, and safety.

One of the key innovations lies in how these peptides assemble and lock together. Once dissolved in a buffer solution, the designed peptides spontaneously organize themselves into structures that create the foundation of the hydrogel. To further strengthen the material, the researchers use a light-activated chemical reaction that rapidly formed stable connections, transforming the soft material into a flexible and durable gel for soft tissue repair.

Dr. Alarcón says this study paves the way for researchers across the globe to explore the use of peptides as “the next generation of regenerative platforms.”

Lab tests showed that the materials are cell friendly and biodegradable, allowing them to safely break down in the body over time.

Biodegradable materials ensure safer outcomes

Alex Ross, a PhD candidate who is one of two primary authors of the newly published study, says this kind of biocompatibility is essential for any material entering or interacting with the body.

“Biodegradability is useful as it means the material doesn’t have to be removed later – for example, getting sutures removed — and also contributes to the safety profile as things the body can clear out are much less likely to pose toxicity,” Ross says.

Daniel Nguyen, the paper’s other primary author, expanded on this point: “If you put something inside the body, you want it to be as unobtrusive as possible. It shouldn’t harm cells, and it shouldn’t stay there forever. That matters because materials that linger or irritate tissue can slow healing or lead to complications. Because our material is made from collagen-inspired peptides, the body can break it down using the enzymes it uses to remodel natural tissue.”

Both Ross and Nguyen are members of the BioEngineering and Therapeutic Solutions (BEaTS) lab directed by Drs. Erik J. Suuronen and Alarcón, as is prominent cardiac surgeon Dr. Marc Ruel.

‘Mechanically Stable and Tunable Photoactivated Peptide-Based Hydrogels for Soft Tissue Adhesion’ was published in the Advanced Functional Materials journal.

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Critical challenges that Canadian biotech startups face in Canada

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:05:13 +0700

HN Summary

• Canada’s biotech ecosystem struggles to scale due to structural barriers, including limited access to affordable, well-equipped wet lab space, fragmented and slow tech transfer processes, and insufficient domestic capital to grow companies through later stages.

• A lack of critical mass in companies and specialized life sciences investors reduces talent retention, weakens commercialization pathways, and often pushes startups to relocate abroad for funding, clinical trials, and manufacturing capacity.

• Experts argue Canada must shift toward supporting nimble startups through standardized tech transfer, de-risked early-stage investment, streamlined clinical trial access, and stronger domestic funding and infrastructure to build a self-sustaining biotech sector.

For years, Canada’s biotech strategy was simple: Woo large multinational companies to provide an anchor for the sector. The idea was that these firms would create deep talent pools, generate commercialized IP in Canada and lead to the creation of new startups, provide valuable experience for founders and increase the amount of available capital. But that hasn’t materialized. While multinationals bring jobs and activity, they have not provided the necessary conditions for a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Ali Tehrani, a veteran biotech founder and investor who helped establish Vancouver’s biotech ecosystem, argues the problem is one of fit. “We have to stick to what we are good at and what we’re good at is startups.” he says. Rather than chasing a few anchor firms, he points to the value of developing a broad base of small to mid-sized innovative companies that create jobs, develop IP, train talent and recycle experience back into the ecosystem. As he puts it, “We do better when we’re small and nimble.” The challenge is to design a biotech ecosystem that reflects this reality and provides ventures with the support they need.

This shift also requires a different mindset. “You need to be willing to fail fast,” says Eddy Nason, a director of health at Signal49 (formerly the Conference Board of Canada). Too often, he argues, “we spend too much time and too many resources trying to keep things alive that probably shouldn’t be kept alive.”

To understand why promising biotech ventures struggle to scale domestically, MaRS undertook a venture-first study of the sector, which involved interviewing entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them across the growth journey. The goal was to map pain points at different stages of growth to uncover what systemic changes are needed to improve domestic commercialization and capacity.

Here, in the first of a series of articles based on our findings, key experts from across the ecosystem weigh in on some of the most significant barriers that are preventing Canada’s biotech sector from reaching its full potential.

Innovators can’t readily access well-equipped wet labs space

There’s a common belief that Canada has an acute shortage of wet lab space. In fact, what we lack is affordable, well-equipped spaces that early-stage ventures can access.

The extended leases, rigid build-outs and high upfront commitments that developers and landlords favour are fundamentally misaligned with how ventures in this sector evolve. “Biotech companies don’t grow on real estate timelines,” says Gordon McCauley, president and CEO of adMare BioInnovations, noting that it can be challenging for early-stage ventures to predict what they’ll need in five years.

When gatekeepers are faced with so much uncertainty from prospective tenants, “the easiest thing to say is no,” says Alex Muggah, vice president of life sciences at Innovation Factory in Hamilton. “If something is perceived as risky, the system tends to avoid it.” When the economics and risk profiles don’t align, buildings default to simpler, lower-risk uses, even in regions with strong biotech demand. And when ventures can’t access the kind of space they need on a timeline that works, their growth stalls or shifts elsewhere.

Canada lacks a critical mass of companies

To attract and keep the best and brightest, you need to give them options. In Canada, the challenge is one of density. A thriving biotech cluster needs to foster career development for everyone from C-suite executives and veteran operators to regulatory leaders, lab managers, technicians and manufacturing specialists. As Ilse Treurnicht, a managing partner at TwinRiver Capital puts it, “talent goes where there are opportunities.”

We need to develop a standardized tech transfer process

Biotech innovations that are being spun out of Canadian universities and hospitals often get stuck at the tech transfer stage. Founders consistently describe the process as slow, expensive and misaligned with the realities of early-stage growth when speed matters, runways are short and delays can derail financing, development plans and market timing. As one founder told us, “having the university in control of every single IP and technology will hinder commercialization.”

That friction shows up most clearly in timelines and deal complexity. One early-stage biotech founder described a licensing process that stretched more than 18 months and came with a suite of demands: “they want equity, they want royalty, they want licensing fees and sometimes they want [payment] upfront.”

At the same time, institutional leaders point to structural constraints that shape how tech transfer operates today. “Universities don’t receive any direct, dedicated funding to support commercialization,” says Derek Newton, senior vice president of business development and strategic partnerships at Mitacs, adding that as a result, the commercialization process can vary across the country.

Institutions are often required to conduct extensive due diligence processes and negotiate terms independently, which helps explain why tech transfers are fragmented and slow. The result is a system where each deal is negotiated from scratch.

We need to derisk investment in biotech

Jacki Jenuth, partner and COO at Lumira Ventures, frames Canada’s biotech capital challenge as a problem of scale and ownership rather than startup formation. In her view, the country lacks sufficient domestic capital to carry companies forward. “We need an ecosystem that’s funded locally enough to keep the innovation in this country,” she says. Founders are compelled to take capital wherever it’s available, which, as Jenuth points out, can require companies to reincorporate and move their headquarters.” But once startups relocate, ownership, talent and long-term value creation tend to shift as well.

TwinRiver’s Treurnicht, emphasizes that Canada’s problem is structural, not cyclical. “We don’t have enough specialized life sciences funds,” she says. “So the capital ecosystem isn’t set up to support companies all the way through.”

She also points to the limited role of domestic public markets and institutions, observing that “companies are often pushed to look outside Canada earlier than they want to.” The result: fewer Canadian-owned successes, fewer experienced leaders reinvesting locally and less capital flowing back into the next generation.

We need to streamline access to clinical trials and biomanufacturing

Many Canadian biotech companies hit a wall when it comes to clinical trials. The regulatory and financial hurdles are too high. Molly Shoichet, a professor at the University of Toronto and serial biotech founder, has seen a lot of founders conduct their trials in Australia, “because you can get into clinical trials easier there.”

What early-stage companies need is operational efficiency. When that pathway isn’t clear, founders look elsewhere. “The regulatory system here is super slow,” says Shoichet. “ And that becomes a real problem.”

Biomanufacturing presents a parallel challenge. As Treurnicht describes it, “it’s two-fold: how do we secure manufacturing capacity to respond to future health threats and how do we make that capacity more available to emerging ventures?”

Supporting innovation in the country’s biotech sector means recognizing the unique characteristics of the industry: long timelines, high capital intensity and the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Canada must adopt policies that de-risk early-stage science, invest in shared infrastructure, create stronger procurement pipelines and provide predictable, mission-driven funding. Without these reforms, our biotech sector will fail to achieve its full potential, and the country will miss out on both economic opportunity and scientific leadership in one of the world’s most consequential industries.

Sana Maqbool writes about technology for MaRS. Hospital News has partnered with MaRS to highlight Canadian innovations in health technology.

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Helping the planet, one inhaler at a time

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:05:12 +0700

HN Summary

• Environmental impact: At St. Joseph’s Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre, nearly 70% of 53,000 inhalers dispensed in 2024 were MDIs using HFA propellants — generating emissions equal to a car circling the Earth 96 times.

• Recycling solution: The Go Zero Recycle program, supported by AstraZeneca, collects and recycles inhalers and aerochambers, safely capturing harmful propellants.

• Lower-carbon options: Led by Dr. Constance Mackenzie and supported by the Canadian Thoracic Society, the initiative promotes effective non-propellant inhalers and sustainable prescribing.

Prescription inhalers can be lifesavers for people with chronic breathing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Ironically, though, many of these devices are not as healthy for the planet as they are for patients.

A recent study shows that metered-dose inhalers containing propellants called hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) contribute significantly to climate-changing pollution.

Now St. Joseph’s Health Care London, along with London Health Sciences Centre, is leading an initiative to help change that.

The Go Zero Recycle program (supported by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca) collects and recycles all types of inhalers and aerochambers, including recapturing the problematic propellant.

Drop-off boxes for used inhalers of all types are located at St. Joseph’s outpatient clinics.

“In 2024, St. Joseph’s and London Health Sciences Centre dispensed more than 53,000 inhalers, and close to 70 per cent of these are MDIs,” says St. Joseph’s respirologist Dr. Constance Mackenzie, who spearheaded the initiative locally.

A sampling of inhalers eligible for recycling through a collaborative program with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

These inhalers alone released carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) equal to a gas-powered car circling the Earth 96 times, she says.

“We’re not telling people to stop what’s working for them, and we definitely don’t want people to stop using their inhalers without an alternate treatment plan in place. At the same time, we want patients to know there might be other options that work as well or better for them and have a gentler environmental impact,” says respirologist Dr. Constance Mackenzie, who spearheaded the initiative locally.

Put another way, one 120-dose inhaler using HFAs can have the same environmental impact as a car trip from London to Toronto.

“Someone with asthma or COPD might need one or two of these inhalers each month,” Mackenzie notes. “Most people don’t know what to do with the inhalers once they are empty or left over after a change in prescription.”

These cartridges can still release greenhouse gases after they are discarded, so they should never be placed in household garbage or regular recycling. While they can be returned to a pharmacy for eventual incineration, this new recycling program offers a better alternative.

One study estimates two-thirds of inhaler medications prescribed globally use HFAs as a propellant. A US-based study published in the prestigious JAMA medical journal says 1.6 billion inhalers were dispensed in the US, from 2014 to 2024 alone, generating almost 25 million tonnes of CO2e — equivalent to the annual greenhouse-gas impact from electrification of five million homes, the report says.

Non-propellant inhaler options

St. Joseph’s is taking an approach to reduce and recycle – and replace where appropriate.

“We’re not telling people to stop what’s working for them, and we definitely don’t want people to stop using their inhalers without an alternate treatment plan in place.” Mackenzie emphasizes.

“At the same time, we want patients to know there might be other options that work as well or better for them and have a gentler environmental impact.

Non-propellant options include types of inhalers containing dry powdered medicine or a mist released as tiny breathable particles when inhaled through the mouth.

The Canadian Thoracic Society supports sustainable inhaler prescribing, she notes. It also recommends shared education and decision-making about the best inhaler for patients, along with a co-ordinated systems approach by clinicians, patients, health organizations, regulators and manufacturers.

“We want to ensure sustainability and planetary health while we also improve patient health,” Mackenzie says.

“The recycling bin and posters have sparked a lot of conversation among the patients. I’ve also shared information with my colleagues about the amount of waste and greenhouse gases produced by inhalers, and it’s been a real eye-opener for everyone,” says St. Joseph’s clinical manager Kelly Muhsin. “I’m so pleased that we’ve included this initiative in our program – and that we have such a passionate champion in Dr. Mackenzie.”

Deb Van Brenk Flaherty is a member of the communication and public affairs team at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

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How much funding should our governments give hospitals for robust patient care? The dollar amount is not as clear as you’d think.

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:05:11 +0700

It’s time Canada had an independent agency – like Australia – that sets targets for fair and equitable hospital funding.

HN Summary

• Canada lacks an independent agency to set evidence-based, transparent funding targets for hospitals, leading to uncertainty over whether hospitals are fairly funded and taxpayers are getting value for money.

• Hospitals face rising costs and growing patient demand, while governments struggle to ensure spending improves patient outcomes, avoids waste, and addresses differences in hospital efficiency and complexity.

• Establishing a non-binding, expert-driven agency—modeled after Australia—could provide clear guidance on fair hospital funding, benefiting both hospitals and governments by improving transparency, accountability, and resource allocation.

Hospitals are bleeding red ink across Canada. Yet long waits for surgery and overcrowding in emergency departments don’t raise much of an eyebrow.

Are taxpayers getting good value for their spending on hospitals?

On the one hand, for Canada’s publicly funded hospitals, balancing the books has become an almost impossible task. The population is growing and input costs are rising. The largest and most prestigious hospitals are reporting significant gaps between what they receive from government and how much they spend on patient care.

For governments, there is a sucking sound from their health systems. Each year, hospitals want more of taxpayers’ dollars and some threaten reductions in services.

Yet more money is not the only answer to Canada’s hospital woes.

It’s time Canada emulated best practices elsewhere internationally and establish a transparent system to determine ‘fair funding’ for our hospitals. Canada needs an independent agency that balances financial prudence with pressing need.

Canada spends more than its fair share on health care. Compared with other publicly funded health systems, like Norway and Finland, Canada spends similar amounts on a per capita basis — but with poorer outcomes. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) forecasts that Canadian hospitals will spend over $100 billion in 2025.

Governments are being asked whether they are living up to their end of the deal or whether they are underfunding hospitals. Vast sums are at stake, as is the employment of thousands of people working in hospitals.

So, are hospitals being underfunded? There is evidence on both sides of the argument.

Hospitals certainly think so, and the public hears stories of long waits and high pay for doctors, medications and supplies.

On the other side of the argument, governments ask whether more spending on hospitals will shorten wait times, reduce overcrowding in emergency departments, stem departures of highly skilled professionals for greener pastures or slow the revolving door of very hard-to-treat complex patients.

Governments see that hospitals don’t always spend on things that improve patients’ health. Examples include costly duplicate imaging, unnecessary prescriptions or laboratory tests, and surgeries that provide questionable value.

Governments also grapple with understanding why hospitals have significant differences between them in the volume and costliness of their care even after adjusting for the complexity of their patients.

So, are the amounts provided by governments to fund hospitals fair to the hospitals — and fair value for money to the taxpayer? There is no referee to judge what is fair.

Maybe it’s time we had one.

Hospitals and governments need advice regarding what is a fair amount of funding to assure efficient, effective and safe care. There is no function in Canada that currently provides this advice. But such a role exists in other countries.

Australia, for example, has an organization that every year publishes an amount that they think hospitals should be spending on each patient case. This organization is federally funded, and their experts are drawn from areas of economics, health data and health system expertise.

In a federal system like Canada, such an organization’s funding targets would be non-binding for provinces and territories, just as they are for Australia’s states.

So how would this improve our system? It creates a mediator position for a highly contestable field, but one for which there is evidence and expertise.

Hospitals would benefit by knowing that they are spending too much or have some room to spare. Governments would benefit by untangling financial shortfalls from patients’ needs.

There are, of course, risks too. For some hospitals, their managers will face greater strains, pulled toward achieving spending targets. For governments, the targets may be more than they can afford given they have to make allocative decisions between bridges, schools and hospitals, among other priorities.

An agency setting targets for government funding on hospitals will not solve all the ills in our healthcare system. But it would be a step toward transparency and the use of best practices and evidence.

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Climate-Conscious Care in Action: How Hospitals Can Lead

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:05:09 +0700

Climate change now threatens both patient outcomes and the ability of health systems to deliver safe, reliable care. Its impacts are no longer distant or abstract. Across Canada, communities have seen skies darken and air quality deteriorate as wildfire smoke blankets neighbourhoods. According to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, wildfire smoke contributed to an average of 1,400 deaths annually in Canada between 2020 and 2024.

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation contribute to increased risk of respiratory disease, heat-related illness, mental health problems and changes in infectious disease patterns. These impacts will disproportionately affect older adults, children and marginalized communities.

In June 2021, a historic heat dome in British Columbia led to 619 heat-related deaths. Sixty-seven per cent of those who died were over age 70, according to the Report to the Chief Coroner of British Columbia. For many older adults, chronic illness, complex medication regimens and reduced mobility limit their ability to tolerate heat and air pollution. These physiological risks are often compounded by cognitive impairment, social isolation and structural inequities.

At the same time, Canada’s health system already faces significant strain from workforce shortages, access challenges and rising demand driven by an aging population. Climate change now adds further pressure, threatening system capacity and patient safety.

Extreme weather damages infrastructure, disrupts supply chains, compromises water quality and strains staffing and budgets. Rising energy costs and carbon pricing further intensify these pressures. Together, these realities demand stronger leadership in mitigation, adaptation and preparedness across the health sector.

Canada also ranks among the highest health care emitters globally. Health care accounts for 4.6 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions according to the Canadian Medical Association, more than the aviation industry and the shipping industry. Hospitals therefore carry both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead.

Climate-conscious care begins with how, where and to whom care is delivered. By anticipating climate risks and redesigning care pathways, hospitals can protect system capacity while improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Health care use rises sharply in the final year of life, largely due to hospitalizations. Hospitals are more resource-intensive than other care settings such as long-term care or home and hospitalizations are not always aligned with patients’ wishes. While most Canadians prefer to die at home, only 13 per cent did so in 2021 and 2022, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Advance care planning helps patients clarify goals and can reduce avoidable admissions, allowing more people to remain at home.

Clinicians can also reduce environmental impact by avoiding unnecessary tests, treatments and medications. This is particularly important for older adults, who face higher risks of polypharmacy, which can lead to negative outcomes such as medication non-adherence, falls and adverse drug events. Aligning care with patient goals can improve clinical outcomes while reducing waste and emissions.

Supporting aging in the right place offers another climate-conscious solution. According to March of Dimes Canada, 81 per cent of Canadian seniors prefer to age at home. Community-based care can preserve independence, enhance quality of life and reduce reliance on resource-intensive hospital and long-term care settings.

Integrated models such as the Neighbourhood Care Team (NCT) demonstrate how collaboration can advance these goals. Baycrest collaborated with partners in the North Toronto Ontario Health Team and North York Toronto Health Partners to develop the NCT model, designed to bring together local providers to function as one coordinated care team within the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation buildings. The program has been able to successfully connect many tenants with primary care and aims to help older adults remain healthy and at home.

Virtual care can also play a role in reducing healthcare’s environmental footprint. Baycrest’s Virtual Behavioural Medicine (VBM) program delivers specialized dementia care to underserved communities while reducing travel-related emissions and hospital pressures. Co-created by Dr. Morris Freedman and Deb Galet, VBM supports patients experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms, a leading cause of dementia-related hospitalization. The program combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to stabilize patients in their home environments and prevent unnecessary transfers.

Together, these approaches represent some of the most immediate and clinically grounded tools available to respond to climate change. They strengthen resilience by reducing avoidable demand, preserving capacity and improving continuity of care.

Climate-conscious care is not an abstract sustainability target. It is a core element of high-quality, equitable health care in a warming world. By aligning care with patient goals, reducing low-value interventions, supporting aging in place and expanding integrated and virtual models, health systems can protect vulnerable populations while easing pressure on hospitals and reducing emissions.

As climate change accelerates and Canada’s population ages, the health sector must lead. Doing so will deliver care that is better for patients, more resilient for the system and less harmful to the planet.

Dr. Jessica Cuppage is the Chief Medical Innovation Officer and Care of the Elderly Physician at Baycrest. She integrates technologies to enhance patient-centred care and co-leads Baycrest Hospital’s digital health strategy.

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Chikungunya cases increasing in several countries in the Americas; PAHO recommends preparedness

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:19 +0700

HN Summary

• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert due to a sustained rise in chikungunya cases across several countries in the Americas since late 2025, including renewed local transmission in areas previously virus-free.

• Environmental factors that support Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding, along with ongoing circulation of the Asian and ECSA genotypes, are contributing to the resurgence, particularly in the Intertropical Zone.

• PAHO is urging countries to strengthen surveillance and laboratory testing, enhance clinical management for high-risk groups, intensify mosquito control efforts, and promote public awareness and prevention measures to reduce transmission.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert following a sustained increase in chikungunya cases in several countries in the Americas since late 2025 and into early 2026. The alert also highlights the re-emergence of local transmission in areas that had not reported virus circulation in several years.

While this trend is consistent with expected patterns in areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector is present, environmental factors such as extreme temperatures favor mosquito breeding. The persistence of the virus in endemic areas, along with the circulation of the Asian and East, Central, and South African (ECSA) genotypes, underscores the need for sensitive surveillance and a timely response.

“Chikungunya spread across the Americas in 2013, and after years of low transmission, we are now observing a resurgence, particularly in the Intertropical Zone where Aedes aegypti is present,” said Sylvain Aldighieri, Director of Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination at PAHO. “The purpose of this alert is to ensure that health workers and governments are prepared for potential outbreaks and can plan public information campaigns.”

PAHO recommends that countries strengthen epidemiological and laboratory surveillance to detect cases and outbreaks early, ensure proper clinical management–especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children under 1 year of age, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions—and intensify integrated vector management actions, including the elimination of mosquito breeding sites.

About chikungunya

Chikungunya is a virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti and potentially Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also spread dengue, Zika, and other arboviruses. Infection can cause high fever and severe joint pain, often debilitating, along with muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Other, non-articular symptoms can range from mild to severe, with higher risk in children under 1-year, older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women.

Chikungunya can also cause chronic joint pain, which may last from weeks to several months in about 60% of cases. There is no specific antiviral treatment; acute symptoms are managed with analgesics and antipyretics. High-risk patients should be assessed by health professionals for potential hospitalization and monitoring to prevent severe complications and fatalities.

Regional and global situation

Globally, between January 1 and December 10, 2025, a total of 502,264 chikungunya cases were reported, including 208,335 confirmed cases and 186 deaths, across 41 countries and territories. In the Americas, 313,132 cases were reported, of which 113,926 were confirmed, including 170 deaths in 18 countries and one territory during 2025.

Regionally, total cases declined compared to 2024. However, several countries in South America and the Caribbean have reported increases in specific areas. Since late 2025, sustained rises have been observed in multiple countries and territories, including the re-establishment of local transmission in places that had been free of the virus for years. In Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname, detections in 2025 and 2026 indicate the resumption of transmission after a decade without reported cases.

Genomic analysis in the Americas shows circulation of the ECSA genotype, with no detection of the A226V mutation associated with increased transmissibility by Aedes albopictus. The virus’ persistence in endemic areas and its reappearance in previously virus-free territories highlights the need for integrated surveillance and ongoing preventive measures.

Key recommendations

PAHO recommends that healthcare personnel include chikungunya in the differential diagnosis of fever and rash, along with measles and other arboviruses. Health facilities should ensure that staff are trained and equipped for accurate diagnosis, classification, and treatment.

Vector control teams are advised to intensify efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in areas where cases are being reported, including within and around health facilities treating patients with chikungunya and other arboviral diseases.

The public is encouraged to use repellents, bed nets, and clothing that covers arms and legs; avoid mosquito exposure in areas with active transmission (especially at dawn and dusk); and ensure rest and home care for patients with chikungunya under bed nets to prevent bites and further transmission. Community participation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites through simple measures, such as emptying, covering, or discarding containers that collect water, is also essential.

These recommendations align with previous PAHO alerts and guidelines for clinical management and treatment of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. PAHO will continue to monitor the situation and provide technical support to countries to strengthen surveillance, patient care, and vector management to mitigate the impact of these diseases in the region.

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Iron deficiency anemia – demystifying a common, treatable and preventable public health problem

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:17 +0700

Over 830,000 Canadians have iron deficiency anemia (IDA),¹ the most common cause of anemia.²

“Iron deficiency anemia is a global health issue with significant effects on quality of life and productivity,” notes Dr. Wendy Lim, hematologist and professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University and director of its Division of Hematology and Thromboembolism.

Commonly characterized by loss of cognitive function³ and feelings of fatigue or lack of energy,⁴ untreated IDA can lead to hospitalization, blood transfusions, and even death.¹

Associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy for maternal and fetal health; motor and behavioural developmental delays in infants and toddlers; and reduced exercise capacity and functional status in heart failure patients, the consequences of unaddressed IDA are significant.¹

Diagnosis of the condition is relatively simple, requiring a complete blood count which measures hemoglobin and a ferritin level to measure iron levels and stores.⁵

Although IDA is one of the most common blood disorders seen by hematologists in Canada like Dr. Lim, it remains a largely underrecognized and undertreated disease.¹

“Before you can treat a condition, you need to recognize it as a problem,” notes Dr. Lim.

Canadians at risk

Not all populations are affected equally. Menstruating women and girls, pregnant and post-partum women, infants and toddlers, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and indigenous populations in Canada all have increased risk.¹

Women are disproportionately affected by IDA due to biological, socioeconomic, and health system factors.⁶ Thirty percent (30%) of women aged 15-49 worldwide are estimated to have the condition, with prevalence even higher during pregnancy.⁷ The World Health Organization estimates 37% of pregnant women worldwide have IDA.⁷

What does normal iron look like?

On September 9, 2024, Ontario Health raised the baseline thresholds of normal iron levels across the province.⁸ “This will – and already has – improved the quality of life of people in Ontario,” says Dr. Lim.

The new lab testing guidelines revised ferritin clinical decision limits to the new threshold minimums of 30 µg/L for adults and 20 µg/L for children.⁸

“Patients, particularly women and those who have experienced years and even decades of untreated IDA, often believe their experience is the norm,” notes Dr. Lim. “They see it as something they have to live with – an inevitability.”

Ensuring clinical testing guidelines consider the diversity of the patient experience is therefore critical.

Common misconceptions about IDA management

Unfortunately, misconceptions surrounding IDA diagnosis, treatment and management still poorly impact patient outcomes.⁹

There is the belief that once hemoglobin is corrected and acute symptoms have subsided, IDA treatment is complete and the patient cured. Conversely, rapid relapses are frighteningly common. Treatment should continue until iron stores are repleted, ongoing blood source issues resolved, and the root cause addressed.¹

Further, the notion that intravenous (IV) iron is dangerous or should only be used in very severe cases of IDA is incorrect. Modern IV iron formulations are “very safe, very effective, and well-tolerated,” observes Dr. Lim, and severe adverse reactions are rare. This misconception is false and can negatively impact patient care.¹

In Canada, access to emerging treatment options, including new formulations of oral iron and IV iron therapies, have the potential to fundamentally change patient care.

While not all IV irons are the same, modern IV iron formulations can be prescribed for the treatment of IDA in patients when oral iron is not tolerated or is ineffective, including pregnant and postpartum women, patients with gastrointestinal conditions or chronic kidney disease.¹

“We can now personalize treatment,” says Dr. Lim. By considering patient-specific factors like comorbidities, inflammation, and degree of anemia, the patient can be treated holistically.

Prioritizing an interdisciplinary approach to care

Family physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, gastroenterologists, and nephrologists – they all play a critical role in working alongside hematologists in the successful treatment and prevention of IDA.

IDA is a common condition that affects 2% of Canadians;¹⁰ but it doesn’t have to. Through proactive screening for at-risk populations, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovative treatments, the Canadian healthcare community can come together to address this common, treatable and preventable problem.¹

This article is sponsored by CSL Canada.

¹Lim, W. Personal communication, January 30, 2026.

²Kingston Health Sciences Centre. Primary Care Management Pathway: iron deficiency anemia. Kingston Health Sciences Centre; 2022. https://kingstonhsc.ca/sites/default/files/legacy/files/subsite-basic-page/iron_deficiency_anemia_pathway_2022july20.pdf. Last accessed February 4, 2026.

³Kung, M W et al. Anemia and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci Jun 11 2021 11;11(6):777.

⁴American Society of Hematology. Iron-Deficiency Anemia. American Society of Hematology; 2026. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency/. Last accessed: February 4, 2026.

⁵Alberta Doctors. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA): Clinical Practice Guideline. Alberta Doctors; 2018. https://www.albertadoctors.org/media/atabokv2/iron-deficiency-anemia-guideline.pdf. Last accessed: February 9, 2026.

⁶Sholzberg, M et al. Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in females. CMAJ July 02, 2025 197 (24) E680-E687; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.240570

⁷World Health Organization. Anemia. World Health Organization (Published 2026). Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/anaemia#tab=tab_1

⁸Harrison, Lane. Ontario’s new iron deficiency guidelines may change lives: doctors. CBC News; 2024 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/iron-deficiency-bloodwork-testing-ontario-1.7314795. Last accessed February 4, 2026.

⁹Moss, A S et al. Iron Deficiency: We Think We Know It All!. Blood 2024; 144 (Supplement 1): 7559.

¹⁰Cooper, M., Bertinato, J., Ennis, J. K., Sadeghpour, A., Weiler, H. A., & Dorais, V. (2023). Population iron status in Canada: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2012–2019. The Journal of Nutrition, 153(5), 1534–1543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.03.012

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A new home for Canada’s largest Cancer Research Tumour Bank

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:14 +0700

Decades of cancer research — and thousands of patient tumour samples — now have a new home at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and this state-of-the-art space will change how researchers study cancer in the future.

The Canadian Cancer Trials Group’s (CCTG) Tumour Tissue Data Repository (TTDR) has officially moved into its new home at KHSC, bringing nearly 30 years of cancer research together in consolidated space, alongside the Queen’s Laboratory for Molecular Pathology (QLMP).

“This beautiful new facility is the result of years of work. With one-in-two Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, there is still much work to be done,” says Dr. Annette Hay, a clinician scientist with KHSC and the CCTG. “This dedicated space will allow for the expansion of this internationally renowned research for years to come.”

The TTDR is the largest cancer clinical trials tumour bank in Canada. Previously both the TTDR and QLMP spaces were distributed across multiple locations at KHSC and Queen’s University. They have now been co-located at KHSC, creating a singular space that supports clinical trials and research, bridging the gap between lab-based discoveries and patient care. The combined space is now readily accessible to researchers based in the hospital, at the university, and in the broader research community.

“The underlying question we look to answer is why certain cancers respond the way they do. This repository provides extraordinary long-term data that helps us better understand cancer as a disease,” says Dr. Lois Shepherd, Operational Director of the TTDR and Professor emeritus at Queen’s University.

The tumour bank houses tissue samples collected through cancer clinical trials from around the world, including those conducted at KHSC through the CCTG. These samples help researchers better understand how cancers evolve and respond to treatment – knowledge that is shaping more personalized treatments going forward. The QLMP meanwhile is the lead tissue and genomic analysis site for the hundreds of KHSC patients who participate in research through the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Cancer Network.

“The new facility combines tremendous technological capabilities and scientific expertise that enables our researchers to visualize the fight against cancer at a molecular scale,” says Dr. David Berman, Clinical Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at KHSC and Queen’s. Applying these technologies to patients provides a tremendous opportunity to uncover new insights into why treatments fail in one patient and succeed in another. This will allow scientists and health care teams to tailor precise therapies that improve and extend the lives of patients with cancer.”

The new facility will process and analyze samples using advanced digital tools spanning the areas of histopathology, immuno-profiling, computerized image analysis, genomics, and artificial intelligence.

This project was made possible with the support of many partners, including the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen’s University, KHSC, KHSC Research Institute, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

“This project demonstrates the long-standing and continually expanding collaboration between KHSC and Queen’s as we align health care, research, and innovation across our many shared spaces,” says Dr. Steven Smith, President and CEO of the KHSC Research Institute and Deputy Vice-Principal of research at Queen’s.

“This is a fantastic example of where Kingston stands out nationally, home to the largest research tumour bank in Canada, and also to some of the most talented researchers in the world, who are focused on improving the lives of patients with cancer.”

To learn more about the TTDR, please visit the KHSC website.

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World first: Dual aortic reconstruction in single surgery

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:13 +0700

In a groundbreaking achievement for cardiac care, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has become the first hospital in the world to perform two complex aortic reconstruction procedures simultaneously within a single surgery—using two innovative medical devices never before combined in this way.

The historic procedure took place in August 2024, led by LHSC Cardiac Surgeon Michael Chu and his multidisciplinary team. Together, they performed both a protected Ross operation—where a patient’s own pulmonary valve is transplanted to replace a diseased aortic valve—and a hybrid arch frozen elephant trunk procedure, an advanced technique that allows surgeons to replace a large portion of the aorta in a less invasive and highly strategic manner.

Individually, each of these procedures is considered technically demanding. Combining them into a single operation represents an unprecedented surgical milestone. The team was able to reconstruct the majority of the patient’s aorta within the chest while also restoring durable valve function—achieving in one surgery what would typically require multiple high-risk operations.

“This was an extraordinary case that demanded meticulous planning, precision, and seamless teamwork,” says Dr. Chu. “By combining these two advanced procedures, we were able to completely repair the patient’s aortic dissection while simultaneously providing long-lasting, life-enhancing valve function. It’s not only lifesaving—it significantly reduces the likelihood of future interventions.”

The achievement was made possible through both surgical expertise and technological innovation. LHSC utilized two advanced devices from Artivion, Inc.: the CryoValve Synergraft pulmonary homograft and the E-vita Open Neo hybrid stent graft system. These devices enabled the team to address extensive aortic damage while preserving and optimizing heart valve performance.

The first patient to undergo the dual procedure, Angela, had been living with a complex and life-threatening connective tissue disorder. For years, she had required ongoing cardiac care and multiple emergency surgeries. Most recently, she was facing progressive aortic dissection—a dangerous tear in the inner layer of the aorta that can be fatal if left untreated—along with significant valve degeneration.

Her case presented enormous challenges. The aorta is the body’s largest artery, responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Damage to this vital vessel, particularly in patients with connective tissue disorders, can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening emergency.

“The complexity of Angela’s condition required an extraordinary level of coordination and surgical expertise,” Dr. Chu explains. “This combined approach allowed us to rebuild most of her aorta and restore healthy valve function in one operation, offering a durable, long-term solution.”

For Angela, the results have been transformative.

“I can plan for the future now, which is something I couldn’t let myself do a year ago,” she says. “There’s no longer that cloud of worry over my head. I have more energy, I’m not relying on my asthma medications as much, and I feel more relaxed knowing it’s done.”

The success of this procedure offers new hope to patients with complex aortic disease, especially those with connective tissue disorders who often face repeated surgeries over their lifetime. By consolidating major interventions into a single, carefully executed operation, surgeons can reduce cumulative risk, limit recovery periods, and improve long-term quality of life.

Beyond the immediate clinical impact, this world-first accomplishment reinforces LHSC’s leadership in advanced cardiac innovation. The hospital has built a reputation for integrating cutting-edge technology with patient-centred care—ensuring that even the most complex cases receive personalized solutions.

Dr. Chu emphasizes that innovation in cardiac surgery is not solely about technical achievement, but about improving patient outcomes.

“This approach not only improves survival and quality of life,” he says, “it also provides a meaningful alternative to more invasive strategies. For patients who may otherwise have limited options, it can optimize long-term outcomes and restore life expectancy.”

As cardiac surgery continues to evolve, milestones like this demonstrate what is possible when surgical expertise, technological advancement, and compassionate care intersect. For Angela and future patients facing similarly daunting diagnoses, the procedure represents more than a medical first—it represents renewed hope.

With this achievement, LHSC has not only advanced the field of cardiac surgery but has also set a new global benchmark for what can be accomplished in a single operating room.

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Home diagnostic tests could cut wait times

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:12 +0700

HN Summary

• At-home diagnostic tests are emerging as a powerful way to ease pressure on Canada’s strained health-care system by enabling earlier detection of conditions such as cancer, kidney disease and muscle loss — improving outcomes while reducing long-term costs.

• Canadian innovators like Myomar Molecular, Cellect and Healthy.io are developing accessible, user-friendly home screening tools that reduce barriers tied to clinic visits, discomfort and long wait times.

• By shifting more screening and monitoring into the home, these technologies have the potential to cut wait times, prevent complications and improve access to care — particularly for rural, underserved and high-risk populations.

Canada’s health-care system is dealing with a bottleneck of historic proportions. More than one in five Canadians don’t have a family doctor. And those that do face long wait lists for tests, referrals and specialist care.

Those delays can be the difference between life and death — literally. Nearly half of lung cancers are found at stage IV, when survival rates plummet, and many colorectal cancers aren’t caught until patients land in the ER. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates cancer costs the system more than $30 billion a year, with patients and caregivers shouldering an additional $7.5 billion in travel, childcare, lost income and other expenses. Proactive intervention can dramatically improve prognoses for a number of conditions. In the case of chronic kidney disease, which affects more than 11 percent of the world’s population, the Global Patient Alliance for Kidney Health estimates that early detection could save as many as 15 million lives worldwide in the coming decades.

That’s where at-home tools come in. DIY screening options have the potential to catch diseases earlier on, which makes treating them more effective (and less costly). Heightened awareness around the importance of early detection has made cancer a proving ground for this technology; for instance, at-home fecal immunochemical tests for colorectal screening have become standard nationwide.

Researchers are now exploring ways to apply that approach to a broad range of disorders. (It doesn’t hurt that peak COVID protocols made us all more comfortable with self-swabbing.) Waterloo’s HeadFirst is developing saliva-based kits to detect concussions on the sidelines, Pickering’s BTNX is already selling menopause urine tests on its website and Edmonton’s NiaHealth is building a biomarker tool that would flag hormonal and metabolic shifts related to inflammation, fertility and general health.

These efforts hint at a future where a tiny drop of blood, saliva or urine offers the potential for individuals to screen for everything from prostate cancer to neurological injuries, saving the system billions — and improving the outcomes for patients living with serious conditions.

Measuring muscle mass

In 2018, Rafaela Andrade’s aunt died from injuries sustained in a fall — the result of undiagnosed muscular degeneration. Although her aunt showed no outward signs of weakness, her muscle condition had deteriorated to a dangerous point.

Three years later, fresh from post-doctoral studies in biochemistry and molecular biology at Dalhousie University, Andrade founded Myomar Molecular, a Hailifax-based startup with the ambitious goal of making muscle health as easy to track as blood pressure.

“Muscle is our longevity organ,” says Andrade. It’s about more than strength — muscle supports brain function, protects other organs and plays a role in long-term disease risk. The problem is that monitoring its deterioration typically requires CT or MRI scans, which are expensive, specialist-dependent and hard to access. In Ontario, low-priority patients wait roughly three months for imaging (in Toronto, the delays are even longer).

Myomar’s technology assesses the levels of five biomarkers, amino acids and other compounds that help maintain muscle health. The company already offers at-home tests that get analyzed in a lab, but is developing a rapid version that works like a pregnancy test. Users pee on a stick, watch the colour change and scan the strip with Myomar’s software, which analyzes how well the body is building new protein, how efficiently mitochondria are fuelling muscle function and how quickly tissue is breaking down under stress.

The first rollout will target athletes, for whom even small changes in muscle performance matter. But Andrade sees greater potential in groups that aren’t usually monitored, such as people in perimenopause, who experience muscle decline linked to dropping estrogen levels, and patients on GLP-1 drugs, who often lose muscle mass alongside fat.

Muscle loss leads to complications as you age, including an increased risk of dementia. Andrade’s hope is to help mitigate those risks by catching warning signs early on and providing users with personalized nutritional guidance and access to experts in muscle science. With Health Canada approval secured, Myomar plans to launch its rapid tests in Canada and the U.S. within the year.

Detecting cervical cancer

After CT Murphy endured an especially painful Pap test during her undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo, the nanotechnology engineering student had an idea. Instead of relying on an uncomfortable exam with a speculum — a tool that can be traced back to ancient Rome, the “modern” version of which was tested on enslaved women — could cervical cells be extracted from menstrual blood?

That idea became Cellect, which Murphy co-founded in 2023 with fellow Waterloo student Ibukun Elebute. “Menstrual blood is a thing that we’re taught to collect and dispose of,” says Elebute. “But that means there’s a wealth of health information that we just throw away every month.” Cellect is developing menstrual pads enhanced with nanomaterials that can preserve cervical cells, viral DNA and other biomarkers. Users would then mail the pad in for analysis, offering a less invasive way to screen for cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In Canada, an estimated 1,600 were diagnosed last year, and 400 died from it. Survival rates soar when the disease is caught early, but existing tools leave gaps. Only a third of Canadian women report ever having had an HPV test, which detects high-risk strains of the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers. Barriers include access to family doctors, the flexibility to attend appointments and discomfort with certain exams.

Canada is already moving toward more accessible screening. Last year, British Columbia launched the country’s first at-home HPV self-sampling program. More than 130,000 kits were requested in the first year, nearly one in five by first-time screeners. Alberta started a similar pilot in late 2024, and Prince Edward Island plans to begin a phased rollout next year. Ontario, meanwhile, has switched to HPV testing as its primary method, but for now, the test still requires an in-clinic appointment.

Cellect is aiming to close the gap by adding diagnostics into a product many are already familiar with. The company hopes to have a functional prototype by early 2026 — which, if successful, could become key to Canada’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.

Keeping track of kidney health

Nearly 10 percent of Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that, left unmanaged, can result in serious complications, including heart issues, blindness and nerve damage. Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney failure, the symptoms of which often don’t appear until permanent damage has already set in. Although a simple urine analysis can flag early signs of kidney disease, only 17 percent of Canadians with diabetes test with the recommended frequency. It’s partly a logistical problem: Patients have to pick up a kit from their doctor’s office, fill it at home, then cart a container of warm urine back to the receptionist’s desk. For many, that’s reason enough to avoid the issue entirely.

Healthy.io, a startup based in London, U.K., is working to remove those hurdles. The company’s kit arrives by mail with a recyclable cup, a dipstick and a colour board to calibrate your phone’s camera. The process takes minutes and results are as reliable as lab tests. According to general manager Damian O’Boyle, skeptics doubted that patients could manage the tech. “A lot of the early pushback I’d get from testing sites was, ‘Oh, that’s all very well and good, but my aunt Maude won’t do that with her phone,’” he says.

Aunt Maude, it turns out, did. The company has maintained an average completion rate of 57 percent over the past five years. Users are guided by an in-app avatar that uses images and prompts that are simple enough to be understood by someone reading at a Grade 3 level. The oldest known user to complete the test was 104.

The success of this application prompted O’Boyle and his colleagues to explore additional ways that Healthy.io’s camera tech could improve health outcomes for underserved populations. “We decided to move from the glamour of urine into the glory of wounds,” he says. Like kidney failure, wounds are a complication of diabetes; because of nerve damage, patients may not realize that a benign scrape has become infected until it’s too late. They cost the Canadian system more than $12 billion in 2023. Healthcare providers typically assess wounds with a tape measure, an imprecise method that can vary greatly. Healthy.io has developed a more accurate means of analysis: users upload a short video that the company’s app uses to build a 3D wound model, which allows for more consistent tracking.

The stakes are especially high in rural and Indigenous communities, where kidney failure rates are up to four times higher than the Canadian average, and diabetes-related amputations can be up to 22 times more common than in urban settings. Researchers estimate 85 percent of those amputations are preventable with proper screening. Tools like Healthy.io won’t solve the access gap on their own, but they could give more patients the chance to catch problems before it’s too late.

Caitlin Walsh Miller writes about technology for MaRS. Hospital News has partnered with MaRS to highlight Canadian health innovations.

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Study finds Ontario Clubhouse Model cuts hospitalizations by 78%

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:10 +0700

HN Summary

• A new study led by the University of Toronto found Ontario’s Clubhouse model reduced members’ self-reported mental health hospital days by 78% over two years, from 1,850 to 407 days among 101 participants.

• The reduction in hospital use generated cost savings that more than offset the cost of operating the program, suggesting the model can effectively pay for itself.

• Programs like Progress Place provide wrap-around supports—including employment, education, housing and peer connection—helping people with complex mental health challenges recover in the community.

A new Canadian study is shedding light on a community-based mental health model that not only supports recovery but may also significantly reduce strain on the health-care system.

Published on February 23, 2026, and led by researchers at the University of Toronto, the study presents the first economic evaluation in Canada of the internationally recognized Clubhouse model. The two-year analysis found that participants in an Ontario-based Clubhouse program reported dramatically lower use of hospital services after joining—reducing mental health hospitalizations by 78 per cent.

The evaluation followed 101 members over a two-year period. Before joining the program, these individuals collectively reported spending 1,850 days in hospital. After two years of participation, that number dropped to 407 days. The resulting cost savings to the health system more than offset the cost of operating the program for those new members, suggesting the model has the potential to pay for itself while improving lives.

“Mental illness presents a significant challenge for health systems,” said Dr. Rebecca Hancock-Howard, co-author and adjunct professor at the University of Toronto. “This study shows that the Clubhouse program can play a larger role in the solution given it is cost-effective, provides holistic mental health recovery supports and reduces the time people spend in hospital.”

What is the Clubhouse model?

The Clubhouse model is a community-based approach to mental health recovery designed for people living with serious mental illness. Originating in the mid-20th century and now implemented in hundreds of locations worldwide, the model is built around the idea of membership rather than treatment. Individuals are not considered patients or clients—they are members of a community.

Clubhouses operate as structured, supportive environments where members and staff work side-by-side in the daily operations of the organization. This “work-ordered day” can include administrative tasks, cooking, outreach, employment support and program development. The goal is to foster purpose, routine, skill-building and social connection—factors known to support recovery.

In addition to meaningful daily activity, Clubhouses provide wrap-around services including employment programs, education support, housing assistance and peer support. Many programs, including Toronto’s Progress Place, operate with no wait list and emphasize long-term relationships and community inclusion.

“For more than 40 years, Progress Place’s work has been grounded in the Clubhouse program, providing no wait list wrap-around supports in the community to Ontarians experiencing complex mental health challenges,” said Criss Habal, Executive Director of Progress Place. “The program invites people into an inclusive community where they are surrounded by peers and can access education, skills development, employment and housing—putting them in a better position to begin their mental health recovery journey.”

Economic and social impact

While this is the first Canadian economic evaluation of the Clubhouse model, similar findings have emerged internationally. A recent U.S. study found that individuals with four years of Clubhouse participation who attended three times per month saved an average of $11,374 annually in health-care costs compared to non-participants. For individuals living with schizophrenia, annual savings reached $22,610.

The new Canadian findings arrive at a time when policymakers are searching for scalable, cost-effective solutions to address rising mental health needs. Researchers note that further study is needed to examine the model’s broader economic impact, including effects on employment income and reliance on income support programs such as the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Beyond the financial implications, members describe profound personal change.

“When I was first referred to come here and check it out, I did not know what Progress Place was all about,” said Kobi, a member of the program. “After joining, it gave me a sense of hope and purpose and gave me the courage to go back to work through the employment program. I was unemployed for six years when Progress Place reached out to me to try a transitional employment placement. It gave me a lot of hope and confidence in myself that I could do anything.”

Mental health leaders say the model fills critical gaps in the system—particularly outside traditional office hours.

Dr. Nicole Kozloff, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, highlighted Progress Place’s leadership in evaluation and innovation. In response to increasing loneliness and a lack of after-hours supports, the organization launched a Warm Line—a confidential, non-crisis peer-support service available evenings, weekends and holidays across Ontario. The service now fields more than 20,000 calls annually, offering support that can help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits.

“As a psychiatrist and researcher who studies mental health services, I see firsthand how hard it can be to access high-quality, evidence-based mental health care,” said Dr. Kozloff. “As a Board Member, I’m so proud of the work Progress Place does, and as a mental health provider, I’m grateful that it is there for my patients.”

As Canada continues to grapple with a growing mental health crisis, the findings suggest that community-based recovery models like the Clubhouse approach may offer not only compassion and connection—but measurable system-wide impact.

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We keep fighting addiction at the worst possible moment in a person’s life

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:09 +0700

Governments and health systems organize care around crises, yet recovery is decided by everyday life, and that’s exactly where we fail to invest.

Jonathan first met the health system on the floor of an emergency room.

He’d drunk himself into a crisis, and the team did what they’re trained to do: stabilize, monitor, discharge. He got a lecture. He got a referral. He was given an AA meeting list. Then he got on with the long business of suffering.

For years, Jonathan bounced between moments of crisis and well-intentioned medical appointments that never touched the parts of his life that actually kept him sick. His body was treated; his days were not.

He stopped drinking more than once, but sobriety kept breaking against the same jagged realities – sleep that never settled, routines that never stuck, a home that pulled at old triggers and expectations he simply could not meet.

Eventually, something different happened. He found help that worked on two fronts at once: the “why” (addressing an undiagnosed mental-health challenge he had been trying to numb) and the “how” (the practical skills and supports to make daily life manageable). Recovery finally had somewhere to live. It was the difference between crisis care and the supports that make recovery livable.

Jonathan’s name isn’t really Jonathan. It’s Irving. That person is me.

My name is Irving Gold. I’m sober. I have two adult children, postgraduate degrees, and the privilege of serving as CEO of a national professional healthcare association. And I will always believe my story did not need to take as long to unfold – or cost as much – in time, money and pain, if the right supports had been in place.

Canada keeps funding the ‘crisis middle’ of addiction and mental health – the overdose, the psychiatric emergency, the hospital bed, the treatment centre – and wonders why people return through the same revolving door. We debate involuntary treatment and other crisis-centric policies as if decisiveness alone can substitute for effectiveness.

Meanwhile, we underinvest where outcomes are actually won or lost: the wrap-around services and interventions aimed at prevention or post-crisis supports.

I needed help – making a week, or even a day, that worked. A home that didn’t sabotage me, a consistent way to get to school and work, a plan for triggers and cravings, a schedule that included sleep, meals and meds, and the skills to navigate real-world friction without falling apart.

I also needed someone who could have spotted and addressed the mental-health issues that often drive substance use in the first place – early, not after years of damage.

As a patient in the system, I witnessed first-hand how fundamental systemic changes are needed to help Canadians with addictions. I now bring that lens to my professional life.

I have worked in Canada’s health system for more than 30 years alongside clinicians, leaders and policymakers. A year ago, I became CEO of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, where I see daily how well-entrenched system habits – not a lack of solutions – are standing in the way.

Occupational therapists (OTs) are often the missing link in addiction health and social services.

OTs are trained to focus on people in all their dimensions, and work with them to make daily life liveable. OTs look at the fit between a person, their goals and their environment – and they help change what needs changing in that environment so people can participate in the roles that matter to them: student, parent, worker, neighbour, friend.

In addictions and mental health, that looks like prevention and early support for kids and families; practical, trigger-aware planning for the week after discharge; and hands-on help with housing, routines, transportation, work or school readiness and parenting.

If that sounds like “soft” care next to emergency or addiction medicine, ask anyone who has relapsed because life outside the hospital or treatment centre was impossible to manage. Ask the emergency doctors who keep seeing the same people for the same reasons.

Governments and health systems organize care around crises, yet recovery is decided by everyday life, and that’s exactly where we fail to invest.

So why aren’t OTs part of the default playbook? Habit, mostly, and a lack of awareness of what OTs do and the critical role they play – or could play – in improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Governments and health systems reflexively build solutions around physicians and nurses in crisis settings. Hiring templates, referral forms and program designs often omit OTs or relegate them to “rehab” after the drama is over.

And because we measure wait times and bed days more than we measure whether people are keeping housing, staying in school, or maintaining work, we overlook the professionals who move those outcomes.

We can do better – without pretending we need to invent new solutions. We’ve already trained the workforce.

OTs need to be seen as essential across the whole continuum of care, with embedded roles in primary care and community mental-health hubs, youth and family services, schools, housing and recovery programs and justice transitions. Critically, the moment someone leaves the hospital after an overdose or psychiatric emergency, they should be automatically connected to an OT in the community.

This isn’t about choosing one profession over another. It’s about matching the problem to the skill set.

Emergency teams save lives. Physicians diagnose and prescribe. Psychologists and social workers provide therapies and supports. Occupational therapists make the rest of life work so recovery can stick.

We need all of the health professions. We also need to make the best use of each of them.

I sometimes think about the tally of my own crisis-only years: the emergency visits and admissions, the opportunities missed, the cost to my family and to the system. Multiply that by the thousands of Canadians cycling through the same door and the conclusion writes itself.

Funding prevention and post-medical supports – what OTs do every day – is not only compassionate. It’s fiscally responsible.

We say we want fewer overdoses and fewer mental-health crises. Then we should stop pouring all our energy into the moment of collapse and start investing in the weeks, months and years to make collapse less likely.

Put OTs on the field. We don’t need to wait for another debate about involuntary treatment to do it.

Irving Gold is CEO of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

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How to “green” operating rooms: new guideline advises reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:08 +0700

Reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink can be applied in Canadian operating rooms (ORs) to increase environmental sustainability, advises a new guideline published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

As the Canadian health care system produces almost 5% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and 200 000 tonnes of other pollutants, many generated in ORs, it makes sense to focus on reducing these harms.

An evidence-based guideline that updates guidance from 2020 outlines 21 recommendations that include reducing energy use by turning off lights and heating in ORs when not in use, using reusable surgical devices and gowns, developing recycling programs, and rethinking disposal of unused supplies and older devices.

“Adopting these recommendations will generally confer both environmental and financial benefits, and will often also benefit the people providing and receiving care,” writes Dr. Sarah Ward, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital at Unity Health Toronto and assistant professor, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, with coauthors.

A multidisciplinary team of clinicians, administrators, environmental specialists, and patient partners developed the guideline, with funding from the Department of Surgery and Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health & Sustainable Care, University of Toronto.

Find the full recommendations and an infographic in the guideline.

“Successful implementation will require tailored strategies, and not all recommendations will be feasible for every hospital. Barriers to implementation of these recommendations exist, including limited resources (financial, time, and personnel), staff buy-in, site-specific restrictions (e.g., access to reusable sharps containers, portable nitrous oxide canisters) and administrative restrictions (e.g., OR occupancy sensors, current purchase agreements, space restrictions),” write the authors.

The guideline team hopes that hospitals and surgical departments will act on the recommendations. “Given the large environmental impact of ORs and the danger to human health represented by climate change and other global ecological challenges, we urge those involved in providing surgical care to review this guideline carefully and adopt as many recommendations as are feasible within their own organizations,” they conclude.

“Increasing the environmental sustainability of operating rooms in Canada: an evidence-informed guideline for policy” was published February 9, 2026.

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Admissions for child maltreatment decreased during first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, but ICU admissions increased later

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:07 +0700

Hospital admissions for maltreatment of children under the age of 2 years declined 31% during the 16-week lockdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions lifted, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

However, after the 16-week period of restricted health care access, rates of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for child maltreatment increased by 80%.

“We consider that the observed decrease and subsequent stabilization in hospital admission incidence rate during the pandemic may be attributable to delayed case identification or lack of admissions to investigate more minor injuries, rather than a true decline in the population incidence of child maltreatment — young children experiencing maltreatment that may have warranted hospital admission did not appear to present to care during the period of restricted health care access,” writes pediatrician Dr. Matthew Carwana, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, with coauthors. “This early underdetection, as well as ongoing pandemic-related stress, may have led to the subsequent increase in ICU admissions.”

The strict public health measures enacted during the first period of the pandemic disrupted normal routines, closing schools, restricting access to primary care physicians, and increasing household stress and parental isolation. These factors could lead to increased child maltreatment, yet few studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on child maltreatment.

Researchers from POPCORN (Pediatric Outcomes Improvement Through Coordination of Research Networks) compared hospital admissions in the pandemic period from Mar. 1, 2020, to Mar. 25, 2023, with the prepandemic period (Apr. 3, 2016, to Feb. 29, 2020) using data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) for all provinces and territories except Quebec, and from l’Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) for Quebec. A total of 1518 hospital admissions for child maltreatment occurred in children younger than 2 years out of about 750 000 children in this age range in the country.

As admissions to ICUs increased after the 16-week period of health care restrictions ended, it may indicate child maltreatment during this phase of the pandemic.

“This raises concern that children may have been living in unsafe situations or experiencing abuse that went undetected during the period of the most stringent public health measures. It also highlights the potential importance of hospital admissions for assessment of sentinel injuries consistent with child maltreatment that could prompt action to prevent more severe presentations,” the authors write.

They suggest that, in preparing for potential future pandemics, planners should ensure there are mechanisms to identify cases of child maltreatment, even during periods of public health restrictions.

A practice article in this issue of CMAJ, “Sentinel injuries and indicators of child physical abuse,” provides guidance for clinicians on how to remain vigilant for signs of potential child abuse.

“Hospital admissions for maltreatment among children younger than 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada” and “Sentinel injuries and indicators of child physical abuse” are published February 17, 2026.

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Some Ontarians without family doctor at higher risk of death

Edusehat — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:25:05 +0700

New research led at the University of Ottawa has found Ontarians without a family doctor face a higher risk of death compared to those attached to a physician, a risk which becomes even greater for patients suffering from chronic health conditions.

The study team, led by Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon, Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Clinician Researcher, Institut du Savoir Montfort and Antoine St-Amant, PhD student in Population Health, analyzed the health records of over 12 million Ontarians to decipher how not having a family doctor (being “unattached”) – and for how long – influences mortality, healthcare costs and hospitalizations.

The researchers demonstrated the negative impact that not having a family doctor can have:

• There is an 85 percent increase in risk of death for those who remained unattached to a family doctor vs. those attached for over 15 years.

• Patients with chronic health conditions who do have a family doctor have a five times higher risk of death, which increases to 12 times the risk when the do not have a family doctor.

• Cost and hospitalization outcomes mirrored these patterns.

“We know continuous care is helpful to the well-being of people, but we were surprised by the magnitude of the findings for those without a family doctor, particularly vulnerable patients and those with chronic conditions who do far worse,” says Dr. Fitzsimon, who himself is a family physician in Ottawa’s surrounding Renfrew Country. “The more vulnerable patients without a family doctor ultimately cost the health system approximately double what it does for those attached to a family doctor.”

Researchers surmise that unattached patients may look to coping strategies and alternative care to mitigate their medical reality, with newly unattached patients delaying or spurning care. Long-term unattached patients, meanwhile, may choose to navigate walk-in clinics, emergency departments, self-manage, or rely on alternate clinicians such as specialists and pharmacists.

Ontario’s provincial government pledged to connect every Ontarian to a family doctor or primary care team by 2029 with its Primary Care Act. Dr. Fitzsimon lauds the initiative.

“The Ontario government should be commended for making efforts to address the problem by passing legislation that calls for all Ontarians to have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner by 2029. Our research highlights that whilst universal primary care is the right goal, there is a group of unattached patients with multiple chronic conditions who would have the most benefit of urgent action, both to them and the healthcare system overall,” adds Dr. Fitzsimon.

The research team was composed of Jonathan Fitzsimon, Antoine St-Amant, Michael E Green, Richard H Glazier, Anastasia Gayowsky, Kamila Premji, Eliot Frymire, and Lise M Bjerre.

Primary Care Unattachment; Impact on Mortality, Hospitalizations and Costs was published in Health Affairs Scholar on February 4, 2026.

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From hidden emissions to climate leadership: Tackling nitrous oxide in health care

Edusehat — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:45:10 +0700

HN Summary

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than CO₂, is heavily leaked through outdated centralized hospital systems, with audits showing 70–99% loss — driving avoidable emissions and costs.

• The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care launched Nix the Nitrous, offering toolkits, cost tools, checklists and webinars to support safe system decommissioning.

• Eliminating centralized N₂O systems can significantly cut emissions, reduce expenses and advance health care’s net-zero and public health commitments.

Climate change is widely recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health and wellbeing this century. The health of people and the health of the planet are inseparable. Yet despite its mission to heal, the health care sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts—contributing to the very conditions that undermine health and strain health systems.

Across Canada and globally, hospitals and health organizations are beginning to confront this paradox. From energy use in buildings to supply chains and clinical gases, every aspect of care delivery carries a carbon footprint. One critical opportunity for action is the reduction (preferably elimination) of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a powerful greenhouse gas commonly utilized in health care settings.

N₂O has a global warming potential nearly 300 times that of carbon dioxide and remains in the atmosphere for approximately 114 years. Its long lifespan and high warming potential make even small emissions significant. While once commonly used as an adjunct anesthetic and carrier gas, demand for N₂O has declined considerably with the advent of newer anesthetics and evolving clinical practices. Today, its primary uses are often limited to self-administered conscious sedation during childbirth or pain control in emergency departments.

Despite this reduced demand, many hospitals continue to maintain and operate centralized nitrous oxide supply systems designed decades ago to distribute the gas throughout entire facilities. These systems are notoriously inefficient. Audits conducted in hospitals in Ontario and British Columbia have found that 70–99% of purchased N₂O is lost through leaks in centralized systems. The result is hundreds to thousands of tons of unnecessary emissions per year, along with significant and avoidable financial costs.

In response, many anesthesiologists have already eliminated N₂O from routine clinical practice or moved to portable, point-of-use N₂O tanks, and decommissioning centralized nitrous oxide infrastructure has emerged as one of the most immediate and impactful actions hospitals can take to reduce emissions, cut costs, improve operational efficiency, and mitigate health and safety risks associated with persistent gas leaks.

The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care is one organization that has stepped in to support this meaningful change. The Coalition exists to advance a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and net-zero health system in Canada—one that protects health by reducing environmental harm and strengthening the sector’s ability to respond to climate-related risks.

As part of its Preparing Canada’s Health Care Buildings for Net-Zero project—made possible with investment from the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Implementation Readiness Fund—the Coalition has launched the Nix the Nitrous suite of resources and recognition program.

The Nix the Nitrous resources include:

• Nitrous Oxide Toolkit: Central Supply System Deactivation Guideline – A comprehensive guide outlining best practices for emission reduction and equipment decommissioning.

• Nix the Nitrous Checklist – A quick-reference tool to help facility teams assess current N₂O use, identify improvement opportunities, and track progress toward sustainability goals.

• Decommissioning Cost Estimate Tool – A data-driven resource that supports hospitals in planning and budgeting for infrastructure changes required to eliminate unnecessary centralized systems.

• Educational Webinars – National learning events that brought together energy managers, clinicians, and sustainability leaders to share insights and practical experiences in transitioning away from nitrous oxide use.

Together, these resources provide both the technical guidance and strategic rationale needed to support change at the facility level.

Building on this momentum, the Coalition has officially launched the Nix the Nitrous Recognition Initiative, a national program designed to celebrate health care facilities that are taking action to decommission centralized nitrous oxide systems as part of their decarbonization efforts.

The initiative recognizes facilities at every stage of the journey. Whether a hospital is just beginning to assess its N₂O system, actively decommissioning infrastructure, or has fully completed the process, participation offers an opportunity to be recognized for demonstrating leadership while inspiring others. This Initiative aims to accelerate progress across Canada’s health system and help to normalize decommissioning as best practice while building confidence among peer institutions considering similar action.

Participating facilities will be featured on the Coalition’s website and social media channels and may be invited to share their experiences in a webinar, as well as receive a certificate recognizing their leadership and achievements.

Eliminating unnecessary nitrous oxide systems delivers measurable results. Hospitals can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality, enhance system resilience, and lower maintenance and gas procurement costs—all while aligning with Canada’s national net-zero objectives.

Health care exists to protect and improve health. In an era defined by climate change, that mission must extend beyond the bedside to the systems and infrastructure that support care. Decommissioning centralized nitrous oxide systems and going to point-of-use delivery if it’s still needed is not only a practical emissions-reduction strategy—it is a tangible expression of health care’s commitment to “first, do no harm.”

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Compassionate Care for Older Adults with Dementia

Edusehat — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:45:09 +0700

HN Summary

• Baycrest’s interdisciplinary, resident-centred approach addresses the behavioural symptoms of dementia by identifying and responding to underlying physical, emotional, and environmental needs, rather than relying primarily on antipsychotic medications.

• Staff are trained in non-pharmacological strategies, including Gentle Persuasive Approaches, therapeutic activities, and personalized engagement programs, to safely reduce reliance on antipsychotics and enhance resident quality of life.

• Over the past three years, Baycrest’s efforts have lowered unnecessary antipsychotic use from 30% to under 20%, demonstrating that holistic, individualized care improves outcomes, safety, and dignity for older adults living with dementia.

Managing the behavioural symptoms of dementia remains one of the most complex challenges in geriatric care. Baycrest’s expertise in care for older adults has shaped a more nuanced and evidence-based understanding of how complex, overlapping conditions manifest in aging populations, many of which can be addressed without medication.

Pharmacological interventions are frequently relied upon to address agitation, aggression or psychosis, but their use in aging adults carries well-documented risks. Their overuse also underscores a missed opportunity to address the source of behavioural symptoms of dementia which are often rooted in unmet physical, emotional or environmental needs.

Baycrest’s interdisciplinary team of experts prioritizes holistic, resident-centred care that seeks to assess and address potential underlying causes for changes in behaviour.

After a period of gradual reduction in use, antipsychotic use has been on the rise again in long-term care homes across Canada, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Antipsychotics are often prescribed to manage misunderstood responsive behaviours: actions, words or gestures presented by a person with dementia to respond to something negative, frustrating or confusing in their social and physical environment.

While sometimes necessary, for example in people experiencing psychosis or severe agitation, overreliance on this kind of medication poses serious risks such as sedation, increased falls and even premature death.

At Baycrest’s Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged, we strive to keep the rate of antipsychotic use as low as possible. The first step – a critical one – is to really understand who residents are as people from the person themselves and their families. The better residents are understood, so are their needs and how to address them.

“One of the amazing things we’ve seen through the process of reducing the use of antipsychotic medications in long term care is that it’s not the fancy stuff that makes the difference. The holistic, tailored approach – understanding the individual and incorporating activities that are meaningful and enjoyable – is where the magic is,” reflects Dr. Sid Feldman, Executive Medical Director of Long Term Care and Residential Program and Chief, Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baycrest.

Getting outside, being physically active and engaging in fulfilling activities like listening to music can do wonders as far as meeting the needs of residents and bringing joy to their lives. At Baycrest, this is supported through a range of therapeutic and recreational programs including music therapy, scent therapy, creative arts, pet visits and more, all designed to meet each resident’s individual needs and abilities to engage and foster a sense of purpose.

Baycrest also empowers point of care staff to think critically and creatively about how to deliver resident-centred, tailored care. Nurses, personal support workers (PSWs) and therapeutic recreationists understandably expressed concerns about responsive behaviours when medications are reduced. That’s why they’re provided with training in Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) which builds confidence and practical skills for responding in non-pharmacological ways.

When a committed team works as one, meaningful change becomes possible. That’s why Baycrest’s Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged invests in capacity building initiatives for all members of the care team. Alongside GPA, we offer focused in services on person centred care, mental health in older adults and supporting residents with responsive behaviours. These efforts ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver individualized, compassionate care rooted in understanding each resident rather than simply managing symptoms.

Reducing unnecessary antipsychotic use is a gradual, collaborative process that involves the full interdisciplinary care team, alongside residents and their families. Decisions about medication are made thoughtfully and on a case-by-case basis, informed by clinical expertise, ongoing dialogue and the lived experiences of each resident. This measured approach helps ensure that changes in care are positive, safe and meaningful for each resident.

Baycrest has shown that reducing antipsychotic use leads to better outcomes and safer care. Our efforts have been recognized with an Impact Award as part of Healthcare Excellence Canada’s Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotic Awards Program.

Critically, the success of this work relies on continuous evaluation. Baycrest’s Responsive Behaviours Program applies quality improvement methods to monitor key indicators such as residents admitted on antipsychotics, dose reductions, medications discontinued and as-needed (PRN) medications removed, ensuring interventions are effective and tailor to each resident’s needs.

This approach has made a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and staff alike. By focusing on personalized care, empowering staff and applying quality improvement methods to guide and evaluate change, Baycrest reduced the use of unnecessary antipsychotic medications from 30 per cent to under 20 per cent in the last three years. It’s a reminder that when health care professionals listen, support and innovate together, they can create safer, more dignified care for those who need it most.

Tejas Patel, Manager, Baycrest’s Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged oversees programs that support person-centred care for older adults living with dementia. Tejas leads the Responsive Behaviours Program, applying methods to enhance resident well-being and safety.

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Hospital to Home program aims to reduce ER visits

Edusehat — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:45:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Windsor Regional Hospital, in partnership with SE Health, has launched the Hospital to Home (H2H) program to support patients for up to 16 weeks after discharge, aiming to reduce Emergency Department visits and hospital readmissions through wrap-around home and community care.

• Funded through the Ontario government’s $1.1-billion home care investment, the program targets patients at risk of Alternate Level of Care (ALC) designation, those with frequent ED visits or complex discharges, and individuals needing restorative or rehabilitative support.

• Since onboarding its first patient in October 2025, H2H has supported 115 patients, with more than 230 expected by March 2026, strengthening continuity of care and helping patients remain safely and independently at home.

Windsor Regional Hospital, in partnership with SE Health, has launched Hospital to Home (H2H) – an innovative approach to help patients transition safely from a hospital stay back into their homes.

Funding for this new program, which provides wrap-around services for up to 16 weeks of care following discharge from WRH, comes from a provincewide $1.1-billion home care investment by the province, which was announced in advance of the government’s Fall Economic Statement.

The goal of the program, launching at hospitals around Ontario, is to expand access to care at home for patients who no longer require acute care in a hospital setting, while also reducing avoidable return visits to the Emergency Department and hospital readmissions.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this new program for our patients, which improves patient outcomes and independence at home,” said WRH President and CEO Karen Riddell. “Our ageing population requires unique and improved approaches to ensuring patients have the supports they need when leaving our facilities. This program provides excellent patient-centered support while at the same time, reducing hospital pressures and ensuring beds are available for acute care needs.”

WRH is proud to partner with SE Health, a national, not-for-profit social enterprise and a catalyst for H2H Programs, to help connect patients with community-based services in the home and social support services, providing holistic care from nurses, PSWs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, social workers and dietitians.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Windsor Regional Hospital on this innovative and integrated model that is redefining how we deliver authentic, people-centered care,” said John Yip, SE Health President and CEO. “At SE Health, we know home care is a proven catalyst for system efficiency. By expanding services and strengthening programs like Hospital to Home, we reduce hospital pressures, shorten lengths of stay, and improve patient flow. Every dollar invested in home care multiplies its impact – delivering high-quality care where people want it most, while optimizing resources across the health system.”

“This nearly $2-million investment ensures patients can receive high-quality care in the comfort of their own homes,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “The Hospital to Home program strengthens recovery support, improves outcomes, and reflects our government’s commitment to expanding home and community care across Ontario.”

“The Ontario government continues to make important investments to provide Ontarians with care where and when the need it,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for the riding of Essex.

The H2H program is specifically designed to assist:

• Patients at risk of becoming or already designated as Alternate Level of Care (ALC), which means they have completed their acute care stay in the hospital and are ready for discharge with appropriate supports.

• Patients with frequent Emergency Department visits or complex discharges.

• Patients who can benefit from restorative, rehabilitative or reactivation support.

Eligible patients must live at a Windsor or Essex County address and require at least two identified services at home.

Patients are referred by their in-patient unit or from the Emergency Department to WRH’s H2H team, which assesses and then develops a transitional care plan with the patient, their family and providers. WRH team members will check in with the patients over the course of their interdisciplinary care at home; after the completion of their care plan they will transition to community supports provided by Ontario Health at Home should they require ongoing home care.

The H2H team works closely with primary providers and ensures follow-up appointments are secured to foster the continuum of care within two weeks of discharge. For individuals without a primary care physician, a WRH physician follows them in the community until they are attached to a primary care provider, and a follow-up appointment within the two-week timeframe is confirmed. Continued collaboration between community physicians and the H2H program supports coordinated care, reduces emergency department use, and helps people remain safe at home longer.

The first patient for this startup program was onboarded on October 30, 2025. Since that time, 115 patients have been registered in the program and we expect to onboard more than 230 patients by March 31, 2026.

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Is calling physicians ‘providers’ an ethics issue?

Edusehat — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:20:04 +0700

If you hate when physicians are called providers, you now have a new reason to be annoyed: It may be an ethics issue.

That’s the stance of a new position paper issued by the American College of Physicians, which looks at the ethical implications of lumping physicians in with other clinicians and calling them all providers. The paper, which was published in Annals of Internal Medicine, is urging clinicians, health systems, and policymakers to stop using the term “provider” to describe physicians.

The paper argues that the term “provider” diminishes physicians’ professional identity by reframing the patient–physician relationship as a commercial transaction. The relationship should be an ethical partnership, the thinking goes, so calling physicians providers undermines physicians’ clinical integrity and professionalism.

“The term provider is derogatory because it diminishes the physician-patient relationship,” ACP President Jason M. Goldman, MD, said in a press release. The organization argues that the term blurs important distinctions between the ethical practice of medicine and commercial service delivery, referring to the effect as “deprofessionalization.”

The paper also urges physicians to avoid using terms like “covered lives” and patient “leakage,” which focus on health care as an “industry.”

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How Health Care Leaders Can Build a Robust AI Risk Management Framework

Edusehat — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 02:45:04 +0700

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from pilot projects to enterprise-wide deployment in health care. From clinical decision support to revenue cycle optimization, AI promises efficiency and improved outcomes. Yet it also introduces new risks — clinical, operational, ethical and regulatory — that hospital and health leaders cannot afford to overlook.

The Current Framework

In 2025, Health Canada emphasized that AI- and machine learning-enabled medical devices require rigorous life cycle oversight, including transparency, performance monitoring and real-world evaluation. While the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act did not pass into law, the federal government has created an implementation guide to help organizations identify and manage AI-related risks in a structured way.

Against this backdrop, health care executives must know how to translate high-level principles into an operational, system-wide AI risk management framework.

Start With Governance and Accountability

Health care organizations should establish a multidisciplinary AI oversight committee that includes clinical leaders, compliance officers, IT, data scientists, risk managers and patient safety representatives. This body should define:

Who approves AI tools before procurement.
What evidence is required for adoption.
How performance and bias are monitored post-deployment.
When and how models are retrained or retired.

AI risk management is not a once-and-done review. It is an ongoing process. AI-enabled systems can evolve over time, requiring continuous evaluation rather than static validation.

Conduct Structured Risk Assessments

Before deployment, hospitals should conduct formal risk assessments tailored to AI-specific issues, including:

Data provenance and representativeness.
Model transparency and explainability.
Clinical validation and performance in local populations.
Bias, equity and unintended consequences.
Cybersecurity and data privacy controls.

Health systems should integrate AI review into existing enterprise risk management and quality structures, rather than treating it as a siloed IT issue.

Embed Continuous Monitoring

Post-implementation monitoring is critical. AI systems may degrade over time due to data drift, population changes or evolving clinical practices. To ensure AI systems remain safe, equitable and aligned with ethical standards, health care organizations should implement:

Real-time performance dashboards.
Defined thresholds for acceptable error rates.
Escalation pathways for adverse events.
Regular bias and fairness audits.

Use URAC to Create a Risk Management Framework for AI in Your Health System

One practical answer is to align your program with an established accreditation body that has formalized standards for AI governance in health care. URAC offers an AI accreditation program designed to recognize responsible AI practices in health care.

The organization provides recognition that “clearly symbolizes your organization’s commitment to health care quality improvement,” emphasizing standards designed to promote transparency, accountability and responsible innovation. “We seek to inspire health organizations and communities to deliver a higher level of care,” says Shawn Griffin, MD, URAC President and CEO.

For health care leaders, partnering with URAC can help operationalize AI risk management through key features embedded in the process.

Strong AI governance: The program requires and supports you in creating a well-defined structure for AI initiatives.
Risk management prioritization: A comprehensive risk assessment is a central component of accreditation.
Focus on health equity: Accreditation requires organizations to actively identify and mitigate biases in their AI models.
Life cycle management: The process includes everything from initial data inputs and model development to ongoing performance monitoring and adjustments over time.
Validation and transparency: URAC’s standards require organizations to validate AI performance to ensure accuracy and reliability, and to use it transparently.

As a reputable independent third party, URAC accreditation provides an external validation of your health system’s commitment to responsible AI use. This can enhance trust among patients, providers and payers and serve as a competitive differentiator in the market. Accreditation can be completed in as little as six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions regarding AI risk management framework in health systems.

Who should own AI risk management in a health system?

Organizations should create a multidisciplinary governance committee with executive accountability.

Is accreditation required to deploy AI?

While not legally required in most cases, accreditation strengthens credibility and oversight.

How often should AI systems be reviewed?

AI systems should be continuously monitored and undergo formal reviews at defined intervals.

Integrate AI Risk Management Into Enterprise Strategy

By integrating AI risk management into existing governance structures and aligning with recognized accreditation standards, health care systems can scale innovation while maintaining clinical integrity and public trust. AI is now operational, not experimental, in health care. The organizations that thrive will be those that treat AI governance as core infrastructure, building trust and accreditation as they go.

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New drug target offers hope in fight against antibiotic-resistant E. coli

Edusehat — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:10:04 +0700

A University of Alberta research team has identified a new drug target to treat harmful E. coli bacteria — which cause nearly 250,000 deaths a year from urinary tract infections (UTI) and are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Recently published research in Nature Communications shows how the protease known as GlpG, located in the cellular membrane, is central to the bacteria’s ability to infect human cells and resist treatment.

“This protease in pathogenic E. coli is essential for the formation of virulence factors known as pili, little hair-like appendages that sit on the bacterial surface and help the bacteria adhere to tissues,” explains principal investigator Joanne Lemieux, professor of biochemistry and vice-dean of research for the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. “It also plays a key role in the formation of biofilms that protect bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics, leading to persistent and chronic infection.”

The team showed that when they inhibited GlpG protease in pathogenic E. coli, they prevented bacterial adhesion and invasion into bladder and kidney cells. It stopped the formation of protective biofilms and eradicated biofilms that had started to form.

Lemieux’s lab is now focused on developing new drugs that will inhibit the protease in pathogenic E. coliwhile leaving helpful E. coli in the gut untouched.

The global death rate due to UTIs increased by 140 per cent between 1990 and 2019 largely because of the rise of resistance to classes of commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Lemieux says antimicrobial resistance is now a global emergency.

“It’s anticipated that by 2050, deaths due to antimicrobial resistance will equal those due to cancer,” Lemieux says, noting the World Health Organization has listed E. coli as a pathogen of critical concern.

It is urgent that we invest in developing antibacterial countermeasures now, because the drug discovery pipeline does take a long time. Understanding the virulence factors for pathogenic E. coli is the first step.

– M. Joanne Lemieux

(Photo: John Ulan)

“UTI infections don’t affect just women,” Lemieux says. “There are pediatric patients with chronic UTIs. Both male and female patients with catheters get urinary tract infections. People are surviving kidney cancer treatment and kidney disease, but then succumbing to urosepsis.”

Lemieux says pathogenic E. coli are also implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ureter stent blockages, which currently require surgical replacement.

She says it’s encouraging to be able to identify a new target against the bacteria because up to one-fifth ofE.coli infections are already resistant to antibiotics. Protease inhibitors are already in use as medications to treat other diseases such as blood disorders, HIV and COVID-19.

Lemieux collaborated with colleagues from biochemistry, medical microbiology and pediatrics for this research. The paper’s first author, Jimmy Lu, did the work as part of his PhD thesis and is now a Mitacs post-doctoral fellow with industry partner Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation, working in Lemieux’s lab.

She admits drug development can take up to 10 years, but her lab gained experience in this area during the pandemic and holds several patents for new antiviral drugs.

”UTI is an infectious disease that’s so common people take for granted that there’s going to be an antibiotic there for them,” Lemieux says. “It is urgent that we invest in developing antibacterial countermeasures now, because the drug discovery pipeline does take a long time. Understanding the virulence factors for pathogenic E. coli is the first step.”

M. Joanne Lemieux is executive director of the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness. She is a member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology. Funding for this research came from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship. The work was also supported by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Alberta Women’s Health Foundation through WCHRI and Striving for Pandemic Preparedness – The Alberta Research Consortium.

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Are you using ‘shadow AI’ in your practice?

Edusehat — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:00:03 +0700

A new survey found that more than 40% of health care clinicians and administrators know of a colleague using “shadow AI”—technology that hasn’t been approved or vetted by their organizations—and many have used similar technology themselves.

A Wolters Kluwer survey of more than 500 clinicians and health care executives found that 41% know a colleague using unapproved AI. Seventeen percent admitted they’ve used unapproved technology themselves, and 40% had encountered unapproved AI tools at work but chose not to use them.

When the survey asked why people used unapproved AI tools, almost 50% said they were trying to work faster. One in three cited said there were no approved AI tools or that tools that had been approved didn’t work well.

Among clinicians using shadow AI, 26% said they were experimenting and using the tools out of curiosity. And 42% of clinicians acknowledged that “inaccurate outputs” were a risk of using AI tools.

The fear is that using unauthorized tech of any kind—not just AI—can create security oversight challenges and expose health care organizations to security breaches and data privacy violations. When asked to rank the risks of using AI, clinicians and administrators in the survey chose patient safety, privacy and data breaches.

The survey also found that only 9% of clinicians said they had any role in reviewing, developing or updating their organization’s AI policies.

The Wolters Kluwer survey backs up previous research looking at the use of AI in health care. A study released in December by Black Book Market Research, for example, found that 58% of front-line clinicians admitted to using generic AI tools like ChatGPT for work-related tasks at least once in the previous 30 days. Thirty-nine percent said they used those tools weekly or more often.

That earlier research found that clinicians were using unauthorized AI for tasks like drafting e-mails and other internal communication, creating patient education materials, summarizing complex clinical information and drafting portal messages for patients.

Among clinicians using unauthorized AI tools, 17% in the earlier survey admitted that they “sometimes or often” include identifiable patient information.

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For one rural hospital, a telehospitalist service has been a game changer

Edusehat — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:00:07 +0700

A hospital in rural South Carolina has found success with a telehospitalist service that has allowed it to avoid hiring locum physicians while posting solid results on metrics like length of stay and readmissions.

When MUSC Health Black River Medical Center opened its doors in January of 2023, the hospital launched a telehospitalist service to care for admissions to its 25 inpatient beds. Instead of trying to hire staff physicians (or more likely locums), the hospital hired a small group of telehospitalist physicians to work with on-site APPs.

A Journal of Hospital Medicine article reviewing Black River’s telehospitalist program said MUSC created the service to offer high-quality care to the community while ensuring “the financial stability of the rural hospital.” The article also noted that since 2005, four rural hospitals have closed in South Carolina, including two hospitals that used to operate near the new facility in Black River.

How the program works

Each day, APPs round on patients before talking to physicians on the phone for “table rounds.” The team reviews patient charts using the hospital’s EHR on the calls and discusses the hospital’s full census. The telehospitalist and the APP then do live video patient rounds.

APPs take care of documentation and billing at the hospital. Physicians provide in-person consults (on certain days) for general surgery, orthopedic surgery, GI and podiatry. Consults for ID, neurology and palliative care take place via telemedicine.

The telehospitalist service typically has a census of about 30 patients. That number includes patients at Black River and at another small rural hospital.

Telehospitalist stats

The authors of the JHM article said that during the hospital’s first 18 months, the telehospitalist service discharged 84% of all the hospital’s admissions. Hospitalists had an average daily census of 14.3, a length of stay of 3.4 days for all inpatients, a mortality index of 0.14 and a 30-day readmission rate of 8%.

Compared to similar size hospitals, the JHM piece said, Black River’s overall performance ranked consistently in the top 25% of hospitals as measured by Vizient, a national health care performance improvement company. And in the first 18 months the hospital was open, admissions grew not only in terms of overall numbers, but in the number of patients covered by Medicare and private insurance.

Community acceptance

The telehospitalist program at Black River was not the Medical University of South Carolina’s first dive into telemedicine.

The MUSC network runs a telehealth center that has received national recognition. The system operates more than 100 different telehealth services in nearly 350 sites and in patients’ homes across South Carolina.

Telemedicine might be old hat for MUSC, but the community surrounding Black River was less familiar with the concept of telehospitalists. The hospital met multiple times with local PCPs to explain how telemedicine would provide high-quality care. The hospital also hosted a gala to introduce the model to business leaders.

Despite those efforts, the authors of the JHM piece said they could have spent more time “gaining the support” of PCPs and explaining how the telehospitalist model would focus on high-quality care and introducing the concept of virtual care to other key stakeholders in the community.

Nonvirtual staff

While Black River went with a virtual model of care for its hospitalist team, the hospital nonetheless experienced challenges with nonvirtual staff.

The JHM article, for example, noted the telehospitalist team’s productivity was at times crippled by nursing shortages. The telehospitalist service could have taken more admissions, but a lack of nursing support drove down their daily census.

Another limitation of the telehospitalist team had to do with procedures. Because APPs can’t do procedures, the hospital reached an agreement to have the onsite emergency medicine physician do urgent procedures like intubations, central line placements and lumbar puncture.

More on the telehospitalist service at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center is available in the Journal of Hospital Medicine review of the program.

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For one rural hospital, its telehospitalist service has been a game changer

Edusehat — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:35:06 +0700

How the program works

The telehospitalist service typically has a census of about 30 patients. That number includes patients at Black River and at another small rural hospital.

Telehospitalist stats

Community acceptance

The telehospitalist program at Black River was not the Medical University of South Carolina’s first dive into telemedicine.

Nonvirtual staff

While Black River went with a virtual model of care for its hospitalist team, the hospital nonetheless experienced challenges with nonvirtual staff.

More on the telehospitalist service at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center is available in the Journal of Hospital Medicine review of the program.

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One hospital’s success rolling out a telehospitalist service

Edusehat — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:20:07 +0700

How the program works

The telehospitalist service typically has a census of about 30 patients. That number includes patients at Black River and at another small rural hospital.

Telehospitalist stats

Community acceptance

The telehospitalist program at Black River was not the Medical University of South Carolina’s first dive into telemedicine.

Nonvirtual staff

While Black River went with a virtual model of care for its hospitalist team, the hospital nonetheless experienced challenges with nonvirtual staff.

More on the telehospitalist service at MUSC Health Black River Medical Center is available in the Journal of Hospital Medicine review of the program.

The post One hospital’s success rolling out a telehospitalist service appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

A look at what pediatric hospitalists think of gender bias

Edusehat — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:25:04 +0700

While a new study found that most pediatric hospitalists say they’re happy with their careers, researchers also found that nearly one-third reported experiencing gender bias in the workplace. Most of the discrimination was gender bias, the study found, and most of it was reported by women.

Research published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine found that 77% of pediatric hospitalists were satisfied with their career and that 72% said they would choose their specialty as a career again. But not all female pediatric hospitalists shared those sentiments.

Female pediatric hospitalists, for example, were significantly more likely than their male colleagues to report being excluded from professional opportunities. They were also more likely to report being paid less than men, being excluded from making administrative decisions and facing disparities in promotions.

Here’s a look at the data—and what female pediatric hospitalists had to say about gender bias.

Gender bias and pediatric hospitalists

Of the nearly one-third of respondents who reported experiencing bias or discrimination in the workplace, most were women. Researchers noted that this wasn’t the first report of gender bias or discrimination in a specialty that’s so heavily populated by women. (Women make up about 73% of the pediatric hospitalist workforce.)

Other studies of female-dominated specialties like ob-gyn and pediatrics, for example, found that as many as 50% of female physicians reported gender discrimination. In one of those studies, by comparison, only 4% of men voiced similar complaints.

In the Journal of Hospital Medicine study, women were more likely than men to “perceive gender-specific biases or obstacles in the work environment” (45.5% for women compared to 26.5% for men). Women were also more likely to have experienced gender bias in promotions (40.8% vs. 10.9%).

When pediatric hospitalists were asked if they experienced any gender advantage in professional advancement, even men seemed to acknowledge the disparity. Among men, for example, 46.8% agreed that they personally experienced “gender advantage in professional advancement.” Only 3.6% of women agreed with the statement.

Researchers pointed to other signs of gender bias that female pediatric hospitalists face. More than one-quarter of all respondents, for example, said they were “treated with disrespect by other physicians or colleagues,” and 16.5% of all respondents said they were “treated with disrespect by nursing or other support staff.” Women were more likely than men to agree to both items.

Data in the study pointed to decreased career satisfaction among respondents. Fewer women than men, for example, agreed with the statement, “I am satisfied with my work-life balance. While 61% of men agreed with the statement, the number was 48% for female pediatric hospitalists.

Researchers noted that women were less likely than men to agree with these other statements: “My pay and benefits are equivalent to my peers,” “I was fairly considered for a promotion or senior management” and “I was included in administrative decision making.”

When discussing the findings of gender bias, one of the study’s conclusions was that “a high percentage of women in a specialty does not, in itself, protect against gender bias.”

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How do health care professionals determine eligibility for MAiD?

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:40:09 +0700

How do health care professionals in Canada assess applicants for medical assistance in dying (MAiD)? A research article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) describes the careful approach currently used to determine eligibility, and an analysis article suggests an approach to eligibility assessments for advance requests for MAiD — which are currently available in Quebec and being considered elsewhere in Canada.

In 2021, Canada revised MAiD legislation to include eligibility for people who do not have a reasonably foreseeable natural death. This can include people with a serious, incurable illness, disease, or disability; who are in advanced, irreversible decline; and who have physical or psychological suffering that cannot be addressed to the person’s satisfaction. These people may be eligible for MAiD under Track 2; Track 1 includes those with a reasonably foreseeable natural death.

The study included interviews with 23 health care professionals who assess eligibility for MAiD in 4 Canadian provinces. Of these, 14 were physicians and 9 were nurse practitioners.

“Participants in this study provided nuanced accounts of the care and thoroughness that characterized these assessments and how they made the complex legal and moral decisions when reviewing an application for MAiD under Track 2,” writes Dr. Barbara Pesut, a professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan’s School of Nursing, Kelowna, BC, with coauthors. “Alongside this individualized approach, assessors described a difficult process within their practice communities of developing a common understanding of the Track 2 MAiD legislation and a desire to ensure a consistent approach to determine eligibility.”

Assessors viewed the process and considerations to determine Track 2 eligibility as sometimes legally and morally complex. Understanding the patient’s life circumstances and support networks as well as their personal preferences were also important considerations when assessing for eligibility.

“Participants reported conducting their assessments carefully and thoroughly by taking a relational autonomy approach to assessment, determining capacity, managing the 90-day assessment period, and communicating a decision of eligibility. All providers involved in the care of those living with serious and irremediable conditions should seek to fully understand applicants’ suffering experience,” the authors conclude.

An analysis article suggests an approach that could be used to determine the presence of intolerable suffering for advance requests for MAiD by people with dementia.

“The assessor must confirm suffering is present, but this interpretation should be influenced by the patients’ values, wishes, and goals of care. This is a pragmatic approach that we consider to meet the concerns on both sides of the debate surrounding contemporary suffering,” write Drs. Timothy Holland, a family physician and head of the Bioethics Department at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, and Mathieu Moreau, a family physician working in palliative care, Bureau de l’éthique clinique, Université de Montréal, Que.

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Gene mutation in blood-forming cells may improve cancer immunotherapy results

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:40:07 +0700

Researchers at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have found that inactivation of the TET2 (Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2) gene in immune cells improves the response of immunotherapy — a type of treatment that helps the immune system attack cancer cells — in certain cancer models. These results could lead to a marker that predicts how well immunotherapy for cancer will work.

TET2 is an important regulator of gene expression and is frequently altered in clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a condition in which a mutated blood stem cell makes many identical copies of itself. Although CH can lead to cancers such as leukemia, it is still unclear how CH affects tumour biology, cancer outcomes, and response to treatments, such as immunotherapy. TET2 inactivation is associated with improved function of immunotherapy involving T-cells — immune cells that find and destroy infected or abnormal cells — and can boost immunity.

These links to immunity led the research team to investigate how TET2 mutations impact responses to cancer immunotherapy approaches like immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), in which drugs inhibit proteins that are normally responsible for keeping the immune system in check. This then enables immune cells to kill cancer cells.

Using preclinical cancer models, the study found that TET2 mutations in blood-forming cells enhanced the ICB response, but only in the presence of special immune cells that help fight infections and cancer, including phagocytes, CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells. TET2-mutant immune cells respond to ICB therapy by shifting away from tumour-promoting states toward tumour-fighting states. This mutation led to the activation of T-cells and led to the development of stronger “memory” to recognize cancer in some immune cells, along with fewer signs of fatigue or suppression in these cells.

Clinical data reinforced these findings: tumours from colorectal cancer and melanoma patients with TET2-related CH showed higher immune activity. In melanoma patients receiving ICB, those with TET2 mutations were six times more likely to benefit from treatment.

These results suggest TET2 mutations could serve as a marker for personalized immunotherapy, potentially guiding treatment decisions in the future. A deeper understanding of how TET2 inactivation improves immunotherapy responses could someday lead to new, synergistic treatments.

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Lithium study yields insights in the fight against HIV

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:40:06 +0700

Study in human cells finds low-cost drug keeps virus dormant through an unexpected pathway, pointing the way to new treatments

Lithium, a widely used treatment for bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, has shown early promise in suppressing HIV, McGill University researchers report.

A new study published in iScience found lithium can prevent infected cells from reactivating, and that it does so through an unexpected biological mechanism.

The findings point toward future treatments designed to mimic lithium’s beneficial effects while avoiding its broader impacts on the body.

“One major thrust in HIV cure research is asking whether existing drugs can be repurposed. Because lithium is inexpensive and already approved for other uses, it offers a faster starting point than developing a new drug from scratch,” said senior author Andrew Mouland, Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine and Head of the HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Laboratory at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research.

The results do not mean people with HIV should take lithium, he said. The psychoactive drug can cause significant side effects and has not yet been tested in humans as an HIV treatment.

A step toward a ‘functional cure’

An estimated 40.8 million people around the world were living with HIV in 2024. Even with effective antiretroviral therapy, the virus can remain hidden in immune cells and rebound if daily treatment stops.

A “functional cure” aims to overcome this challenge. Rather than eliminating the virus entirely, the goal is to keep HIV dormant, so it cannot restart infection, potentially reducing the need for continuous daily medication.

“In our experiments, lithium directly suppressed HIV reactivation in lab-grown human cells, something that had not been clearly demonstrated before,” said first author Ana-Luiza Abdalla, who conducted the work as a PhD student at McGill and is now a postdoctoral fellow at the Montreal Neurological Institute.

The team also gained new insights into the mechanism involved.

Earlier research suggested lithium might work by activating autophagy, the cell’s recycling system. Because many drugs studied in HIV cure research affect this pathway, scientists assumed autophagy was responsible for keeping the virus dormant.

This study challenges that assumption, made possible by a fluorescence-based test developed by University of Manitoba researcher Thomas Murooka that allows scientists to distinguish between dormant and active virus in cells.

“What surprised us was that the effect persisted even when we disrupted autophagy,” Abdalla said. “That suggests other pathways are involved, possibly ones HIV relies on to restart.”

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Slower-walking seniors at risk for falls benefit most from home-based exercise program

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 04:40:04 +0700

HN Summary

• New research shows a home-based strength and balance exercise program can significantly reduce falls in older adults with a history of falls, particularly among those with slower walking speeds.

• Participants with gait speeds below 0.8 m/s experienced about 35% fewer falls at six months, highlighting gait speed as a powerful indicator for identifying who benefits most from targeted fall-prevention interventions.

• Findings support prioritizing tailored, accessible exercise programs for higher-risk seniors, reinforcing gait speed as a practical clinical tool and underscoring the importance of long-term adherence to improve mobility, cognitive function, and independence.

Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization among adults over the age of 65 in Canada. Worldwide, about a third of older adults fall each year, with many requiring medical care to recover or losing their capacity to live independently. New research led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) investigator Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jordyn Rice suggests that a home-based exercise program could significantly reduce the risk of future falls in older adults with history of falls, particularly among those with slow walking speed.

Published in the Physical Therapy Journal, the study examined whether gait speed — how fast a person normally walks — could help identify who is most likely to benefit from a progressive strength and balance training exercise program. The study involved 334 older adults over the age of 70 who had experienced a fall and were receiving care at the Vancouver General Hospital Falls Prevention Clinic.

Participants were randomly assigned either a home-based exercise program focused on strength and balance or to standard care recommendations that did not involve a targeted strength and balance program. Those in the exercise group completed individualized training with periodic follow-ups to monitor progress and ensure safety.

The research team found that participants with slow gait speeds below 0.8 metres per second experienced approximately 35 per cent fewer falls over six months — the halfway mark of the study — compared to those with normal gait speeds of over 0.8 metres per second.

“This significant improvement shows that there was a clear benefit for individuals in the home-based exercise program,” says Rice.

However, at the 12-month end point of the exercise intervention, adherence slowly declined, notes Liu-Ambrose. This, she says, highlights the importance of designing and implementing exercise interventions with strategies to promote adherence over time.

These findings suggest that slower gait speeds among older adults could serve as an important risk factor for falls and target for prioritized fall-prevention resources and tailored interventions, says Liu-Ambrose.

Tailoring interventions to improve quality of life

Gait speed is considered the “sixth vital sign” in geriatric medicine and is increasingly recognized as a simple yet powerful indicator of health and function in older adults. Slower walking speeds are often linked to muscle weakness and poor balance, along with a greater risk of hospitalization, disability and mortality.

“Gait speed is a feasible measurement tool to integrate into everyday clinical or community practice,” shares Liu-Ambrose. “All we need to calculate a person’s gait speed is four metres of space and a stopwatch.”

Notably, participants with slower gait speeds also showed improvements in mobility and processing speed — how quickly the brain takes in and responds to information. These findings support growing evidence that physical and cognitive systems interact to influence fall risk.

“There is a strong connection between our physical and cognitive health,” explains Liu-Ambrose. “Exercise is an excellent approach for fall prevention because it supports both the body and the brain.”

The team’s findings highlight opportunities to refine fall prevention strategies. Because adults with slower gait speeds often have greater baseline deficits, i.e., start from a point of being less fit, they may experience larger benefits from structured strength and balance training.

“Our study suggests that this group of older adults should receive priority access to physical therapy services to retrain their strength and balance,” says Liu-Ambrose. “These individuals also need further support to help them adhere to the exercise program over the long-term.”

Home-based programs offer an accessible way to deliver these benefits. They allow early and ongoing intervention following someone’s first fall — a period when individuals are at highest risk of experiencing a subsequent fall — and can help older adults remain independent for longer.

Future research could explore ways to enhance exercise program adherence over time, integrate gait-speed assessment more routinely into clinical and community health settings and expand access to evidence-based exercise programs, Liu-Ambrose says.

“It is never too late to benefit from exercise.”

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Healing wounds through community and continuity of care

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:15 +0700

HN Summary

• Humber River Health’s outpatient Vascular Clinic delivers preventative, community-rooted wound care, providing continuous specialist follow-up for patients with chronic and complex vascular wounds in a high-needs population.

• A highly collaborative, multidisciplinary model keeps patients out of the Emergency Department, coordinating care between vascular surgeons, nurses, primary care providers, and community partners to manage wounds at the lowest appropriate acuity.

• By integrating hospital and community pathways, the clinic improves equity, continuity, and outcomes, empowering patients to participate in their own care while preserving emergency capacity and supporting system-wide efficiency.

This past summer, in partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook’s Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program welcomed the inaugural student cohort of The Next Neuroscientist, a program that provides TCHC tenants in grades 11 and 12 with a hands-on research experience in neuroscience labs.

“The medical field is very competitive and accessible training programs can help young students get a head start,” explains Dr. Karim Mithani, Neurosurgery Resident at Sunnybrook and Founder of The Next Neuroscientist program. “The Next Neuroscientist provides talented students with valuable experience at a critical point in their academic journeys.”

The Next Neuroscientist helps give participants the academic and professional skills necessary to pursue careers in science and health care, through immersive lab placements, mentorship and skill-building activities. This year’s students, Ahmed, Caleb, Nabayt and Nathan, have had the opportunity to work on focused research projects, while collaborating closely with our interprofessional research and clinical teams in cutting-edge labs.

“I’ve always had an interest in science and biology, and The Next Neuroscientist program has been a great opportunity to push myself forward in this field and learn how research is conducted,” says Ahmed.

“Science is never-ending, there’s always something to learn,” adds Nabayt. “I think that’s one of the best parts of The Next Neuroscientist program; In research you get to be a part of new discoveries that can influence life-changing treatments.”

“Working in a research lab has been one of the coolest experiences,” adds Nathan. “I know that I want to pursue a career in medicine and this program has shown me the different work or pathways I can explore in the field.”

Programs like The Next Neuroscientist, can have a significant impact on the diversity and success of medical students by breaking common barriers to access. Our health-system is meant to care for everyone, and its workplace should reflect the diversity of Ontario and Canada’s population.

“Youth living in Toronto Community Housing and interested in STEM careers are some of the brightest students in the city,” explains Arsema Berhane, Director of Programs and Partnerships at TCHC. “But what many of them lack are strong mentors, industry connections, and practical guidance that would help them along their journey. We believe The Next Neuroscientist bridges this gap.”

The Next Neuroscientist was inspired by The Next Surgeon, a sister-program with Unity Health Toronto, TCHC, Office of Access and Outreach – Temerty Faculty of Medicine and UpSurge launched in 2022, which is also aimed at providing high schoolers with hands-on experience in a medical environment and diversifying the health-care system. It is the hope that these programs can expand to more organizations and provide more youth with valuable experience to help kickstart their futures in health care.

“Innovation at Sunnybrook and in health care in general is made possible by the work of many clinical and research roles coming together,” says Dr. Nir Lipsman, Chief of the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program. “Programs like The Next Neuroscientist, enable students who are interested in medicine and science to gain valuable exposure to medical innovation in a way that inspires them to pursue their goals.”

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HHS one of new hospitals nationwide treating the heart with radiation

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:13 +0700

HN Summary

• Innovative, non-invasive heart treatment: Hamilton Health Sciences is among a small number of hospitals worldwide offering stereotactic arrhythmia radiation therapy (STAR), using targeted radiation to treat life-threatening ventricular tachycardia in patients who have exhausted standard options.

• Collaboration across specialties: The program brings together cardiology and cancer experts at Hamilton General Hospital and the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, adapting advanced radiation technology traditionally used in cancer care to stabilize abnormal heart rhythms.

• Early success and patient impact: Since launching in July 2025, the STAR program has treated its first patients with promising early results, improving quality of life and offering new hope for carefully selected cardiac patients.

Radiation therapy has long been used to treat cancer by targeting malignant cells with high-energy radiation that damages their DNA. Now, doctors at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) are using radiation to stop a potentially deadly heart rhythm in cardiac patients who have run out of treatment options.

Stereotactic arrhythmia radiation therapy (STAR) is a non-invasive treatment that uses highly focused radiation to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT), a type of fast, abnormal heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death.

VT most commonly affects patients with heart damage from previous heart attacks or other cardiac conditions. Scarred or weakened areas of heart muscle can disrupt normal electrical signals, creating abnormal circuits that cause the heart to beat dangerously fast. STAR treatment precisely targets areas of damaged heart muscle that disrupt electrical signaling, helping to stabilize the heart’s rhythm over time, without surgery.

HHS launched its STAR treatment program in July 2025 through a partnership between our Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC) and Hamilton General Hospital (HGH) sites. HHS is among only a small number of hospitals in Canada and worldwide offering this treatment.

The HHS STAR program was developed by HGH cardiologist Dr. Guy Amit and JHCC radiation oncologist Dr. Kimmen Quan, who brought together expertise from cardiology and cancer care to adapt stereotactic radiation—normally used to target tumors—to treat the heart.

Two cardiac patients have received STAR treatment so far, both with positive early results, and several additional patients have been identified as potential candidates.

Retired pilot Bill Nash, 88, of Burlington was the first HHS cardiac patient to receive this treatment. “My quality of life is much, much better now,” says Nash, who was losing strength and becoming increasingly frail prior to radiation treatment. Now he’s building back strength by once again doing activities like his daily, at-home exercise regimen.

The STAR option

STAR can be an option for carefully selected patients whose arrhythmias can’t be controlled with the two current standards of care — medication and catheter ablation, a four-to-six hour procedure where a doctor threads a catheter through blood vessels to the heart to cauterize tissue causing the abnormal rhythm.

While catheter ablation and medications are highly effective for many patients, they don’t work for everyone. For example, some patients are too frail, or may have already undergone multiple unsuccessful ablations. Or they may have abnormal tissue in areas of the heart that catheters can’t safely reach. For these patients, STAR may be an option.

“This isn’t about replacing established therapies,” says Quan. “It’s about offering hope to patients who have exhausted standard options.”

Lightning bolt to the chest

Nash had already tried medications and two catheter ablations with limited success. The first ablation didn’t work. The second controlled his rhythm for several years, but eventually his VT returned, triggering repeated shocks from the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in his chest.

The ICD monitors his heart rate, and when it detects an irregular heartbeat it delivers a shock to return his heart beat to normal. This unexpected jolt would knock Nash off his feet.

“I’ve never been struck by lightning, but I imagine that’s how it feels,” Nash says of the shocks. “They came without warning. My quality of life was really poor.”

Since undergoing STAR treatment in July, Nash’s ICD hasn’t activated. “It’s been quite a comeback for me,” he says.

A top Canadian research hospital

HHS is well positioned to offer this innovative new treatment for patients at risk of VT. As one of Canada’s top five research hospitals, HHS is home to a world-renowned cardiac team recognized for its expertise, research and innovation. Our HGH is among the province’s busiest cardiac centres, with large enough numbers of patients to take part in VT research studies. And JHCC is home to top Canadian and international cancer specialists and researchers.

While the STAR program remains limited to very specific cases, doctors say ongoing research will help determine how well radiation works over the long term and where it may fit alongside existing treatments.

Paving the way

STAR was developed in St. Louis, Missouri, and it took a year of planning and development to adopt it here, through a collaboration between the cardiac electrophysiology (cardiac arrhythmia specialist) team at HGH and the radiation oncology, physics and therapy teams at JHCC.

“Using radiation to treat abnormal heart rhythms is still very new worldwide,” says Amit, who specializes in treating cardiac patients with irregular heartbeats. “It’s promising, but it’s being offered only to very carefully selected patients while we continue to study its long-term safety and effectiveness.”

Quan, who specializes in high-dose precision radiation for cancer treatment, first began exploring the idea of applying radiation techniques to heart rhythm disorders several years ago, when his grandmother was in hospital for heart failure.

“Spending time in a cardiac ward while my grandmother was being treated made me think about whether the tools we use in cancer care could help heart patients who have no other options,” says Quan, who began reviewing emerging research and imaging techniques and later partnered with Amit to adapt the approach for use at HHS.

Behind the scenes, Quan also worked closely with radiation physicist Dr. Tom Chow as well as radiation therapists and software specialists at JHCC, and cardiology colleagues at HGH to design a new treatment-planning workflow, adapting techniques traditionally used in cancer care for the heart.

The proposed approach was then reviewed and approved through JHCC’s clinical governance and safety oversight processes, allowing the program to proceed within the same rigorous standards applied to complex cancer treatments.

Personalized treatment plans are created for each patient. Using CT scans, MRIs, and advanced software, the team maps the damaged area of the heart and develops a radiation plan precise enough to protect surrounding healthy tissue. The actual treatment takes just 20 minutes, requires no incisions or catheters, and patients go home the same day.

“I’m just amazed,” says Nash, of the treatment’s ease and effectiveness. “I feel like I’m brand new.”

Lise Diebel works in communications at HHS.

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Leading the province in patient safety

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:10 +0700

HN Summary

• Scarborough Health Network is leading the province in patient safety, achieving the lowest hospital harm rate among Ontario’s large community and teaching hospitals, with patients experiencing preventable harm two to three times less often than at peer organizations.

• These results reflect a deliberate, data-driven strategy to reduce harm, including significant reductions in pressure injuries, delirium, and falls, supported by system-wide quality indicators tracked from the front line to the board level.

• By pairing innovation, equity-focused practices, and strong clinical leadership, SHN is translating its commitment to zero harm into measurable improvements for Scarborough’s diverse and often underserved communities.

What does it take to deliver the safest and highest quality hospital care?

This is a question that Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shedding light on following our leading results in the most recent report from the Hospital Harm Project, led by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC). In the latest data from the project, which studies preventable harm that happens to patients in hospitals and how it can be avoided by using proven best practices, SHN not only achieved its best-ever overall performance for rate of harm but is also the top performer among the province’s large community and teaching hospitals.

The harm rate is the number of patients experiencing harm during their hospital stay per 100 hospitalizations. For 2024-2025, SHN had a harm rate of 2.0, compared to the GTA Large Community Hospital rate of 4.5, Large Community Hospital rate of 5.3, and National rate of 5.9. Individually, all three SHN hospitals ranked in the top four among GTA and teaching hospitals, with Centenary Hospital achieving a significantly better rate of 1.3 compared to any peer group. This means that patients experience harm at SHN between two to three times less than at comparative hospitals in Toronto and around the country.

“Our success is rooted in a clear sense of purpose: to provide exceptional care for Scarborough’s diverse and often underserved population,” said David Graham, President and CEO.

“This commitment is guided by our Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which includes a relentless focus on quality and safety, and is aligned with carefully selected targets and performance indicators in our corporate and quality scorecards and our Quality Improvement Plan.

“The very low harm rates seen across our hospitals are not by chance—they are the result of purposeful, strategic implementation across every part of the organization. This is what sets SHN apart from others.”

These efforts are amplified by the Love, Scarborough fundraising campaign, which calls on the community to help turn these priorities into reality, because building a stronger, safer healthcare system requires collective action.

Turning strategy into action

The Hospital Harm Project looks at harmful events within four categories:

• Healthcare and medications, such as pressure injuries (commonly known as bed sores) or getting the wrong medicine;

• Infections, such as surgical site infections;

• Patient accidents, such as falls; and

• Procedure-related harm, such as bleeding after surgery.

Since 2022, SHN has seen growing improvements at all three hospitals for each of these categories. Major contributors to SHN’s overall low harm rate include a 42 per cent reduction in hospital acquired pressure ulcers, a 57 per cent reduction in hospital acquired delirium, and a 50 per cent reduction in falls resulting in moderate harm or above.

“SHN is on a journey to zero harm,” said Glyn Boatswain, Executive Vice-President, Clinical Programs and Chief Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Executive.

“Our quality improvement indicators are built around the reduction of these specific adverse events. We track and report on pressure ulcers, delirium, and falls at all levels of our organization—from the front line to the board room.

“This is the unwavering commitment our teams bring to serving our community. We are focused on quality improvements that enable us to deliver the best care for Scarborough’s unique and diverse patient population.”

One example is SHN’s strategy to improve detection of pressure injuries in patients with darker skin, where the stages of this kind of tissue damage can appear differently than in lighter skin. SHN has adopted the more inclusive Monk Skin Tone scale and National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel staging for Darkly Pigmented Skin, put in place rigorous training materials and modules, and established an expert group of “wound champions” who provide staff with ongoing bedside practical learning. SHN is also piloting new sub-epidermal moisture scanners that can detect pressure ulcers before they become visible, which allows healthcare teams to prevent pressure injuries earlier, regardless of skin tone.

Another way that SHN is optimizing innovation is through its Epic clinical information system and the integration of barcode medication administration (BCMA) scanning—which is the process of using barcode technology to ensure that the right patient receives the right medication at the right dose, at the right time and via the right route. Because of its precision and automatic documentation into Epic, BCMA scanning significantly reduces medication errors and adverse drug events. From 2022 to 2025, BCMA inpatient scanning at SHN increased by 24 per cent, with a 96 per cent compliance rate reported as of September 2025. Through Epic, SHN has also become the only hospital in Canada to successfully launch patient self-scheduling through MyChart—giving patients greater control and convenience in managing their care.

Recognized for national leadership in quality improvement

SHN’s commitment to smarter, safer care has also been recognized nationally. This summer, the organization achieved Quality Improvement Status as a Choosing Wisely Canada Hospital, demonstrating leadership in reducing unnecessary tests and treatments. In addition, SHN is the third organization in Canada to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, reflecting a system-wide focus on compassionate, inclusive care for older adults. In 2024, SHN also became the only community-based teaching hospital in the GTA to achieve Stage 6 of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, recognizing its advanced use of Epic to improve safety and the patient experience.

SHN’s results are proof that a focused, data-informed approach can lead to measurable improvements in care and outcomes. The organization is continuing to build on this foundation, translating momentum into a sustainable model for excellence. The latest CIHI Hospital Harm Project is clear evidence of that progress—demonstrating how SHN’s strategic focus and commitment to quality have delivered real, measurable gains for patients across Scarborough and positioned SHN among the top-performing and most trusted community health leaders in the GTA.

“These results show what’s possible when a health network aligns purpose, data, and action,” said Glyn.

“Our teams have shown extraordinary dedication to delivering the safest, highest-quality care for our patients—and this recognition from CIHI is a testament to that commitment.”

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A simple blood test can predict Crohn’s disease before symptoms appear

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:09 +0700

HN Summary

• Sinai Health researchers have shown a simple blood test can predict Crohn’s disease years before symptoms appear, enabling earlier diagnosis and potential prevention.

• The test detects an immune response to flagellin, a gut bacteria protein, which appears long before Crohn’s develops and may play a role in triggering the disease.

• Findings from the GEM Project, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, highlight new opportunities for early intervention in people at higher risk.

inai Health researchers have shown a blood test can predict Crohn’s disease years before symptoms appear, opening the doors to early diagnosis and potentially prevention.

The test measures a person’s immune response to flagellin, a protein found on gut bacteria. This response is elevated in individuals long before they develop Crohn’s Disease, a team led by Dr. Ken Croitoru, a clinician scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, part of Sinai Health, has found. The team also included gastrointestinal medical resident, Dr. Richard Wu, and clinician scientist, and staff gastroenterologist Dr. Sun-Ho Lee.

Drs. Croitoru and Lee are also a part of Mount Sinai Hospital’s Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a globally recognized center focused on inflammatory bowel disease research.

Their findings, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, highlight the interplay between the gut’s bacteria and immune system responses as a critical step in developing Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that causes persistent digestive symptoms, pain and fatigue, significantly affecting quality of life. Its incidence among children has doubled since 1995, and rates continue to rise. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, a non-profit dedicated to curing IBD, estimates about 470,000 Canadians will be living with IBD by 2035.

The presence of flagellin antibodies long before any symptoms appear suggests that this immune reaction may contribute to triggering the onset of the disease, rather than being a consequence of it, Dr. Croitoru said. He believes that a better understanding of this early process could open the door to new approaches for predicting, preventing and treating the disease.

“With all of the advanced biologic therapy we have today, patients’ responses are partial at best. We haven’t cured anybody yet, and we need to do better” said Dr. Croitoru, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Team members of the Croitoru lab performing scientific analysis of blood samples.

This research is part of the Genetic, Environmental and Microbial (GEM) Project, a global cohort of more than 5,000 healthy first-degree relatives of people with Crohn’s disease, led by Dr. Croitoru. Since 2008, the project has collected genetic, biological and environmental data to better understand how the disease develops. To date, 130 participants have developed Crohn’s, giving researchers a rare opportunity to study the earliest pre-disease stages.

Previously, the team discovered that long before Crohn’s disease develops, an inflammatory immune response targeting gut bacteria can appear. In healthy individuals, bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut and play an essential role in maintaining digestive health. In Crohn’s disease, however, the immune system appears to mount an abnormal response against normally beneficial microbes.

Collaborators at the University of Alabama led by Dr. Charles Elson had previously developed a test to detect antibodies against flagellin and showed that individuals with Crohn’s have elevated antibody levels targeting flagellin from Lachnospiraceae bacteria.

Drs Croitoru and Lee now wanted to determine whether this immune response could also be detected in healthy individuals who are at risk of developing the disease.

“We wanted to know: do people who are at risk, who are healthy now, have these antibodies against flagellin?” said Dr. Croitoru. “We looked, we measured, and yes indeed, at least some of them did.”

This study followed 381 first-degree relatives of Crohn’s patients, 77 of whom went on to develop the disease. Among them, 28 individuals – more than a third – had elevated antibody responses. The responses were strongest in siblings, highlighting the role of shared environmental exposure, as previously shown by Dr. Croitoru.

The researchers also confirmed that this pre-disease response to the Lachnospiraceae flagellin was associated with intestinal inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction, both of which are characteristics of Crohn’s disease. The typical timeline from blood sample collection to the pre-disease individuals being diagnosed with Crohn’s was nearly two and a half years.

“Confirming our previous study immune response against bacterial flagellins show strong associations with future risk of Crohn’s in healthy first-degree relatives” said Dr. Lee. “We found that this immune response is driven by a conserved domain of the flagellin protein. This raises the potential for designing a flagellin-directed vaccine in selected high-risk individuals for prevention of disease. Further validation and mechanistic studies are underway.”

This research was funded by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

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Shorter duration of antimicrobial therapy in common infections

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Growing evidence shows that shorter courses of antibiotics are just as effective as longer regimens for many common infections, while helping reduce antimicrobial resistance.

• National and provincial guidelines support reduced treatment durations for conditions such as ear infections, pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, urinary tract infections and cellulitis, without compromising patient outcomes.

• Physicians and pharmacists play a critical role in antimicrobial stewardship by aligning prescribing practices with current evidence to improve patient safety and preserve antibiotic effectiveness.

Antimicrobial resistance (https://www.who.int/health-topics/antimicrobial-resistance) is a global patient safety and public health concern. One strategy to address this is the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship – e.g., Shorter antibiotic courses are often just as effective as longer-term ones. In this article, we will highlight five common infections where shorter courses improve antimicrobial resistance without compromising cure rates, with evidence from Choosing Wisely Canada (https://choosingwiselycanada.org/), the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada (https://ammi.ca/en/), and Ontario Health guidelines (https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-public-health-standards-requirements-programs-services-and-accountability).

Acute Otitis Media

Acute otitis media is one of the most common pediatric infections, with age being the key determinant of therapy duration. Current evidence demonstrates that in children over 2 years of age, a 5-day amoxicillin regimen provides equivalent clinical cure to longer treatment duration. On the other hand, for children aged 6 months to 2 years, a 10-day antibiotic course is recommended. These durations reflect antibiotic prescribing guidelines from the Cold Standard (https://choosingwiselycanada.org/toolkit/the-cold-standard/), the AMMI Canada, and Ontario Health. The key takeaway is that standardizing shorter therapy for older children can reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure without compromising recovery.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Among respiratory infections, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has seen the most changes in recommended treatment duration. A large body of evidence, including recent trials comparing 3 days versus 8 days of therapy, shows that short courses, typically 5 days or less, are equally effective for low-severity pneumonia. Overall, a treatment duration of 5 days for CAP is supported by the Cold Standard (https://choosingwiselycanada.org/toolkit/the-cold-standard/), the AMMI Canada, and Ontario Health.

Acute Exacerbation of COPD

It is important to note that acute exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are often triggered by viruses. Bacteria are typically secondary causes. If acute exacerbations are associated with a bacterial infection, then evidence has shown that antibiotic courses of 5 days were just as effective as longer regimens across all antibiotic classes. In general, acute exacerbations of COPD are managed with inhalers (e.g., bronchodilators), anti-inflammatory therapy (e.g., steroids), and removal or management of reversible underlying causes (e.g., environmental factors or other medical conditions). A 5-day course is recommended by the Cold Standard (https://choosingwiselycanada.org/toolkit/the-cold-standard/), if antibiotic use is indicated.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Cystitis or Lower UTI

For cystitis or lower UTI, short durations of antibiotic therapy, particularly for non-pregnant female adult patients, are well supported by evidence – for instance, ranging from the option of 1-day use of Fosfomycin to a 5-day course of Nitrofurantoin. On the other hand, in male adults, a 7-day therapy is recommended, as cystitis may be more complicated in this patient population. In addition, AMMI Canada has published an educational toolkit on the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (i.e., bacteria in the urine but with no symptoms) in long-term care residents called “Symptom Free Pee: Let It Be” (https://ammi.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/AC-Brief-poster_Eng_8.5x11_colour.pdf), supporting a national antimicrobial stewardship initiative to prevent inappropriate antibiotic use.

Cellulitis

Current evidence suggests that 5-7 days of antibiotic therapy is appropriate for most cases of outpatient uncomplicated non-purulent or purulent cellulitis. Treatment may be extended to 7-10 days in patients with slow clinical response, severe disease, large abscesses, or suspected antibiotic resistance. The management of cellulitis provides an example of why re-examining a traditional 10-14-day regimen for an infection is essential for embracing antimicrobial stewardship.

Takeaway Message

The message from recent evidence is clear: Use shorter duration of antimicrobial therapy. Physicians and pharmacists play a key role in antimicrobial stewardship by ensuring antibiotic durations align with current guidelines and evidence. Through medication reviews and patient counselling, pharmacists can often identify unnecessarily prolonged antibiotic courses and collaborate with prescribers to optimize therapy. Clinicians can play a crucial role in combatting antimicrobial resistance, improving patient safety, and advancing stewardship goals across the healthcare system.

Other Resources

To learn more about duration of antimicrobial therapy in common infections, readers are encouraged to review the following resources:

• From Choosing Wisely Canada: The Cold Standard (https://choosingwiselycanada.org/toolkit/the-cold-standard/)

• From the University of British Columbia Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD): Duration of Antimicrobial Therapy for Common Infections in Primary Care

• From the Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada:)

Jenna Yu Xie Zhang and Mona Mollaeizadeh are PharmD Students at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto; and Certina Ho is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

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Global clinical trial exploring potential treatment for sickle cell disease

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:06 +0700

HN Summary

• SHN is leading a global clinical trial testing tebapivat, an investigational oral therapy for sickle cell disease, with Dr. Kevin Kuo serving as lead investigator and SHN named the first site in Ontario to offer the study.

• The trial aims to improve anemia, fatigue, and quality of life for people living with sickle cell disease, assessing both clinical outcomes and patient-reported experiences.

• This research reinforces SHN’s role as a national leader in equitable, community-relevant innovation, expanding access to cutting-edge treatments for a disease that disproportionately affects Scarborough’s diverse population.

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) continues to strengthen its leadership in ground-breaking clinical research, with Dr. Kevin Kuo, Vice President of Research and Innovation and physician lead of the Adult Sickle Cell Disease Clinic, now serving as a lead inavestigator in a new international clinical trial focused on improving outcomes for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

The study is recruiting participants from around the world to assess the safety of tebapivat, an investigational oral medication that may help address anemia and fatigue associated with SCD. SHN is one of three hospital sites in Canada to offer this trial, and the first in Ontario, further positioning our organization as a national leader in advancing treatment options for people living with SCD.

“This study represents an important opportunity to expand treatment possibilities for people living with inherited blood disorders like sickle cell,” shared Dr. Kuo. “By leading this trial, SHN is contributing to an international effort that could meaningfully improve the lives of patients who have long faced limited options.”

A new step forward in sickle cell research

SCD is an inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. This causes red blood cells to become misshapen and rigid, leading to chronic anemia, pain crises, fatigue, and other complications that can significantly impact quality of life. While current treatments can help manage symptoms, like through the services offered at SHN’s Kids Care and Adult SCD Clinics, there remains an urgent need for new therapies that target the disease more directly.

This trial is exploring whether tebapivat can improve hemoglobin levels and reduce symptoms for patients with SCD who are not receiving regular blood transfusions. The first 12 weeks of the study will compare different doses of tebapivat to a placebo (a look-alike pill with no active medication). After this phase, eligible participants will have the option to continue taking tebapivat in an open-label extension, where everyone knows they are receiving the active treatment.

Key measures will include changes in hemoglobin concentration, markers of red blood cell health, and patient-reported outcomes such as fatigue and pain—helping Dr. Kuo and other researchers involved assess both the clinical and day-to-day impact of the therapy.

Dr. Kuo’s leadership in this trial builds on his extensive experience in rare and complex hematologic diseases. His prior research, including a global study on thalassemia recognized by The Lancet, has positioned him as a leading voice in the field and underscores SHN’s growing influence and leadership, both in academic medicine and SCD care.

Strengthening SHN’s research mission

The tebapivat clinical trial exemplifies SHN’s commitment to advancing equitable, community-relevant research that addresses the health needs of diverse populations. SCD disproportionately affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent: groups that make up a significant portion of Scarborough’s community.

“Dr. Kuo’s work in this clinical trial aligns perfectly with SHN’s mission,” shared Dr. Samir Grover, Executive Vice President of Academics at SHN. “It reflects the excellence and ambition driving our research program. We’re proud to see our clinicians leading new studies that not only advance medical science, but also deliver tangible benefits to the communities we care for.”

With continued investment in research infrastructure and an expanding network of clinician-investigators, SHN is rapidly emerging as a hub for discovery and innovation. Participation in studies like this one ensures that local patients have access to cutting-edge treatments while contributing to the advancement of global medicine.

Through the leadership of physicians like Dr. Kuo, SHN continues to demonstrate what it means to transform care through research, creating new pathways to better health in Scarborough and beyond.

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Wounds Canada publishes new edition of Best Practice Recommendations for Skin Health and Wound Management

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:05 +0700

Wounds Canada has published an updated edition of its free digital book Best Practice Recommendations for Skin Health and Wound Management 2025.

Downloaded more than a million times since their inception 25 years ago, the various editions of Wounds Canada’s best practice recommendations have been the evidence-based cornerstone of skin health, wound prevention and management in Canada, providing health-care providers and health decision-makers with the latest evidence in a reader-friendly format that helps move wound-related knowledge into practice.

Chapters include best practice recommendations for skin, prevention and management with an emphasis on nutrition and wound healing, moisture-associated skin damage, skin tears, pressure injuries, burns, surgical wound complications, arterial ulcers, diabetic foot complications, venous leg ulcers and lymphedema.

The current edition contains new information, has an increased focus on prevention and provides live links to other essential resources and practice tools.

Other features of the book include:

• An overview of the structures and physiology of skin and the process of skin healing

• Chapter 4 prevention and management, new Appendix focused on nutrition and wound healing

• Recommendations based on the latest evidence and international best practice guidelines for common wound types

• Detailed explanations on how to implement the recommendations into practice

• Information on how to identify specific wound types, who’s most at risk and factors that affect healing

• Newly developed chapter focused on lymphedema and lower limb skin health and corresponding wounds

• The use of the Wound Prevention and Management Cycle to organize the information and provide clinical pathways for clinicians and health decision-makers by providing step-by-step processes they can incorporate into practice for improved outcomes

• Chapters that can be downloaded individually for ease-of-use as PDFs.

Throughout, the content emphasizes holistic patient assessment, promotion of skin health and specific screening to identify persons at risk and high-risk individuals and prevent the development of wounds or wound complications through early, effective interventions based on the assessments.

Helpful self-management strategies for patients and care partners are discussed and recommended as a magnifier for health-care provider wound prevention and management interventions, leading to better, sustained care and, ultimately, outcomes. The book supports the Quintuple Aim framework, in which patient experience is enhanced, costs are reduced, population health is improved, the care-team experience is improved and equity in health care is available to all.

Wounds Canada congratulates, and wholeheartedly thanks, all the experts who participated, and provided their crucial professional insight, in order to make another edition of this book possible. We commend you for helping Wounds Canada on its mission, creating a culture of wound care excellence for all Canadians.

With input from medical experts nationwide, Wounds Canada is now working on a Patient’s Bill of Rights, so all Canadians can more effectively receive the health care that they deserve.

To download the free BPRs: https://www.woundscanada.ca/bpr

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Can Canada’s health systems handle increased demand during FIFA World Cup?

Edusehat — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:15:04 +0700

Excitement is building for FIFA World Cup soccer games in Toronto and Vancouver in June and July, yet Canada’s overburdened health systems may buckle with any additional demand, cautions an editorial published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

“Canada is increasingly vulnerable to events that may result in a surge in health care utilization, including climate emergencies, mass gathering events, infectious diseases outbreaks, and global defence escalations,” writes Dr. Catherine Varner, an emergency medicine physician in Toronto and Deputy Editor, CMAJ.

World Cup organizers are planning for a range of scenarios with the help of local and provincial health and emergency authorities, but can they plan for increased volumes in health systems already stressed and over capacity with current patient loads?

Dr. Varner, an emergency physician who worked during Games 1 and 7 of the 2025 MLB World Series, has direct experience with how stretched health care capacity is in Toronto. She calls for urgent action on a national plan to bolster health systems to meet potential needs from large-scale events like the World Cup and others.

“A coherent, feasible, actionable, and national plan is urgently needed to increase hospital beds and train the required personnel such that quality of care can be maintained,” she writes.

This year’s flu season has placed exceptional burden on hospitals, patients, and health care providers, with emergency departments across Canada facing huge patient volumes and long wait times for care.

“Health care providers in Canada are accustomed to flexing and triaging acute care and public health resources,” Dr. Varner writes. “Being in a constant state of surge capacity is actually the norm. However, even when anticipated surges occur, bedside experiences and provincial quality metrics suggest that systems cannot absorb more load when they are already operating at or above capacity without compromising the quality and safety of patient care.”

A potential solution would be for hospitals near the World Cup sites in the two cities to increase staffing to cope with higher demand for health services, but Dr. Varner cautions that “increasing staff, even for the duration of these events, is likely not feasible since Canadian hospitals and public health systems already face health human resource challenges and budget shortfalls in these years following the COVID-19 pandemic, a problem that has been widely recognized in other important spheres of governance.”

Recent reports have identified health care system capacity and health care personnel as major weaknesses in Canadian sovereignty and defence, a priority area for the government under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Scenario planning for a large-scale war in Europe made it clear that Canada’s health care systems would struggle to function if health care personnel were sent overseas or wounded soldiers returned to Canada for care.

“With the recent commitment to increase defence spending in the 2025 federal budget, increasing acute care capacity should be prioritized as part of Canada’s emergency preparedness systems to support national defence and security purposes.”

“Mass gathering events underscore serious vulnerabilities in health care capacity in Canada” was published January 19, 2026.

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Relearning how to rest in health care

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:50:11 +0700

HN Summary

• Many health-care professionals struggle to feel restored, even during time off, due to prolonged stress and hypervigilance.

• Rest involves more than sleep and may require mental, emotional, sensory and social recovery.

• Relearning how to rest is essential for sustaining resilience and capacity in caring professions.

Why time off doesn’t always feel restorative — and what actually helps.

For many health-care professionals, rest has become something to “catch up on” rather than something to experience. It is squeezed into days off, postponed until vacations, or measured in hours of sleep between shifts. And yet, even after time away from work, many return feeling no more restored than when they left.

This disconnect has become increasingly common across Canada’s health-care system. Nurses, physicians, allied health professionals and support staff report exhaustion that sleep alone does not resolve. The issue is not a lack of time off, but a deeper challenge: many health-care workers have forgotten how to truly rest.

When time off doesn’t feel like recovery

Health-care work demands constant vigilance, emotional regulation and responsibility for others’ lives. Even outside of work, that heightened state often lingers. The nervous system stays alert. The mind replays decisions, conversations and near-misses. As a result, time away from work may look like rest on paper, but feel mentally busy and emotionally draining.

This is why a week of vacation can pass without a sense of renewal. Rest is not simply the absence of work; it is the presence of recovery. Without intentional recovery, days off can become filled with errands, family obligations, digital overload and the pressure to “make the most” of limited free time.

For many health-care professionals, rest also feels undeserved. The culture of caring for others first can make stillness feel selfish. When colleagues are short-staffed and patients are waiting, slowing down can trigger guilt rather than relief.

Why health care makes rest feel unsafe

In high-stakes environments, being “on” is a survival skill. Over time, that constant readiness becomes habitual. The body learns that slowing down equals vulnerability. Rest, paradoxically, can feel uncomfortable or even anxiety-provoking.

This is not a personal failure. It is a predictable response to prolonged stress. When the nervous system has spent months or years in a heightened state, rest must be relearned gradually. Expecting instant relaxation can lead to frustration and self-blame when it doesn’t happen.

Redefining what rest actually means

Rest is often equated with sleep, but sleep is only one form of recovery. Health-care professionals may need multiple types of rest, including:

• Mental rest: quieting constant problem-solving and decision-making

• Emotional rest: spaces where no one needs anything from you

• Sensory rest: relief from noise, screens and stimulation

• Social rest: time away from roles that require empathy or leadership

• Creative rest: engaging with beauty, nature or curiosity without productivity goals

Recognizing which type of rest is missing can be more helpful than simply trying to “relax.”

Small shifts that make rest possible

Relearning how to rest does not require major life changes. Small, intentional shifts can help retrain the nervous system and make recovery more accessible.

Lower the bar for rest.

Rest does not need to be perfect or long. Ten quiet minutes without stimulation can be restorative. Let go of the idea that rest must look a certain way to “count.”

Create a transition ritual.

Many health-care workers carry work home psychologically. A simple ritual — a walk, a shower, changing clothes, deep breathing in the car — can signal the end of the workday and help the body shift gears.

Protect at least one pocket of non-productive time.

Not every free moment needs to be optimized. Allowing time with no agenda helps counter the constant output required at work.

Notice what drains versus restores.

Scrolling, binge-watching or multitasking may feel numbing but not replenishing. Pay attention to what genuinely leaves you feeling steadier or calmer afterward.

Set boundaries around recovery, not just work.

Just as shifts and meetings are scheduled, recovery needs protection. This may mean saying no to additional commitments during already demanding periods.

Letting go of guilt

One of the biggest barriers to rest in health care is guilt — guilt for needing it, guilt for taking it, guilt for enjoying it. But rest is not a reward for endurance; it is a requirement for sustainability.

Caring professions depend on regulated nervous systems, clear judgment and emotional capacity. Without recovery, even the most dedicated professionals are at risk of becoming depleted, detached or unwell.

Reframing rest as part of professional responsibility — rather than personal indulgence — can help shift this mindset.

A skill worth relearning

Rest is not something health-care professionals have lost forever. It is a skill that can be rebuilt, gently and imperfectly, over time.

In a system that often asks for more than it gives, relearning how to rest is not about stepping away from care. It is about preserving the capacity to continue.

For health-care workers across Canada, rest is not a luxury. It is a form of care — for themselves, their colleagues and the patients who depend on them.

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How health-care professionals can protect their well-being

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:50:10 +0700

HN Summary

• Burnout is driven by sustained system pressures, emotional labour and chronic overload — not individual weakness.

• Early recognition, boundary-setting and organizational support are key to protecting long-term wellbeing.

• Preventing burnout helps preserve quality of care, workforce stability and patient safety.

Health care is a profession built on compassion, responsibility, and service. For many people working in hospitals and health systems across Canada, the work is deeply meaningful — but it can also be relentless. Over the past several years, burnout has become one of the most significant threats to the health-care workforce, affecting physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, support staff, and leaders alike.

Burnout is often misunderstood as simply being tired or overwhelmed. In reality, it is a state of chronic workplace stress characterized by emotional exhaustion, detachment or cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. Left unaddressed, burnout can impact mental and physical health, job satisfaction, patient safety, and staff retention. Importantly, burnout is not a personal weakness — it is frequently the predictable outcome of sustained pressure in complex, high-demand systems.

Recognizing burnout before it escalates

One of the reasons burnout is so pervasive in health care is that many of its early signs are normalized. Health-care professionals are trained to push through fatigue, manage high emotional loads, and prioritize others’ needs. As a result, warning signs may be dismissed as “just part of the job.”

Common early indicators include persistent exhaustion that does not improve with rest, irritability, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, and a growing sense of detachment from work. Physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disruption, and frequent illness may also appear. Many people notice they feel less effective or less connected to the purpose that once motivated them.

Recognizing these signs early is critical. Burnout develops gradually, and early intervention can prevent more serious mental health consequences, including anxiety, depression, and moral distress.

Why health care is particularly vulnerable

Burnout is not caused by a lack of resilience or coping skills. Research consistently shows that organizational and system-level factors are the primary drivers. In Canada, health-care professionals face staffing shortages, rising patient complexity, moral injury, administrative burden, and limited control over workload and resources.

The emotional labour of caring for patients — particularly in emergency departments, critical care, long-term care, and mental health settings — adds another layer of strain. Witnessing suffering, death, and trauma on a regular basis takes a cumulative toll, especially when recovery time is limited.

Understanding burnout as a system issue rather than an individual failure helps shift the conversation from blame to solutions.

Practical strategies that support well-being

While systemic change is essential, there are also realistic, day-to-day practices that can help individuals protect their well-being.

• Prioritize recovery, not just rest. Recovery is more than time off. Micro-recovery during shifts — stepping outside for fresh air, taking a few slow breaths, eating without multitasking — helps regulate stress. Outside of work, protecting true downtime by disconnecting from work-related messages supports mental recovery.

• Reconnect with meaning. Burnout often erodes a sense of purpose. Reflecting on moments that still feel meaningful — a patient interaction, a teaching moment, a team success — can help restore perspective. This is not about ignoring challenges, but about remembering why the work matters.

• Strengthen peer connection. Social support is one of the strongest buffers against burnout. Informal conversations with colleagues who understand the pressures of the work can reduce isolation and normalize struggle. Peer support reminds people they are not alone.

• Set compassionate limits. Saying no, leaving on time when possible, and resisting the urge to constantly go above and beyond are acts of sustainability. Boundaries protect long-term capacity and help prevent exhaustion from becoming the norm.

The role of leadership and organizations

Preventing burnout cannot rest solely on individual coping strategies. Leaders and organizations play a critical role in shaping healthy work environments. This includes realistic workloads, clear communication, access to mental health supports, and a culture of psychological safety where concerns can be raised without fear.

Leadership behaviours matter. When leaders acknowledge stress, encourage breaks, and model healthy boundaries, they signal that well-being is valued. Even small actions can make a meaningful difference in how supported staff feel.

A shared responsibility

Burnout does not mean someone is unsuited for health care. It means they are human, working in a demanding system. Addressing burnout requires compassion, honesty, and collective responsibility.

By recognizing early signs, supporting one another, and continuing to advocate for healthier work environments, health-care professionals and organizations can protect not only individual well-being — but the future of care in Canada.

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Equity-focused study on immigrant kidney disease risk

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:50:09 +0700

HN Summary

• A new SHN-led study published in BMJ Open reveals significant disparities in chronic kidney disease risk among Scarborough’s immigrant communities, using local population data to better understand who is most affected.

• The research found country of birth to be a stronger predictor of dialysis risk than ethnicity alone, with immigrants from the Caribbean, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka facing six to twelve times higher risk than Canadian-born residents.

• These findings are laying the groundwork for more targeted, equity-focused kidney disease screening and prevention, helping SHN move from identifying disparities to designing earlier, more effective interventions.

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is leading health equity-focused research through the work of Dr. Tabo Sikaneta, SHN nephrologist and lead investigator on a newly published study, which examines the disparities in chronic kidney disease among Scarborough residents. The study was designed to test a long-standing observation: that certain immigrant and ethnic groups appeared to disproportionately represent patients with kidney failure. Dr. Sikaneta set out to examine this using local population data. Published in the research journal BMJ Open, the study marks an important step toward rethinking how kidney disease risk is identified, monitored, and addressed in one of Canada’s most diverse communities.

SHN’s Regional Nephrology Program, the largest of its kind in Ontario, provides care to thousands of patients each year across the full spectrum of kidney disease. Combined with Scarborough’s diverse population, where nearly 60 per cent of residents are immigrants and 75 per cent belong to visible minority groups, SHN clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify opportunities to improve kidney care in a diverse population.

While the study provides important new evidence about who is most at risk, its greatest impact may lie in what comes next: Dr. Sikaneta’s work is helping lay the foundation for more effective screening, intervention, and care models for immigrant communities, both in Scarborough and beyond. By identifying risk in patients earlier, the study findings highlight opportunities for earlier action that might reduce the number of patients that progress to end-stage kidney disease.

From evidence to action

The inspiration behind the study came from Dr. Sikaneta’s routine patient dialysis rounds.

“What I was seeing on the dialysis units didn’t feel random,” he shared. “I wanted to formally understand who was making up this increased kidney disease, and whether there were patterns in specific population groups that we weren’t addressing early enough. Answering that question required examining local data.”

Dr. Sikaneta initiated this research in 2018, analyzing dialysis patients who were verified Scarborough residents. By focusing specifically on the local population, the study offered insights that are directly relevant to the community SHN serves. He found that country of birth was a stronger predictor of dialysis risk than ethnicity alone. Immigrants from the Caribbean, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka were six to twelve times more likely to receive dialysis than Canadian-born residents, putting them at a particularly high risk of end-stage kidney disease. These findings also confirmed an elevated health risk seen in Ontario’s Black population, and added new, Scarborough-specific clarity about other at-risk ethnic groups.

Importantly, the study found that time since immigration did not reduce kidney disease risk. Whether individuals had lived in Canada for three years or three decades, their elevated risk persisted, which Dr. Sikaneta said showed that risk doesn’t necessarily diminish over time, reinforcing the need for proactive screening strategies for certain groups.

“Based on these results, we can start to think toward solutions, including the redesign of kidney disease screening processes to be more targeted and effective,” Dr. Sikaneta shared.

He explained that rather than applying uniform screening models, kidney disease detection can be tailored to populations shown to be at higher risk. Similar to established models in other areas of care, such as breast cancer screening, where individuals at higher risk are identified earlier and monitored more closely.

“We could set an example with earlier screening right here in Scarborough, where there is a significant presence of kidney disease in these ethnic groups.”

He also explained that the study highlighted how health care resources could be distributed more effectively. End-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis affects a relatively small number of patients, yet requires many resources. By focusing attention on groups at highest risk, targeted interventions can improve outcomes while benefitting the broader system.

“Dr. Sikaneta’s study reflects SHN’s broader commitment to using local data to inform smarter, more equitable care models that can be scaled and adapted to other regions,” shared Dr. Samir Grover, Executive Vice President of Academics at SHN. “This leading investigative work helps us, and other professionals, move from identifying disparities to designing solutions that improve care for the communities we serve.”

Dr. Sikaneta also emphasized that these findings should not be used to stigmatize immigrant communities, but rather to ensure they receive equitable, timely care. As SHN continues to invest in clinician-led research, studies like this are helping shape the future of healthcare delivery, ensuring that care is not only high quality, but also responsive to the lived realities of Scarborough’s population.

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HHS Centre for Burn Research leads national trial for scar treatment

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:50:07 +0700

HN Summary

• Hamilton Health Sciences’ Centre for Burn Research is leading a national Phase II/III clinical trial testing a novel topical treatment designed to reduce scarring and improve healing after serious burn injuries.

• The study evaluates FS2, a naturally based compound applied directly to the skin that targets inflammation and scar formation at a molecular level, using advanced 3D imaging to measure outcomes.

• As the first Canadian site for this trial, HHS is advancing innovation in burn care while offering patients early access to a promising new therapy.

Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) Centre for Burn Research is the first site in Canada to test an innovative new topical treatment for reducing scarring and supporting healing after a serious burn.

Researchers at the Centre for Burn Research are exploring new and better ways to improve healing and long-term recovery for people with burn injuries. The research centre is located beside Hamilton General Hospital (HGH), home to the Regional Burn Centre where patients with serious burns receive care. This close connection allows the research team to work alongside the very patient population they aim to help.

“Hamilton Health Sciences is a leading Canadian research hospital, giving our patients opportunities to be among the first to try promising new treatments and therapies,” says Dr. Marc Jeschke, HHS’ vice president of research and innovation, chief scientific officer, and medical director of the Regional Burn Centre. “We’re very excited to bring this new treatment option to our patients through this trial.”

Scarring can tighten skin, restrict movement and cause pain, itching and discomfort. It can affect how the skin looks and functions, making it harder to heal or protect the body. And it can impact a person’s mental health and self-confidence.

This Phase II/III randomized study by Canadian biopharmaceutical company BirchBioMed Inc. will be led by the HHS Centre for Burn Research with BirchBioMed’s contract research organization (CRO), SGS Nutrasource.

BirchBioMed Inc. is an expert in the development of products for scarring and other fibrosis-related disorders, autoimmune therapeutics and developing new ways to improve transplants. A CRO helps plan and run research studies for organizations like drug companies.

Targeting scarring on a molecular level

Randomized trials are considered the gold standard in clinical research. With these trials, participants are randomly assigned to groups, with one group getting the new treatment being tested, and another group receiving standard treatment or a placebo.

A Phase II/III randomized study tests a new treatment in two stages. In Phase II, researchers see if the treatment is effective and safe enough to move forward. If it shows promise, it advances to Phase III for testing in a larger group of people to confirm how effective it is compared to the usual care.

This study will test the naturally-based compound FS2 (kynurenic acid) as a topical cream for burn treatment. It’s designed be applied directly to the skin. Kynurenic acid has properties that can help reduce inflammation and protect tissues from damage caused by the body’s intense immune response after a burn injury. This could help limit scarring and improve recovery. FS2 is unique in its therapeutic category since it targets scarring on a molecular level.

This study is looking at how FS2 affects scar formation in people with serious burn injuries that need skin graft surgery. The assessment will use 3D clinical imaging technology, alongside subjective rating scales, to objectively assess and measure scar healing.

FS2 was first identified as a potential drug candidate for clinical research by investigators at the University of British Columbia. In pre-clinical trials, FS2 demonstrated the prevention of scars as well as the breakdown and reduction of existing scars that occurred after injury, surgery or disease, both externally and internally.

A pivotal moment

“As experts in the development of products for scarring and other fibrosis-related disorders, we are delighted to enter this exciting new phase of our FS2 clinical program,” says Dr. Carlos Camozzi, BirchBioMed’s chief medical officer.

“We see this trial as a pivotal moment in burn care, and we continue to hear from our partnered physicians across the country that innovation is long overdue. There is considerable anticipation for FS2’s potential to transform the lives of millions of people suffering from disfiguring and often life-threatening scars.”

SGS Nutrasource’s collaboration with the HHS represents the first of up to 10 clinical sites in Canada earmarked to undertake this research. The first patients were expected to enrol a few weeks ago, in September.

Lise Diebel works in communications at HHS.

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Standardizing Wound Care in Long-Term Care

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:50:06 +0700

HN Summary

• Chronic wounds are a widespread and costly challenge in long-term care, with most residents experiencing at least one wound during their stay—often pressure injuries that heal slowly and carry higher risk of complications in older adults.

• Wide variation in wound care practices highlights the need for standardized, evidence-based approaches, including staff-wide education, daily wound assessment, access to best-practice databases, proactive prevention, and consistent performance tracking.

• Establishing a “Wound Care Culture” elevates care quality and outcomes, supporting faster healing, better resident satisfaction, stronger staff engagement, and more efficient use of resources across long-term care facilities.

Wounds are a major challenge in long-term care. Studies analyzing resident senior populations demonstrate that a significant majority will experience one or more chronic wounds during the course of their stay. Approximately half of the wounds experienced will be pressure wounds and the balance are mostly soft tissue tears, various ulcers and surgical wounds. Wounds in elderly patients take significantly longer to heal and are more prone to complications, compared to those in younger people. Preventing wounds or reducing the wounds’ healing times would be of significant value to both patients and facilities.

In reviews of wound treatment standards at long-term care facilities, there is a wide disparity in applied standards of treatment. Some facilities implement a higher or lower standard of care than others. Developing and implementing industry standards of quality in wound care in long term care will lead to faster healing, greater patient satisfaction and improved profitability for the facilities.

Developing a quality level of wound care, or “standards,” would greatly improve overall patient care and facility management. Here are seven elements to include as part of wound care standards for long-term care facilities. They are:

1) Placing a priority on wound care education for the entire patient care staff.

It’s not just the doctors and nurses who should be tasked with wound care. In today’s long-term care facilities, patients’ wound treatments are visible to every staff person who is involved in patient care, even if it’s simply observing dressings on a patient while assisting them to the rest room. Therefore, care staff, in addition to doctors and nurses, should all be educated regarding potential issues so they can all be aware and respond appropriately, when necessary, for the patient’s benefit. Expanded staff education and observation can also serve as evidence to insulate the institution from legal challenges relative to their providing a higher quality level of care.

2) Providing access to a comprehensive wound care database to identify and specify best practices.

Wound care treatment involves more than simply putting a dressing on a wound. Issues such as wound identification, severity, treatment specifications, treatment timeline, setting expectations and more have already been established as best practices. Instead of “reinventing the wheel” in wound treatment, having access to a comprehensive wound care database can provide valuable treatment information and demonstrably improve the quality of care.

3) Making wound care a daily activity.

Daily dressing observation also ensures that the wound is frequently assessed for signs or symptoms of abnormal healing, the formation of necrotic tissues, and the presence of wound colonization or infection. Wound infections are not rare – up to 50% of acute wounds become infected. Daily observation of wounds, by an educated team, will help to ensure that the signs or symptoms of wound infection will not be missed and can more quickly be attuned. Adopting a policy of more frequent observation and dressing changes will speed healing and ultimately reduce the need for more care.

4) Devoting more resources toward wound proactivity.

Preventing wounds and/or reducing the severity of a wound can provide significant benefits. Train staff to anticipate or observe wound festering situations. Developing a policy that evolves wound care from tactical to proactive can dramatically reduce the long-term need for greater resources.

5) Creating a management protocol devoted to achieving and exceeding wound care goals.

The best way to improve wound care quality is to keep records of every wound, the treatment utilized and the results. Setting goals and tracking results year over year can provide management with the tools for improving performance.

6) Participating in the global future of wound care.

In addition to internal record-keeping and management, sharing records of wounds and treatments by adding them to a global wound care database can evolve best practices and help improve the future of wound care.

7) Create a Wound Care CultureTM

We define Wound Care CultureTM as an integrated environment of shared beliefs, knowledge and practices that prioritize wounds and elevate their care and treatment. Creating a Wound Care CultureTM in your organization advances wound care from merely treating wounds to achieving evolutionary improvements in quality and overall patient care. As an added benefit relating to staff loyalty, cultivating a Wound Care CultureTM creates an environment where team members will be proud of their accomplishments and to being part of a team that successfully helps patients and improves their quality of life.

The evolution of wound care should transcend the tactical by embracing industry standards that promote a higher level of quality care designed to prevent wounds, improve treatment and provide for more efficient use of resources. Embracing quality standards is key to delivering optimal care and to maintaining a competitive edge dedicated to improving the lives of more people.

David Navazio is President and CEO of Gentell, the largest vertically integrated wound care company in the world.

The post Standardizing Wound Care in Long-Term Care appeared first on Hospital News.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Wound Care. Rethinking Infection Management for an AMR Smart Future.

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:50:04 +0700

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a top global health threat, with the World Health Organization (WHO) ranking it among the most urgent priorities. In wound care, chronic and hard-to-heal wounds often harbor resistant bacteria, and up to 60%¹ contain biofilms, making infections harder to treat.

Wound infection often leads to overuse and misuse of antimicrobials that can lead to resistant strains of bacteria, making infections harder or even impossible to treat.² Yet amid this looming challenge lies one of the most overlooked opportunities in wound care today: Shifting from reactive, antibiotic first habits to proactive, non cytotoxic bioburden management—without adding to the AMR burden.

Lancet infographic – AMR Series

Wound care sits at the intersection of infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and patient centered healing. But too often, clinicians reach reflexively for systemic antibiotics or chemically active antimicrobial dressings simply because “that’s what we’ve always done.” It’s time to challenge that status quo.

Why the Old Way Isn’t Working

Chronic wounds are biologically complex ecosystems. Traditional antimicrobials add chemical burden, can trigger cytotoxicity, may inhibit growth factors, and contribute to resistance pressure. Up to 40% of chronic wounds develop infection³—driving delayed healing, increased care costs, and overreliance on antibiotics.

The Non Cytotoxic Revolution: Essity’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) aligned alternatives

While antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) emphasizes limiting unnecessary antibiotic use, clinicians still need effective ways to manage microbial burden and aid in infection prevention. Non-antibiotic, resistance-free technologies can play a critical role in this balance, helping control pathogens, disrupt biofilms, and support healing without adding to the AMR crisis.

Two proven options are Cutimed^® Sorbact^® and Hydrofera Blue^®, each offering unique mechanisms that align with AMS strategies:

Sorbact^® Technology – Dressings are lined with DACC (dialkyl carbamoyl chloride), a hydrophobic fatty acid derivative that removes bacteria by irreversibly binding them to its surface without releasing active substances into the wound. Therefore, antimicrobial resistance is not expected.

Hydrofera Blue^®– The unique antibacterial approach of Hydrofera Blue® Combines methylene blue and gentian violet to target biofilms and gram-positive bacteria without using traditional antibiotics.

The most overlooked opportunity is not a new molecule or a blockbuster drug. It’s a mindset shift from “Is this wound infected? Should we start antibiotics or reach for a chemical antimicrobial?” to “How can we proactively manage bioburden while preserving tissue, protecting the microbiome, and preventing AMR?”

Essity’s non cytotoxic technologies answer this question with:

• Bioburden reduction without chemical warfare

• Mechanisms that do not generate resistance

• Holistic support of the wound microenvironment

• Reduced need for systemic antibiotics

• Better patient comfort, faster healing, and cost efficiency

This is antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in action—not as a restrictive guideline, but as a future focused clinical advantage.

Conclusion: Responsible microbial management is critical to slowing AMR. Integrating alternative solutions, like Hydrofera Blue® and Cutimed® Sorbact® dressings into wound care protocols aids in effective infection prevention and biofilm control, aligning with AMS best practices while preserving antibiotic effectiveness for the future.

1.Maillard JY, Kampf G, Cooper R. An¬timicrobial stewardship of antisep¬tics that are pertinent to wounds: the need for a united approach. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2021;3(1):dlab027.doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlab027

2.World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Global guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection. Retrieved from https://www.who.int Oct 2025

3.Simel DL, Rennie D. The Rational Clinical Examination: Evidence-Based Clinical Diagnosis. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2009 May 5;150(9):659

4.Stanirowski PJ, et al. (2016b) Randomized controlled trial evaluating dialkylcarbomyl chloride impregnated dressings for the prevention of surgical site infections in adult women undergoing caesarean section. Surg Infect (Larchmt), 17(4): 427 35, 2016.

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Are we entering a new era of dementia treatment?

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:25:08 +0700

A Q&A with Sunnybrook Neurologists

Over the next five years, researchers estimate that more than one million people in Canada will be living with some form of dementia. Dementia is a general term characterizing a decline in cognitive abilities like memory loss, problem-solving, language and behaviour and mood management. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

The cognitive decline caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has a significant impact on everyday life. People with dementia will begin to experience difficultly performing usual tasks and activities, and require more support from caregivers as the disease progresses.

While there is no cure, clinicians and scientists remain hopeful as we enter a new era of dementia care. Of these innovations is the recent Health Canada approval of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), or Amyloid Targeting Therapies, like lecanemab, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

We spoke with Dr. Sara Mitchell and Dr. Mario Masellis, Neurologists in Sunnybrook’s Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program to learn more about the new era of dementia care and what it means for people and loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

What is the current state of dementia care in Canada?

Dr. Masellis: There are two very important aspects of the current state of dementia care in Canada – diagnostics and symptom management.

There are a number of clinical assessments, diagnostic and cognitive tests, neurological exams and family history conditions that play a vital role in determining an initial dementia diagnosis.

Sunnybrook is one of the few centres in Canada to provide Amyloid PET Scans for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. These nuclear medicine brain scans help detect and measure the amount of amyloid plaques in the brain, a protein associated with the development of Alzheimer’s. This scan helps clinicians accurately diagnose the presence of Alzheimer’s disease as well as determine how far the disease has progressed. Before amyloid PET imaging, these plaques could only be detected by examining the brain at autopsy.

Because there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is a focus on treating the symptoms associated with the disease. Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may face a variety of cognitive symptoms, including memory loss, behavioural and mood changes, restlessness, depression and anxiety. Management of these symptoms could include medications or behavioural modification strategies like occupational therapy. Some patients may see benefits from these strategies, but they do not target the root cause of Alzheimer’s or change the progression of the disease.

Primary care providers and programs like Ontario Health atHome also play a tremendous role in dementia care, providing patients with a support worker who help them live safely and comfortably at home for as long as possible.

What are disease modifying therapies (DMTs) or amyloid targeting therapies, and how are they different than other medications or treatments?

Dr. Masellis: After long and reiterative clinical trials, Health Canada recently approved the drug, lecanemab, for clinical use. Lecanemab is made up of monoclonal antibodies, which are designed to bind to and remove amyloid plaques from the brain. Unlike current therapies that aim to manage Alzheimer’s symptoms, DMTs are targeting one of the main proteins associated with the development of the disease.

By targeting the build-up of amyloid plaques, lecanemab has been shown to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline by an average of 30 per cent in clinical trials.

It’s also important for patients to understand that the therapy also has a risk of serious side effects know as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). This can include inflammation and bleeding in the brain, which can be detected through an MRI scan. Much like the current state, diagnostics like MRI will continue to play a critical role in dementia care and understanding neurodegeneration in the brain.

How will DMTs impact dementia care and what does it mean for patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease?

Dr. Mitchell: DMTs are ushering in a new era of Alzheimer’s care and shifting focus from symptom management, to targeting the root cause of the disease. What this means is that DMTs are slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s and keeping people cognitively healthy and independent for longer. This has significant impacts on the patient, as well as their families and caregivers.

The support of loved ones and caregivers is essential in dementia care. Not only can this include physical care like administering medication, keeping track of appointments or assisting in everyday tasks like bathing or cooking, caregiving requires an immense amount of emotional labour. As Alzheimer’s progresses, and patients experience symptoms like memory loss, it can be extremely difficult for loved ones to experience their family battle with the condition.

How is Sunnybrook leading the way for the new era of dementia care?

Dr. Mitchell: Through the collaborative clinical and research teams in the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, across Sunnybrook’s care programs and our community partnerships, we are leading the way for patient-centred dementia care, thought leadership and advocacy. Our interdisciplinary clinics can provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

Patient and caregiver education will continue to play an integral role in dementia care. As new treatment pathways become available, it is important that they are equipped with the information they need to make informed decisions and advocate for their care.

The approval of DMTs like lecanemab is an exciting step forward to a new era of dementia care, but there is still much work that needs to be done before they can become a standard part of patient care in Canada.

There are strict eligibility requirements for those who can receive lecanemab. It is estimated that only around 10% of patients assessed for cognitive impairment will meet criteria for the therapy. Time is of the essence with the delievery of this therapy, as it is only effective for those in the early stages of the disease. Our hope is to develop a rapid access referral model so that eligible patients are sent to the right avenue of care before there’s further disease progression

Although lecanemab has been approved by Health Canada, it is not yet covered by provincial health plans, like OHIP. It is estimated that an 18-month course of the treatment will cost $54,000 and until the treatment is included in provincial health plans, patients would have to pay out of pocket or depend on private insurance for coverage.

More information on DMTs in Canada

There are strict eligibility requirements for those who can receive lecanemab, and although it has been approved for use in Canada, it is still pending coverage by provincial health plans. For more information about lecanemab and what it means for Alzheimer’s care, view some helpful resources:

• Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)

• Alzheimer Society of Canada

• MINT Memory Clinic: Anti-amyloid therapies video series and lecanemab fact sheet.

The post Are we entering a new era of dementia treatment? appeared first on Hospital News.

Growing pressures facing hospital sector

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:25:07 +0700

At recent 2026/27 Pre-Budget Consultations, held by the Ministry of Finance in North York, Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) President and CEO Anthony Dale outlined the growing pressures facing the hospital sector and the need for stable, multi-year funding that will help hospitals plan as effectively as possible through the challenging years that lie ahead.

“As the voice of the province’s public hospitals, the OHA is committed to working with government to ensure that the people of Ontario continue to have access to high-quality patient care,” Dale said. “Ontario’s hospitals support the government’s ongoing investments in the health system. Investments in home care, primary care and long term care help ensure that more people can receive the health and social services they need in settings that are more appropriate than hospitals.”

Dale also recognized the extraordinary challenges ahead of the province, as the ongoing trade war with the United States threatens Ontario’s future prosperity and the affordability of all public services.

“Unfortunately, many hospitals are also grappling with significant challenges. Many are projecting year-end deficits, have eroded their working capital, and in the absence of certainty about their revenues, cannot properly plan for the future,” he said. “Costs for the sector have been rising by about 6% per year, primarily due to Ontario’s growing population, its aging population and inflation, in general. In recent years, the sector has received annual increases of approximately 4%, leaving the sector with a persistent and deepening structural deficit of approximately $1 billion.”

He added that long-standing issues such as unfunded beds and outdated funding rates have pushed hospitals into structural deficits that efficiencies cannot resolve. “Through the Hospital Sector Stabilization Plan (HSSP), hospitals have identified some initial clinical, operational and administrative cost savings and cost avoidance measures,” Dale said. “Unfortunately, these measures alone won’t address system pressures.”

Hospitals are preparing for difficult decisions over the course of the next few years. Ontario hospitals are already the most efficient in Canada. The HSSP exercise proves that further significant cost-saving measures would likely include program consolidation with service impacts, closure of non-core inpatient services, and spending reductions in core inpatient services.

“There are no easy choices ahead,” Dale said. Hospitals will also need to prioritize, make trade-off decisions, and above all, take action to operate with the more limited resources that are available.

Dale reaffirmed the OHA and its members’ commitment to providing strong leadership and to continuing to work with the government to reduce the rate of cost growth in the hospital sector. “Hospitals need predictable, multi-year financial planning assumptions for the next three fiscal years in order to properly plan for the future and serve their communities despite the wider uncertainty,” he said. “Hospitals are committed to doing everything possible to safeguard access to care.”

Health care, anchored by hospitals, is foundational to a stronger competitive economy. And even under strain, hospitals continue to lead change and pursue innovation. Into the future, artificial intelligence, gene therapy, personalized medicine, and the emergent hospital-at-home model hold enormous promise. Ontario’s hospitals and their partners are working hard to unlock the potential of the future – but it will also take time.

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Canada’s first abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program

Edusehat — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:25:06 +0700

HN Summary

• Ontario has launched Canada’s first abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening program, led by vascular surgeon Dr. Varun Kapila, enabling early detection of a condition that is often fatal when discovered after rupture.

• Eligible Ontarians aged 65–80 will receive access to a free, 10-minute ultrasound, shifting care from emergency intervention to planned, minimally invasive treatment and significantly improving survival.

• The program reflects province-wide collaboration and evidence-based design, drawing on national guidelines, cost-benefit research, and integration across primary care, diagnostic imaging, and Ontario’s 21 designated vascular centres.

Vascular surgeons, like Dr. Varun Kapila of William Osler Health System (Osler), manage countless emergencies every year, but the most concerning, he says, are patients who arrive with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a dangerous bulge in the wall of the body’s largest blood vessel.

“As many as 80-90 per cent of patients who present with this type of rupture will die,” said Dr. Kapila, Ontario Health’s Provincial Lead for Vascular Care, and a key leader behind the launch of the Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program. The program is the first of its kind in Canada.

“Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect about 20,000 Canadians each year, but if we can find them before they rupture, vascular surgeons can transition from crisis care to planned care, and most importantly, save lives.”

Dr. Kapila, who has also been the Associate Medical Director for CritiCall Ontario (Ornge) since 2023 and is the Past-President of the Canadian Society of Vascular Surgery, has championed AAA screening since assuming his provincial role three years ago and credits collaboration as vital to success.

“With strategic investment by the Ministry of Health and strong partnerships in primary care, diagnostic services, vascular health and epidemiological research, as well as people with lived AAA experience, Ontarians aged 65 to 80 will now have access to a free, 10-minute ultrasound and within minutes they’ll know whether they are at risk. A clear result means no need for a repeat ultrasound.”

Program development drew on best practices from the Ontario Breast Screening Program, national guidelines on AAA screening published in 2021, and a 2024 cost-benefit study of AAA screening published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2024 – both co-authored by Dr. Kapila.

The screening program was announced in September 2025 and Ontario Health shortly after began sending letters to Ontarians on their 65th birthday inviting them to contact their primary care provider for an ultrasound requisition. Distribution will expand to all Ontarians aged 65 to 80 in 2026, and those identified as at risk will be referred to one of Ontario’s 21 Designated Vascular programs, which include expert vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists.

“If we can find aneurysms early, we can perform minimally invasive procedures using local anaesthetic and no incisions, where patients are often in hospital for less than 24 hours.” said Dr. Kapila.

Osler’s Vascular Program is among the Designated Provincial Vascular programs in the province.

“The catchment area we serve at Osler has high rates of diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, and heart disease, making it a hot spot for peripheral arterial disease, coronary heart disease, and vascular diseases like aneurysms,” said Dr. Kapila. “This screening program will have real impact here, and thanks to investments in vascular care, patients will have access to 24/7 world-class endovascular care close to home.”

Dr. Kapila also praised Osler colleagues Dr. Hussein Jaffer, Physician Lead, Interventional Radiology, and Dr. William Johnson, Division Head for Vascular Surgery, who co-lead the Vascular Program and are nationally recognized in their fields. “Dr. Jaffer and Dr. Johnson are a prime example of what can be achieved when we break down departmental siloes and share expertise to drive innovative approaches to care.”

Now that the AAA screening program has launched, Dr. Kapila hopes its impact will inspire similar initiatives across Canada and support deeper integration between primary care, diagnostic imaging and vascular services.

“This is one of the most important advancements in the vascular sphere in my 13 years as a surgeon and has the potential to save so many lives, particularly if adopted further.”

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Physicians like AI—but not the tech their practices are using

Edusehat — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:35:04 +0700

A new survey found that most physicians are open to using AI, but they’re unhappy with how their organizations are implementing the technology.

A survey of 1,000 physicians by tech company Offcall found that more than two-thirds of surveyed physicians (67%) said they use AI daily in their practices and 89% use it weekly. The survey also found that 84% of physicians said AI helps them do their jobs better, and 78% said they believed AI will make patients healthier within 10 years.

But an even bigger number—81%—said they’re dissatisfied with how their employers are rolling out AI into their workplace, and 71% said they have no input into how AI is being introduced into their work.

“My opinion means nothing,” one respondent said. “Tools getting rolled out and we’re expected to just use them.”

“We get no communication,” another said. “Tools just appear in the EHR one day.”

Speed of adoption was another big concern, with only 19% of physicians saying they’re happy with how fast AI is being introduced into the clinical setting. Some said pilot programs never seem to launch, making them feel like their organizations are falling behind.

Physicians complained that the C-suite talks about implementing AI, but clinicians don’t see AI tools being rolled out. Some physicians said they’re using AI platforms like ChatGPT on their own.

The only group of physicians in the survey that were satisfied with AI technology were those in private practice.

More than two-thirds of physicians (67%) said that having a bigger say in AI would increase their job satisfaction.

When asked how they would want to use AI, 65% of physicians identified documentation and scribing. About half (48%) identified administrative burdens and 43% identified clinical decision support.

When the survey asked physicians what they feared about AI, several respondents worried that the technology would be used by insurers and payers, not patient care.

Other physicians worried they would find themselves in a Catch-21 situation legally. If AI makes a mistake, for example, physicians worry they’ll be held legally responsible. Others said they worried they would be sued for not using AI if something goes wrong.

More information on the survey is on Offcall’s website.

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Best-Rated Medical Interpreter Services for Hospitals and Clinics

Edusehat — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:20:05 +0700

Clear communication contributes to successful health care. Language barriers can affect patient safety, informed consent, clinical outcomes and overall experience. As Canada’s health system serves increasingly diverse communities, hospitals and clinics rely on professional health care interpretation services to support accurate, timely and culturally appropriate treatment. The top-rated medical interpreter companies make this possible in clinical settings, focusing on technology, provider quality, compliance and real-world usability.

1. Martti

Martti is a health care-exclusive medical interpretation platform designed to integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows. The on-demand video and phone interpretation services enable real-time communication, which helps doctors and nurses during critical care moments, from emergency departments to outpatient visits. Martti prioritizes patient safety, provider quality and ease of use across devices already commonly used in hospitals and clinics.

Key Features

On-demand responsiveness: 24/7 Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI) without advanced scheduling.
Extensive linguistic support: More than 250 spoken languages plus American Sign Language (ASL).
Health care focus: Interpreters trained specifically in clinical terminology and ethics.
Flexible technology: Works on workstations, tablets and mobile devices.

2. LanguageLine Solutions

LanguageLine Solutions is one of the most established names in medical interpretation. It supports hospitals and clinics with large-scale on-demand translation access across inpatient, outpatient and emergency settings. Its size allows for rapid connection to interpreters and broad language coverage. Advanced health care interpreters are available and have completed more than 40 hours of comprehensive training.

Key Features

Large linguistic inventory: More than 240 languages are available.
Fast connection times: Interpreters are typically available within seconds.
Multiple access points: Phone, video and mobile app options are available.
Supplementary services: Offerings include document translation and localization support.

3. Boostlingo

Boostlingo is a technology-first interpretation platform that combines software with access to professional service providers. It is often used by larger health systems that manage internal linguistic experts while supplementing with external providers. The company also offers AI scripts for recorded phone calls. The highly qualified interpreters meet all compliance requirements.

Key Features

Centralized management: One platform for VRI and OPI workflows.
Interpreter flexibility: Supports in-house, 3rd party or Boostlingo interpreters.
Reporting tools: Usage analytics to support planning and budgeting across departments.
Configurable deployment: Adaptable for complex organizational needs.

4. Propio Language Services

Propio Language Services delivers medical interpretation through a proprietary platform designed for scale, making it ideal for large hospitals. It serves a wide range of health care organizations and emphasizes rapid results and operational efficiency across more than 300 languages. Its network of trained interpreters is more than 20,000 strong.

Key Features

Multiple modalities: VRI, OPI, translation and localization services, with reporting and analytics.
Proprietary equipment: Streamlined interpreter access through Propio One.
Scalable delivery: Suitable for growing health systems.
Cross-industry experience: Health care expertise supported by broader service reach.

5. Certified Languages International

Certified Languages International (CLI) is a medical interpretation provider that strongly emphasizes linguistic quality and client support. The company collaborates closely with hospitals and clinics to provide reliable translation capabilities that seamlessly integrate across day-to-day clinical workflows. CLI positions itself as a service partner, rather than just a vendor, focusing on consistency, responsiveness and ease of use for health care teams.

Key Features

Medical-focused interpreters: Providers receive training in appropriate terminology, ethics and patient confidentiality.
On-demand access: VRI and OPI are available 24/7 for over 230 languages.
Client-centred support: Emphasis on personalized onboarding and ongoing account management.
User-friendly technology: Innovative MERFi video interpreting platform.

What Are the Best Medical Interpretation Services Available?

Select the best service provider by reviewing the unique offerings.

Provider	Interpretation Methods	Languages	Technology Focus	Key Differentiator
Martti	VRI, OPI	250+ and ASL	Health care-first platform	Medical-exclusive design
LanguageLine Solutions	VRI, OPI	240+	On-demand and on-site	Global scale
Boostlingo	VRI, OPI	300+	Interpreter management software	Platform flexibility
Propio Language Services	VRI, OPI, in-person	300+	Propio One	Rapid scalability
Certified Languages International	VRI, OPI	230+	MERFi	High-touch client support

Selection Methodology

Providers met the following criteria relevant to Canadian health care environments:

Medical-specific interpreter training and certification
Availability of VRI and OPI capabilities
Linguistic coverage, including ASL
Compliance with health privacy standards, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
Technology reliability, ease of use and hours of availability
Industry reputation and adoption in hospital and clinical settings

The Right Linguistic Partner

Selecting a medical interpreter service is a strategic decision that affects patient safety, access and trust. Technology-driven platforms allow hospitals and clinics to provide immediate language support without disrupting care delivery.

The post Best-Rated Medical Interpreter Services for Hospitals and Clinics appeared first on Hospital News.

Leading Medical Coding Outsourcing Companies for Health Care Providers

Edusehat — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:20:04 +0700

As a health care leader, it is your job to navigate resource allocation and reduce administrative burden. Canada’s strict ICD-10-CA standards and workforce pressures have led administrators to look beyond in-house models. Outsourcing medical coding is an excellent option to enhance data accuracy and ensure compliance. Here’s how to find the best solutions for your team.

What Are the Best Medical Coding Outsourcing Companies?

Medical coding vendors are an extension of your in-house team. These professionals offer specialized support tailored to your operational needs. Here are the five best medical coding outsourcing companies.

1. Global Healthcare Resource

Global Healthcare Resource is the top option for outsourcing because it specializes in innovative solutions. For over 20 years, the company has excelled in revenue cycle management, medical coding and patient contact center services. Its coders are trained to meet your designated certifications and workflows while maintaining peak accuracy. You can rely on these professionals across numerous clinical specialties.

Key features:

SOC 2 Type 2 compliant
Over 7,000 staff members with compliance expertise
27 years of experience in outsourcing services
98% accuracy rate

2. Oracle BCC

Oracle BCC tailors its solutions to companies of all sizes. The company handles coding, billing and compliance so your in-house staff can focus on patient care. You can trust Oracle BCC because of its team of skilled professional coders. Its focus is on ensuring compliance and helping you achieve the maximum allowable reimbursements.

Key features:

Turnaround time of 24-48 hours
High coding and audit accuracy
Highly skilled professional coders
Consistent training, outcome monitoring and on-site engagement

3. Access Healthcare

Access Healthcare enhances code quality and reduces claim denials through its expert team. The company ensures ICD-10 compliance while reducing turnaround times and improving your revenue cycle. You can count on highly skilled coders who are vetted, trained and regularly tested. Health care professionals use this platform for its high level of transparency. You can see which coders are working on your accounts and view their auditing scores.

Key features:

ICD-10 expertise
Reduced AR backlogs
Thorough vetting and training for coders
Platform with 100% transparency

4. Optum Business

Optum Business uses industry-leading technology and clinical intelligence to deliver medical coding solutions. The company delivers coded services on time, ensuring optimal uptime. Health care organizations of all sizes use Optum Business due to its scalable support. It offers numerous tiers of coding services backed by computer assistance, contributing to its efficiency and accuracy.

Key features:

CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 and ICD-9 medical coding
Multiple tiers of medical coding support
AI-infused coding and CDI platform
Solutions delivered promptly

5. GeBBS Healthcare Solutions

GeBBS Healthcare Solutions improves financial outcomes through tech-enabled revenue cycle management. The company has specialized professionals with certification and proprietary technology by their side. Each coder is trained to identify errors, assess compliance risk and implement quality assurance processes. Health care organizations benefit from GeBBS’s approach toward cost containment, denial prevention and accurate reimbursement.

Key features:

2 million charts coded annually
Over 300 partnering health care organizations
PCI-DSS certification
ISO 9001 certification

Methodology to Determine the Best Medical Coding Outsourcing Companies

Outsourcing medical coding impacts your facility’s financial health and compliance standing. Ensure you make an informed choice by implementing a rigorous evaluation process. Here are seven criteria used to determine the top companies.

Coding accuracy	The company must demonstrate a consistently high accuracy rate.
Regulatory compliance	Adherence to all relevant data privacy laws is essential.
Data security	The company’s data encryption standards and technical infrastructure are assessed.
EMR integration	Coders must be able to integrate with electronic medical records securely.
Staff credentials	Coders should hold certification from recognized bodies, such as AAPC or AHIMA.
Turnaround time	A company’s commitment to short turnaround times is essential.
Scalability	The services should be scalable to help manage patient volumes and seasonal surges.

Optimizing RCM With Outsourced Medical Coding

Efficient and resilient health care operations rely on strong medical coding strategies, and outsourcing this critical task offers cost savings and improved accuracy. Modern companies leverage technological power and specialized expertise to meet your specific needs. Use a comprehensive evaluation process to determine the best partner for your organization. Once you outsource medical coding, your staff can focus more time on patient care.

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21st Annual Nursing Hero Award

Edusehat — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:30:06 +0700

2026 – Celebrating Canada’s Nurses and Their Contributions!

Along with having their story published, Hospital News Nursing Hero Award, and the winners also will take home:
CASH PRIZES: 1st PRIZE $1,500 2nd PRIZE $1000 3rd PRIZE $500

Please submit by April 6, 2026 and make sure that your entry contains the following information:
• Full name of the nurse
• Facility where he/she worked at a time
• Your contact information
• Your nursing hero story

Please email submissions to editor@hospitalnews.com or mail to:
Volt Media/Hospital News, 200 North Service Road West, Suite 517, Oakville, ON, L6M 2Y1

The post 21st Annual Nursing Hero Award appeared first on Hospital News.

21st Annual Nursing Hero Awards

Edusehat — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:30:05 +0700

Celebrating Canada’s Nurses and Their Contributions!

Along with having their story published, Hospital News Nursing Hero Award, and the winners also will take home:
CASH PRIZES: 1st PRIZE $1,500 2nd PRIZE $1000 3rd PRIZE $500

Please email submissions to editor@hospitalnews.com or mail to:
Volt Media/Hospital News, 200 North Service Road West, Suite 517, Oakville, ON, L6M 2Y1

The post 21st Annual Nursing Hero Awards appeared first on Hospital News.

What’s the most-used emoji in medical records?

Edusehat — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:15:05 +0700

The use of emojis in medical records appears to be on the upswing, according to a new study showing the most popular characters used by clinicians in notes.

Researchers from the University of Michigan found that from 2020-2024, about 1.4 notes per 100,000 they reviewed contained emojis. By the third quarter of 2025, that number had soared to 10.7 notes per 100,000.

The data were published in JAMA Network as a research letter.

Just under two-thirds of notes in medical records using emojis (64%) were intended for patients. About one-third of the emoji-containing notes were intended for the clinical team.

Researchers found that notes in the study contained 372 different emojis. Notes containing emojis used an average of four of the characters.

The top emoji (used in about 40% of notes with the characters) was a smiling face with smiling eyes. The second most popular character (used in 13% of notes) was an old-fashioned telephone receiver. The third most used was a calendar icon, appearing in 10% of notes.

Other notes included characters like a maple leaf, a bathtub and a briefcase.

Emojis expressing some kind of emotion (faces that were smiling, winking and grimacing, for example) accounted for 58% of characters in the notes researchers examined. Emojis of objects (a rainbow and fire, for example) accounted for 21.2%, while characters expressing people and bodies were the third most common: 17.6%.

The most common types of notes containing emojis were portal messages sent to patients. Telephone encounters were the second most common type of note to use emojis (28.5%). Encounter summaries came in third (15.3%), progress notes were fourth (13.9%) and patient instructions followed (6.4%.)

Researchers noted that the Epic patient portal used by the study site restricts patient notes from using emojis, so they found none of the characters in patient portal messages. One researcher also told MedPage Today that while use of emojis remains fairly low in patient notes, he was surprised to find as much activity as the team found.

For more information, see the full text of the JAMA Network research letter.

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A national leader in specialized training for nurse practitioners

Edusehat — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:15:07 +0700

HN Summary

• Hamilton Health Sciences launched Canada’s first nurse practitioner fellowship in hematology, marking five years of specialized training in complex blood cancers and stem cell therapies.

• The one-year fellowship bridges a critical training gap, equipping NPs with advanced skills needed for highly specialized cancer care and strengthening HHS’s stem cell transplant program.

• Graduates are helping meet growing patient demand and positioning HHS as a provincial and national leader in NP education, mentorship and recruitment.

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is home to the first fellowship program in Canada for nurse practitioners (NPs) wanting to specialize in complex blood diseases like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. That program is now celebrating its fifth anniversary, and has proven to be an innovative way to build the stem cell transplant program at HHS.

For many years, fellowship training programs were reserved for doctors interested in building advanced expertise in a specific area of care like oncology, cardiology or surgery. More recently, they started being expanded to other medical professions, including NPs, and HHS led the way by launching the Ron & Nancy Clark Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in Hematology in 2020. It was the first such program in Canada, and aimed at new NPs with the goal of recruiting them to work in the highly specialized hematology department at HHS Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC).

Four NPs have completed the one-year fellowship so far, with three accepting jobs at JHCC caring for patients with blood diseases. The number would likely have been higher had it not been for interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Niche training for NPs

NPs are among the most highly qualified nurses in the country, with two years of additional training at the masters level after completing a registered nursing degree. They perform many of the same tasks as doctors including diagnosing illnesses, ordering tests, prescribing medications and managing treatment plans. But NP masters programs tend to focus on family and community medicine rather than specializing in complex fields like hematology, says Kari Kolm, a longtime and highly experienced hematology NP at JHCC. Kolm helped launch the NP fellowship program five years ago and is the program’s lead.

Nurse Practitioner Cassandra Cotic recently completed the fellowship program, specializing in complex hematology care. Photos by Josh Carey.

Caring for patients with complex blood diseases

Patients with blood cancers often require intensive, highly complex treatments like stem cell transplants or CAR-T cell therapy, where the person’s own modified immune cells are used to fight cancer.

“HHS is a leading teaching, research and cancer care hospital, so providing this one-year fellowship is an excellent way for new NPs to develop expertise in this highly niche area of care,” says Kolm.

The fellowship launched in tandem with the opening of the Ron and Nancy Clark Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit at JHCC, which allowed the hospital’s cancer program to care for many more patients needing these treatments.

“With this expansion, we had incredible growth in our program,” says Kolm, adding that JHCC draws complex hematology patients from across the region and beyond. “We needed more NPs but their training, which is geared mainly toward primary care, didn’t match the advanced skills our patients require. Bridging that gap is what inspired the fellowship program.”

From the ED to cancer care

NPs Nadia Culibrk and Cassandra Cotic are the most recent graduates of the fellowship program, which they completed in October. Both were emergency department nurses before returning to school to train as NPs and then becoming fellows. They now work full-time in JHCC’s complex hematology department.

“It’s an honour to partner with patients on their cancer journey,” says Cotic, who works with the team specializing in leukemia and stem cell transplants. “These are life-changing diagnoses for our patients, and I’m grateful to be part of their care.”

Culibrk is on the lymphoma team, caring for patients receiving CAR T-Cell therapy and stem cell transplants.

“These treatments are extremely specialized areas of medicine,” says Culibrk. “Working with this patient population requires unique and specific knowledge, including post-transplant care. Our fellowship provided the advanced training we need for this work.”

Blood cancer care is an area that’s rapidly evolving thanks to leading-edge research. “HHS is a top Canadian research hospital, so our patients often have early access to promising new therapies not yet on the market,” says Jennifer Smyth, director of Regional Cancer Programs at JHCC. “Given the specialized nature of what we do, a large part of our NPs’ role, including our fellows, is to deliver these promising new treatments.”

Role models provincially, nationally

JHCC’s complex hematology department currently has 14 NPs on staff now that Culibrk and Cotic have joined the team. The department will open applications for 2026/27 fellowships in spring, with October as the start date.

Fellows have protected time that’s formally reserved for learning, research, continuous quality improvement projects and professional development without being pulled into other day-to-day tasks.

Though graduated, Culibrk and Cotic continue to work on their research project which focuses on how teams communicate with each other in the era of Epic, the hospital’s state-of-the-art electronic medical records system. It’s a qualitative, descriptive study, meaning it uses interviews or observations to give a clear, straightforward description of people’s experiences or opinions, without testing a theory.

Meanwhile, what started as a recruitment project for JHCC could benefit other hospitals provincially or even nationally.

“NPs from other parts of Ontario and Canada are welcome to apply when we start accepting applications in spring,” says Kolm. “As the first Canadian fellowship in this field, we’re well-established leaders in education and mentorship for this specialty training.”

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Patient-led research aims to help others cope with dialysis

Edusehat — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:30:06 +0700

Life-saving kidney failure treatment needs to come with mental health care too, study shows.

It was two years after his kidneys failed that Jeff Costley hit his emotional wall.

He thought he’d adapted pretty well to the changes in his life — dialysis in hospital four times a week, permanent disability leave, new medical expenses, isolation and brain fog from the treatments — but it eventually caught up to him.

“At the start I must have been in denial because I seemed to be doing pretty good,” Costley remembers. “Then I really had a crash moment. I was definitely confused, asking myself, ‘Why is this happening to me?’”

After six months of suffering and searching — and not getting what he needed from a social worker, a psychologist, group therapy and his family doctor — Costley finally connected with a psychiatrist who helped him accept his new normal.

Now, Costley and other Albertans receiving dialysis are working to ensure others don’t have to struggle alone.

“Let your nurses and doctor know that you’re having a hard time. You need that realization that you can’t do it all on your own. It’s so easy to be hard on yourself, but that is not productive at all.”
– Jeff Costley

Costley is a member of a Community Advisory Committee that recently launched Your Journey: Coping With and Adjusting to Dialysis, an online pathway for mental health care designed by patients, for patients.

Supported by University of Alberta nursing professor Kara Schick-Makaroff, the project aims to bridge the gap between kidney care and mental health support.

“If people receiving dialysis have the agency to broach a taboo topic when they need help, that is a success,” says Schick-Makaroff, co-lead of Mind the Gap, a national research project within the Can-SOLVE CKD Network.

“Success in 15 years would be if people have less burden of depression and anxiety, but I think that’s going to take decades.”

Patient-led change

When your kidneys stop working, dialysis is a life-saving treatment, but it takes a heavy emotional toll. Up to 42 per cent of patients report symptoms of anxiety and 40 per cent have symptoms of depression, putting them at greater risk for emergency visits, longer hospital stays and lower quality of life.

Since it started 11 years ago, the Community Advisory Committee has created a list of mental health resources for patients and is evaluating how well cognitive therapy works for people on dialysis.

Building a new mental health clinical pathway to guide clinicians on how to better support their patients is still a work in progress at the early stages of implementation, but it led to the idea for a patient-focused resource “that everyone can use,” Schick-Makaroff says.

“Success in 15 years would be if people have less burden of depression and anxiety, but I think that’s going to take decades.” – Kara Schick-Makaroff

A key aspect of the new guide for patients is the language used. The group intentionally avoided clinical jargon and stigmatizing terms.

“We purposely limited words like anxiety, depression and suicide,” says first author Alexandra Albers, a nurse practitioner graduate student who has worked with the group since 2020. “They felt that words like ‘coping with’ and ‘adjusting to’ dialysis were a lot more inclusive and welcoming.”

Schick-Makaroff notes that Alberta dialysis units have endorsed the inclusion of emotional well-being in their care, but it will take time to break down “silos” between kidney care and mental health care.

“Patients and clinicians have told us this is really important, but it’s new — not just in Alberta and not just in Canada, but around the world,” she says. “We can’t find a single example of where this has existed to date.”

“Words like ‘coping with’ and ‘adjusting to’ dialysis were a lot more inclusive and welcoming.” – Alexandra Albers

Changing a system and a mindset

Jeff Costley was just 36 when a latent infection took out his kidneys in 2009 and he was put on emergency dialysis. After 16 years and two failed transplants, he now dialyzes at home for nine hours every other night.

He’s set his sights on a bioartificial kidney, which is under development but not yet in human trials. “It always seems like it’s five years away,” he notes.

Costley sees his psychiatrist every six weeks and considers him a friend. His mother moved in with him after his dad died six years ago, and he really appreciates her company and her care.

“Dialysis has really affected my social life,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of food restrictions, so restaurants are kind of a treat. And on dialysis days you’re kind of getting mentally prepared. There’s just a sense of uneasiness that you can’t get over.”

Costley tried going back to university and volunteered for a while as a peer counsellor for the Kidney Foundation, but with the Community Advisory Committee he says he’s found a connection that was missing.

“You’re talking to people who have similar problems and know what it’s like to go through a failed transplant and to have to needle yourself every other day. That’s huge.”

Costley loves contributing to research that improves the health-care system and helps other patients. “We kind of have to change the mindset of what is really required from our health-care professionals,” he sums up.

In the meantime, he advises new patients to speak up.

“Let your nurses and doctor know that you’re having a hard time,” he says. “You need that realization that you can’t do it all on your own. It’s so easy to be hard on yourself, but that is not productive at all.”

This research was supported by Alberta Health Services, the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

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Kids with fractures and sprains don’t need oral opioids for their pain, pediatric emergency researchers find

Edusehat — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:30:07 +0700

Cross-Canada study shows ibuprofen alone provides the same level of pain relief as ibuprofen plus acetaminophen or ibuprofen plus hydromorphone.

Kids with broken or sprained limbs don’t need oral opioids to treat their pain, according to newly published findings from a cross-Canada study by pediatric emergency researchers.

One of the largest randomized clinical trials ever carried out on pediatric pain in Canada, the No OUCH study showed that giving children ibuprofen (Advil) plus acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen plus hydromorphone (Dilaudid), an oral opioid, provided no better pain relief than giving ibuprofen alone.

“We don’t like to give children medications they don’t need, so if these medicines add no benefit to pain relief, then there is no reason to give them,” says principal investigator Samina Ali, professor of pediatricsand emergency medicine at the University of Alberta and chair of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada.

The study involved 699 children aged six to 17 at six pediatric emergency departments in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. All had musculoskeletal injuries such as broken arms and sprained ankles and had moderate to severe pain, but did not need surgery or hospital admission.

Their mean self-reported pain level before treatment was 6.4 out of 10. That dropped to between 4.6 and 4.8 an hour after treatment, once the medications achieved peak effect. There was no significant difference between the combinations — but adverse reactions such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting were four to five times more likely in the group that took the oral opioid.

Ali notes that some parents and clinicians have been hesitant to give children opioids since the onset of the opioid crisis in Canada, and some research has shown an increased lifetime risk of opioid use disorderfollowing any exposure.

For this study, parents were given the option to participate in a non-opioid trial if they preferred.

“We knew that if we did only one clinical trial with opioids, we would miss all of those families that have significant concerns about opioids, and we wanted to know how best to serve all families,” Ali explains. “So we ended up creating a new methodology where we embedded two trials within the same study — one with oral opioids and one without — and the families got to choose which study felt appropriate for them.”

Ali stresses that intravenous opioids are still considered effective and appropriate for children who present to the emergency department with a badly broken leg or are undergoing procedures such as back surgery.

She also notes that only about 20 per cent of the children in the study saw their pain drop to mild levels following treatment with ibuprofen. She says further study is needed of the so-called “3P approach” for managing children’s pain, which involves adding physical interventions such as heat and ice, and psychological interventions like distraction, to pharmacological treatments.

Some children may also need alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen to manage their pain.

“We expect to have pain when we break or sprain a limb. That’s normal,” Ali says. “But we want to manage the pain in a way that lets us do our regular activities, which for a school-aged child might be getting to the classroom or sleeping through the night. If we can get it to a manageable level, then we can give the body the time it needs to naturally heal.”

Ali expects the findings of the No OUCH study to lead to changes in the national clinical practice guidelines put out by TREKK.ca (Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids) and the Canadian Paediatric Society, which she helps to determine.

“We used the strongest opioid that is available for use by mouth and still saw no effect,” she says. “For me, this puts to rest the idea that oral opioids have a role in the treatment of children with acute pain and musculoskeletal injury in the emergency department who are being sent home.”

BY GILLIAN RUTHERFORD

The No OUCH study is part of the international Innovative Pediatric Clinical Trials (iPCT) partnership co-led by U of A pediatrics professor Lawrence Richer, who is also associate dean of research for the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. The research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute. The Stollery Children’s Hospital received ChildKind International certification in January 2025 for its commitment to treating children’s pain, making it one of only 22 hospitals in the world to achieve this standard.

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Half of Canadians are worried about dementia, but stigma keeps them from finding help

Edusehat — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:30:13 +0700

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is highlighting how stigma and fear remain major barriers to care for people impacted by dementia. Findings* from a Leger poll of over 1,500 Canadians reveal that while concern about dementia is high, many still avoid talking about it or seeking help.

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Canada and Alzheimer Societies across the country launched a Forget No One campaign to bring the conversation to life so that no one faces dementia alone. Their message is clear: Avoiding dementia is not a strategy and they are here to help.

Key national polling insights include:

53% of Canadians are worried about developing dementia.
66% fear losing independence or becoming a burden if diagnosed with dementia.
24% would prefer not to know if they had dementia.
46% are unsure where to find help or information.

More than half of Canadians are worried about developing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, one in four say they would rather not know if they had it, highlighting the stigma that continues to surround the disease.

For many, the concern stems from the fear of losing independence or becoming a burden to others – worries shared by two-thirds of respondents. Nearly half also said they wouldn’t know where to turn for help if they thought they might have dementia.

“Dementia is a major health crisis in Canada, yet far too many people face it alone,” said Christina Scicluna, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada. “Avoiding a diagnosis doesn’t stop dementia from progressing, it only delays access to care, information, and support that can improve quality of life. The Alzheimer Society is here to change that.”

Through programs and services offered in nearly 100 communities across Canada, local Alzheimer Societies provide education, counselling, support groups, and community resources for people living with dementia and their care partners. Early diagnosis can also open doors to interventions that support risk reduction and quality of life, including lifestyle changes and access to potential treatments.

“Would you want to know?” asks Scicluna. “A quarter of Canadians say no – and that’s the stigma we need to end. Because knowing means learning, getting help, and finding hope.”

How Canadians can take part

On January 28, 2026, Alzheimer Societies across Canada will participate in a national Day of Action for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Canadians are encouraged to show their support by wearing a Forget-Me-Not pin, sharing a photo on social media, and using the hashtag #ForgetNoOne to help break the silence and reduce stigma.

Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved at alzheimer.ca/forget-no-one

About the Alzheimer Society:
The Alzheimer Society is Canada’s leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Through the Alzheimer Society Research Program, we fund research for prevention, treatment, and a cure. Active in nearly 100 communities across the country, local Alzheimer Societies provide programs and services to help people living with dementia and their care partners. Learn more or find your local Society at alzheimer.ca.

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Gulf Aorta Summit 2026 Returns to Dubai with a Global Lineup of Aortic Experts

Edusehat — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:30:07 +0700

Gulf Aorta Summit 2026 Returns to Dubai with a Global Lineup of Aortic Experts

/ in E-News

The highly anticipated Gulf Aorta Summit (GAS) 2026 will take place from 6–8 February 2026 at the prestigious Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, bringing together the world’s leading minds in aortic surgery, vascular medicine, cardiothoracic innovation, and interventional radiology.

Now in its fourth edition, GAS has become the largest and most influential aortic-focused medical congress in the GCC region, attracting hundreds of delegates, global faculty, and top-tier industry partners. Under the theme “Crafting Intelligent Experiences in Aortic Care,” the 2026 summit will feature over 55 international and regional experts, presenting cutting-edge procedures, challenging case discussions, live transmissions, and hands-on workshops across the full spectrum of aortic pathology.

Highlights of the scientific agenda include sessions on:
• Complex BEVAR/FEVAR: indications, planning & bailout strategies
• Chimney vs Fenestrated EVAR: decision-making in difficult anatomies
• Aortic Arch Replacement using Frozen Elephant Trunk
• Innovations in thoracic trauma & blunt aortic injuries
• Updates in genetic aortic syndromes and spinal cord protection

A new addition this year is the International Aortic Fellowship Program, developed in collaboration with leading centres in Germany, and Egypt. Registered participants will have the opportunity to be nominated for this exclusive program, offering advanced clinical exposure and training in complex aortic interventions.

“These aren’t just big names—these are frontline experts with real-world insight, bold ideas, and a passion for sharing knowledge,” said Dr. Ayman Saleh, Consultant Interventional Radiologist and GAS 2026 faculty member.
“Every session, every panel, every workshop is powered by the kind of expertise that raises the bar for everyone in the room.”

GAS 2026 is CME-accredited and tailored for vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, trainees, and allied health professionals involved in the management of aortic diseases.

Event Details:

Gulf Aorta Summit 2026
Dates: 6–8 February 2026
Venue: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, UAE
Website: www.gulfaorta.com

Het bericht Gulf Aorta Summit 2026 Returns to Dubai with a Global Lineup of Aortic Experts verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

How to prevent and manage hospital violence

Edusehat — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 06:15:03 +0700

Key takeaways:
• Hospitals are deploying different strategies for prevention and de-escalation.
• A consistent response helps defuse patients sooner and allow staff to experience less psychological harm.
• It’s important that all staff know their role in preventing, de-escalating or containing problematic behavior.

THE NUMBER OF VIOLENT incidents in hospitals has been on the rise, exacerbated by the pandemic. In a 2025 report, the American Hospital Association estimated that the annual cost of violence to U.S. hospitals tops $18 billion. That same report acknowledged that it couldn’t estimate the impact of violence on staff recruitment and retention, nor the psychological costs for health care workers.

In 2025, the Journal of Hospital Medicine featured innovations being used in three different academic centers around the country, each designed to prevent hospital violence and to keep staff safe.

The three innovations each highlighted a different facet of how to tackle potential violence in hospitals: prevention, therapeutic interventions and even, as a last resort, discharging patients who won’t modify their behavior. But all three underscored the need for comprehensive, streamlined processes so clinicians and staff know how to de-escalate situations, and who to call when they can’t.

Prevention and de-escalation

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

As is the case at most hospitals, clinicians and staff at Philadelphia’s Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) had protocols in place before the pandemic to deal with disruptive patients or family members. But those weren’t well-coordinated or as comprehensive as they needed to be.

“There was no streamlined path for what to do, who to call, who would respond and what would happen.”

Christina Vo, MSN
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

“There was no streamlined path for what to do, who to call, who would respond and what would happen,” says Christina Vo, MSN, a nurse practitioner who is one of HUP’s interdisciplinary patient safety officers. Ms. Vo is also lead author of her and her team’s write-up in the JHM.

Previous efforts also weren’t as multidisciplinary as they needed to be, says hospitalist Emmanuel King, MD. While de-escalation training was offered to nurses, providers were often left out of that loop.

As a result, “we used to collectively struggle with how to handle these situations when they came up,” says Dr. King. “Should we call a physician or a nurse practitioner to the bedside to talk to the patient? Or did we need to call security? That all led to an inconsistent response, which would escalate patients even more.”

In 2023, both Ms. Vo and Dr. King as well as Karen Brooks, DNP, RN, became part of a committee to address workplace violence across HUP, with Ms. Vo as co-leader. That team came up with a three-pronged approach, with different portions of that pathway being piloted at HUP at different times.

Anticipatory guidance

The first component is what Ms. Vo and her colleagues call anticipatory guidance. A key part of this preventive stage has been including a handout in patients’ admission packets that references emotions—utilizing pictures of facial expressions, similar to the pain scale—that range from anxiety to loneliness to feeling overwhelmed.

“We find that depicting emotions about being hospitalized helps meet patients where they are,” says Dr. Brooks. “We’re also flipping the script.” For health care workers, she explains, the hospital is a very familiar place to be. But for patients, “these can be the worst days of their lives. The handout acknowledges that this situation is not normal for them.”

“We find that depicting emotions about being hospitalized helps meet patients where they are.”

Karen Brooks, DNP, RN
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

The admission packet also offers patients stress management resources they can use while hospitalized, including coloring books, puzzles and reading material as well as pastoral care and therapy dogs. According to the JHM write-up, a two-month pilot of anticipatory guidance on four general medicine units reduced reported incidents of violent and disruptive behavior.

Just as importantly, the staff on those units noted the value of having patients acknowledge how stressful it is being hospitalized. Staff also felt the handouts and stress management resources led to more meaningful conversations with patients and more opportunities for early de-escalation.

De-escalation and a behavioral response team

The second tier of Penn’s violence prevention pathway focuses on de-escalation. That entails training staff in techniques to defuse potentially violent or disruptive behavior. According to Ms. Vo, the center has pulled in techniques based on CDC and HRO (High Reliability Organization) principles.

Staff can also access instruction from the Crisis Prevention Institute, a training organization, in two separate ways: through an online component or in a four-hour in-person course. While taking the training is elective, the academic center is considering making training a requirement for new hires.

Also part of de-escalation: distributing tip sheets that spell out the role of the provider, the nurses, the charge nurse in tough situations that arise.

“We have a lot of churn with provider rotations every two weeks,” Dr. Brooks notes. “If something comes up and someone isn’t sure what to do, the tip sheet is available to walk them through the steps.”

“Now, everyone knows to treat violent or disruptive behavior just like a medical emergency, except you call a different set of resources to the bedside.”

Emmanuel King, MD
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

When de-escalation doesn’t succeed, the third component of the response pathway—calling the behavioral response team, which consists of security and the patient’s covering provider—kicks in.

Having that team in place preceded Ms. Vo and the response committee. “But there were gaps in response times for when security or medications or restraints would arrive,” she says. “We worked within the committee to minimize those time gaps.”

Dr. Brooks also highlights one big advancement with the streamlined behavioral response team: eliminating barriers to pulling needed medications.

“Certain medications now are on override in our Omnicells,” she points out, referring to the automated medication management systems used on the wards. Typically, doctors must place a physical order—for Ativan, for instance—in the medical record, which a pharmacist has to then verify.

Now, in time-sensitive situations when patients are acting out, “nurses can pull the medication from the Omnicell and do the documentation on the back end along with a provider order.” That change came through collaboration with the pharmacy and hospital leadership.

A system-wide roll-out

Ms. Vo and her colleagues piloted the three-tier pathway on 10 HUP units.

“We saw a reduction in workplace violence events in the advanced medical units,” she says. Committee members did not see a similar decrease in the neuroscience units where the pilot took place. They later realized that was due to many more reports of problematic events being filed, once the committee highlighted the importance of reporting.

She and the violence response team are now working with psychiatry and medicine residents to build out the pathway. They want to craft medication guidelines for disruptive episodes among patients having acute psychosis or behavioral issues related to dementia or delirium.

Ms. Vo and her colleagues are also tasked with rolling out the comprehensive pathway from 10 units in HUP to the entire medical center and to other Penn Medicine facilities.

“That’s very daunting,” she admits. “There’s a lot of interest in looking at how our pathway could be generalized across all the locations in our health system.”

Still, hospitalist Dr. King points out, embedding a pathway so everyone knows how and when to respond “is a big step forward. Now, everyone knows to treat violent or disruptive behavior just like a medical emergency, except you call a different set of resources to the bedside.”

Tailored care for vulnerable people

COOPER UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE

Now chief physician executive, Eric Kupersmith, MD, first started working at Cooper University Health Care in Camden, N.J., an academic tertiary care, level 1 trauma center, as a hospitalist in 1998. Over the years, Dr. Kupersmith found that he was one of a handful of clinicians called to intervene with difficult patients.

When dealing with those patients, Dr. Kupersmith says he tried to figure out how to prevent them from becoming disruptive or abusive in the first place. Over the years, “I found an increasing gap developing between providing humanistic care and clinicians’ self-preservation.”

“We wanted to help staff figure out how to talk to a specific patient when they start to escalate.”

Puneet Sahota, MD, PhD
Cooper University Health Care

When tough patients went too far, bedside doctors and nurses would say, “We want this patient out!” While he understood that reaction, he’d respond by asking about what had triggered the patient to elicit the disruptive behavior. “That often earned me a, ‘Are you kidding me?!; from distressed clinicians,” he says.

“I wanted to figure out how to cut off the risk of violence or abuse before it begins by basically offering tailored care to patients who can’t effectively represent their needs,” says Dr. Kupersmith. The push toward that tailored care finally came in October 2023, when staff members at Cooper took a safety survey. Their No. 1 concern was workplace violence.

Before then, Cooper offered employees universal violence prevention training, and it had a well-established workplace violence prevention committee. It also had an interdisciplinary behavioral rapid response team protocol, which included a pre-packaged medication kit and Omnicell override for as-needed medications as well.

“Many hospitals have these behavioral rapid response teams and they’re considered best practice,” says Puneet Sahota, MD, PhD, division head of consultation-liaison & emergency psychiatry at Cooper. “But they’re reactive.” She and her colleagues began working with Dr. Kupersmith to formulate a more proactive approach.

Psychology resources

Fortunately, points out Dr. Sahota, Cooper has a very deep bench of psychiatry and psychology resources, including a psychology consult service that’s distinct from psychiatry.

“That is very rare among hospitals,” she notes. Around the same time that the safety survey results came out, what Dr. Sahota calls “parallel streams”—independent efforts within different parts of the organization—cropped up as partial responses to staff safety concerns.

“We’ve literally created a concierge service for vulnerable people.”

Eric Kupersmith, MD
Cooper University Health Care

For one, campus security strengthened infrastructure with better lighting. The academic center also invested in giving all staff a personal panic badge to wear at all times. And psychology leadership suggested scripted care plans for individual patients to help prevent ongoing disruptiveness and potentially threatening behavior.

That’s when Drs. Kupersmith and Sahota began connecting those various activities to address at-risk patients before disruption begins.

“We wanted to help staff figure out how to talk to a specific patient when they start to escalate,” says Dr. Sahota. Those strands came together in a multidisciplinary team dubbed therapeutic violence mitigation (TVM, which formally debuted in February 2024 with Dr. Sahota as medical director of TVM & team safety.

The charge of TVM was two-fold: to develop a systems approach to identify at-risk patients before issues arose and to support care teams with tailored care plans for individual patients.

The TVM team is made up of three clinicians: a psychiatrist (Dr. Sahota), a psychologist and a hospitalist. The team worked with informatics to craft a text alert that’s sent to team members when a patient with a prior history of violence or disruption comes to the ED.

TVM members then reach out to the care team to remind them to look through that patient’s individual behavioral care plan; those plans are drafted by TVM members and stored in the EHR. Each plan outlines a patient’s clinical background and mental health history as well as specific triggers, tips for how that patient should be approached, and details about how they respond to different de-escalation or calming techniques.

A change in culture

In their Journal of Hospital Medicine write-up, Dr. Sahota and her colleagues described the TVM pilot program, which centered on four patients. In the year leading up to the pilot, the four patients collectively had been responsible for 67 escalation events including behavioral rapid responses called and incident reports filed.

In the six months after TVM was initiated, only two violent events were recorded among the four patients. Those results convinced administration to expand the program to include other patients at risk. More than a year later, says Dr. Sahota, the TVM program now includes close to 150 patients, all of whom have individual behavioral care plans. To get the program off the ground, each of the three TVM clinicians received about 10% of their clinical time to dedicate to the program.

As for how much more comfortable staff feels now caring for at-risk patients, Dr. Sahota notes that the center’s culture has changed.

“TVM team members still get alerts when a patient presents, and one of us still reaches out to the care team,” she says. “Usually, that team has already looked through the care plan and their response is, ‘Yeah, yeah, we got it.’ ” Because nurses and providers are now engaging with patients much more quickly, she adds, patients “are modifying their behavior.”

Strategic use of standard precautions

The scripts used in patients’ behavioral care plans are based on the principles of Project BETA (Best practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Agitation), a framework for verbal de-escalation.

Dr. Sahota also credits the early and strategic use of standard hospital precautions for suicidal and homicidal ideation. Those precautions include one-on-one observation, securing personal belongings and cell phones, and having to use a “safe tray” with finger food and no silverware.

“There is actually therapeutic value in the timing and deployment of these precautions,” she notes. When interacting with someone who’s threatened to harm a nurse, for instance, “I say, ‘We take safety very seriously, and we’re going to follow our hospital’s protocol for making your room a safe environment. This is what that involves.’ ”

Those precautions “paradoxically have a calming effect, not in the moment when patients get upset about having their phone taken away but afterwards, when they have time to reflect,” Dr. Sahota says. She also believes that one-on-one observers help mitigate patients’ behavior.

“They develop a back-and-forth with patients and let them know that they’ll get their phone back if they show that they can remain calm and not threaten to harm themselves or others,” she says. “One-on-one companions are part of the therapeutic team.”

Once patients realize they want their phones back and silverware to eat, “then we can have a therapeutic conversation. That’s when a patient’s insight improves and their behavior changes.”

Another important resource: Nursing leadership began hiring behavioral clinical specialist nurses in 2024.

“We very quickly integrated them into our workflows so we could be an interdisciplinary team,” Dr. Sahota says. The behavioral clinical specialists “go to the bedside every day based on which patients are at highest risk of violence. They coach and support the bedside nurses in how to implement care plans and de-escalate interactions.”

A streamlined workflow

Dr. Sahota and her colleagues are now creating similar care plans for patients with other reasons for behavioral dysregulation including traumatic brain injury, dementia, delirium, intellectual disability and autism.

She is aware that flagging patients as being at risk for violence in the EHR can be stigmatizing. But she notes that the flag in use at Cooper University Hospital is a safety alert, not a violence flag, one linked in the EHR to that patient’s care coordination plan.

“The alert immediately tells staff to read the behavioral care plan and communication script, so the flag is therapeutic, not stigmatizing,” she notes. “That’s really important.”

And while Dr. Sahota notes that few institutions have the inpatient psychological resources as her health system, she believes many hospitals could implement a scaled-down version of therapeutic violence mitigation. Most hospitals already have a psychiatry consult service and security.

“What was key was streamlining those into a systematic workflow,” says Dr. Sahota. “I believe all hospitals have the potential to do that even if they don’t have all these formal resources.”

As for chief physician executive Dr. Kupersmith, he’s gratified to finally see patients get the time and attention they need. “We’ve literally created a concierge service for vulnerable people,” he says, “to help them better manage in our health system.” At the same time, “our nurses and physicians experience less physical and psychological harm while delivering compassionate care.”

Discharging patients as a last resort

Oregon Health and Science University

What about those very rare cases of disruptive patients when preventive techniques and de-escalation still don’t change patient behavior?

That was the dilemma facing clinicians at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Ore., who—like providers elsewhere—saw the number of violent and abusive incidents rise significantly during the pandemic. That increase led them to re-examine some underlying assumptions in health care.

“We can all approach these situations with less drama and more process.”

Kellie Littlefield, DO
Oregon Health and Science University

They realized, as hospitalist Kellie Littlefield, DO, points out, that personnel in other industries—think police officers and airline crews—”are empowered by legal and institutional policies to detain or eject individuals for violent or disruptive behavior toward them.”

But hospitals have historically lacked such safeguards. “Health care’s unique culture—shaped by ‘do no harm’ and maybe a belief that patient-inflicted violence is inevitable or unintentional—has fostered underreporting and an unconscious assumption that patients cannot be held accountable,” notes Dr. Littlefield, who works with OHSU’s workplace violence committee. “We want to protect our patients. But we also need to protect our staff and the healing environment.”

For years, the hospital had deployed behavioral response codes as well as trauma-informed care education and staff de-escalation training.

It also had a longstanding administrative discharge policy whereby adult patients who displayed persistently unsafe behavior would, as a last resort, be discharged from the hospital before they were medically ready. But using that policy was challenging, Dr. Littlefield explains. Part of the reason why was because the protocol was unclear about who would make that discharge decision and how the decision would be implemented.

As a result of not having a clear-cut and reliable process, Dr. Littlefield says that care teams “often experienced denial, minimization or learned helplessness, which actually act together to perpetuate violence.”

Clear-cut escalation pathways

In 2021, the rising number of incidents led OHSU to revisit its administrative discharge policy, charging committee members to make it workable. To do so, team members called for several new multidisciplinary roles, robust documentation and clear-cut care escalation pathways.

As detailed in the JHM write-up that Dr. Littlefield was lead author of, in the event of unsafe or disruptive behavior, the protocol holds that nurses first contact the patient’s primary team and document their own observations and assessments. Primary team members consider underlying etiologies for behavioral issues such as delirium, uncontrolled pain or anxiety, and the patient’s mental stability and capacity.

If the patient’s behavior persists despite therapeutic interventions, the bedside care team next reports that behavior to the unit nursing director or to the administrator on duty during weekends and evenings; the bedside team can also call in the physician on duty to help mediate. Both the administrator and physician on duty have hospital leadership roles and expertise in resolving system-level issues.

“If two heads are better than one, then three are better than two,” says Dr. Littlefield about adding the administrator on duty and/or physician on duty to the decision-making mix. “Because an administrative discharge is such a high-stakes decision, we wanted to pull in a leader-representative who can help support the care team, mediate or even offer a different perspective.”

Adding leader-representatives to the mix also shows a clear escalation of concerns, which is important for staff. “That makes it clear to the bedside team that we are there to support and protect them.”

Who makes the final decision?

If unsafe behavior persists, the decision to actually implement an administrative discharge is now made by the hospital’s director of nursing—an important change since the policy’s first iteration.

“The administrative discharge decision used to be planted in the physician realm, which made many of us uncomfortable,” says Dr. Littlefield. “You’re trying to maintain a caring therapeutic relationship with patients and create a medical plan, not focus a visit on negotiating hospital rules.” Another process innovation: having the nursing director give the patient a final warning before they’re discharged, making it clear that their behavior is about to lead to them having to leave the hospital.

“Many times,” she notes, “the final warning has helped us not proceed to administrative discharge. We want to continue to provide care safely, and that piece really helped us.”

In the rare event when the nursing director decides an administrative discharge is necessary, the patient’s primary team arranges for “next best” outpatient support and prescriptions.

The protocol also comes with clear exclusion guidelines. Patients are exempt from a possible administrative discharge if they are psychiatrically or medically vulnerable (including those on a medical or psychiatric hold) as well as those who are under conservatorship or guardianship.

Rare events

In their JHM write-up, Dr. Littlefield and her colleagues note that over the course of 2023, only five administrative discharges took place. One of those five patients, according to the write-up, has been lost to follow-up. But the other four have since been treated at OHSU as well as at other local facilities without any major behavioral concerns.

The team did seek the opinion of the hospital’s legal counsel about administrative discharge in case a patient brought a malpractice claim. The upshot, as Dr. Littlefield and her colleagues write in their article: “Once behavioral expectations are put in place and capacity confirmed, the patient is making the determination to terminate care via refusal to curtail violent behavior.”

Dr. Littlefield says she is not aware of any legal cases pertaining to any administrative discharges. As for how often the policy was enacted in 2024 and 2025, she notes that such discharges remain just as infrequent as in 2023.

“Part of that is we are all now much more facile at approaching these cases and more comfortable because we have clear and defined roles,” she says. “We can all approach these situations with less drama and more process.”

Phyllis Maguire has been Executive Editor of Today’s Hospitalist since 2006. Based in Bucks County, Pa., her health care interests are hospital medicine and long-term care options. She also likes zydeco, hiking, and reading memoirs and romances.

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Wound care trends for 2026: The future of wound care

Edusehat — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:20:04 +0700

By David Navazio

In 2026, the global wound care market is expected to grow to approximately $24 billion in volume and continue its growth through 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately seven per cent. This positive streak will continue what has been a consistently growing annual metric over each of the last 5 years. In 2026, it is expected the United States’ share of the global market will comprise over 47 per cent, and well over half of the industry’s gross volume.

Even with U.S. dominance in the global wound care market, the rest of the world wound care is growing at what may be an even faster pace, with its potential to catch up one day soon. According to , “The continued escalation in global wound care demand is a result of a growing senior population, together with the expansion of improved wound care availability, as well as the adoption of higher wound care quality standards around the world.”

The global wound care industry is evolving as it strives to keep up with the increasing global demand for wound care supplies and expertise. Product innovation, artificial intelligence, efficient data management, improved supply chains and more are helping the industry keep up with global demand

In the year 2026, I believe the following 8 trends most likely to influence the global wound care industry. They include:

1) The growing influence of artificial intelligence on wound care.

2026 will be a significant year during which AI is more widely integrated into the practice of wound care. It has the potential to significantly improve wound care in the way it more efficiently analyzes types of wounds, recommends courses of treatment, tracks healing, prevents future wounds and more. Navazio notes that AI is based on a body of empirical information and that Gentell owns the largest database of wound care information in the world.

2) The hottest product in 2026 – honey-based wound care.

We predict that the most popular new wound care product in 2026 will be wound care made with Manuka honey. Manuka honey, from New Zealand, is the most pure and effective honey available. It is an ancient, natural remedy, that is poised to make a major comeback, in new forms of dressings and salves that are now FDA approved for wound care.

3) New trend: managing nutrition’s effect on wound care.

Although many health care professionals focus on bandages, antimicrobials and topical agents to heal wounds, an increasingly popular, state-of-the-art therapy recognizes the importance that nutrition plays in wound care, as well. For example, protein is a foundational nutrient in wound healing because it supports and enhances tissue growth, cell renewal and cell repair. Nutrition can stimulate the body in a number of positive ways to facilitate and expedite wound healing.

4) Global Wound Care Culture^TMwill expand in 2026.

We define Wound Care Culture^TM as an integrated environment of shared beliefs, knowledge and practices that prioritize wounds and elevate their care and treatment. A Wound Care Culture^TM advances wound care from merely treating wounds to prioritizing the entire process toward achieving evolutionary improvement in quality and overall patient care. These quality standards are rapidly expanding worldwide.

5) Vertical integration will bring down costs.

At one time, wound care consisted of a number of separated components including manufacturing, delivery, treatment, information management and more. By vertically integrating all the components, costs will be dramatically reduced while the quality, speed and personalization of wound care treatment will be greatly increased.

6) Outside economic influences potentially will have an effect on wound care.

Although the wound care industry is making great strides in making the cost of wound care more affordable, outside governmental, political and economic influences such as tariffs, taxes and inflation may have a counter-balancing effect on wound care pricing and availability.

7) Recognizing the dangers of skin substitutes, especially in long-term care.

Recently, the use of skin substitutes for wound care for seniors has been limited within Medicare coverage. In fact, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) stated in 2023 that the CMS doesn’t have enough research to distinguish the efficacy of different skin substitutes. Expect further disengagement as skin substitutes are declared inappropriate, if not outright dangerous, for use on wounds, especially for long-term care patients.

8) A growing trend towards preventing wounds before they occur.

The best wound care occurs when wounds can be prevented before they occur. 2026 will see growth in preventative measures. An example of this strategy’s success relates to recent years’ diabetes incidence diminishing. Experts believe that this is due to the increasing availability of tests and information relating to the prevention of diabetes. Reducing diabetes will mean a reduction in wounds relating to diabetes, benefitting more patients.

Wound care is becoming increasingly complex. Keeping up with the trends in a vertically integrated global environment is key to delivering optimal care and maintaining a competitive edge dedicated to improving the lives of more people around the world.

David Navazio is President and CEO of Gentell, the largest vertically integrated wound care company in the world.

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Robotic procedure makes St. Michael’s Hospital home to landmark cardiac surgery

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:35:08 +0700

Cardiac surgeons at St. Michael’s Hospital have successfully treated a rare congenital heart anomaly using minimally invasive cardiac robotics — marking a landmark achievement in cardiac surgery.

In late November, Drs. Gianluigi Bisleri and Daniel Burns treated a patient with a rare congenital condition known as cor triatriatum. This anomaly is characterized by a thin membrane within either the left or right atrium, dividing the chamber into two compartments. As a result, patients effectively have three atrial chambers instead of two, which restricts blood flow and can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and even heart failure.

The case comes just months after St. Michael’s became the first hospital in Toronto to implement a robotic platform in cardiac surgery and perform a robotic mitral valve repair. Building on that momentum, Drs. Bisleri and Burns applied their advanced expertise to an even more complex condition, which they say is the first-ever robotic surgical treatment of cor triatriatum worldwide.

With robotics, highly trained surgeons are able to operate through small incisions, resulting in shorter hospital stays, reduced risk of infection, and significantly faster recovery compared with traditional open-heart surgery.

Tackling complex cases with robotics

The Schroeder BRAIN&HEART Centre is one of Canada’s highest-volume cardiac centres, with a strategic focus on expanding its robotic program to address rare and highly complex cardiac conditions — bringing the benefits of advanced technology to more patients.

The da Vinci system has two main components: the endoscope, or the “eyes,” and three robotic arms, each equipped with an EndoWrist that replicates — and enhances — the surgeon’s natural hand movements. This added range of motion allows surgeons to perform intricate maneuvers in confined spaces with exceptional precision.

The system’s high-definition, three-dimensional endoscopic visualization is a critical advantage. While cardiac surgeons traditionally rely on magnifying loupes, the robotic platform provides unparalleled clarity—essential in this case to ensure complete and precise removal of the abnormal membrane from the patient’s heart chamber.

Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, which requires splitting the breastbone and lengthy recovery, robotic cardiac surgery often allows patients to return home within a few days.

During the procedure, Bisleri and Burns worked in close coordination. The da Vinci system is controlled from a nearby console, where the surgeon views a magnified three-dimensional image of the surgical field and uses hand and finger controls to perform delicate, highly precise movements.

Innovative and advanced care for all

This progress in care is possible because of the highly skilled surgeons who can operate the powerful robotic tools, and the anesthesiologists, nurses, and perfusionists who are driving this innovative and patient-centred practice forward. “The successes never stop,” says Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO of Unity Health Toronto. “I am very proud of this team. We’re fundamentally changing how heart surgery is done, but also changing access to care.”

Following the three-hour surgery, the patient was discharged from hospital after three days and is recovering well at home. Robotic surgery is a significant step forward for patient care and recovery, with so much potential for new ways to help patients heal and return to their regular lives.

“We are fortunate that irrespective of where you come from, we all have access to the most significant and impactful care,” says Stationwala. “And we’re very fortunate that our clinicians continue to push the envelope and make people’s lives that much better.”

By Christine Davidson
Photos by Katie Cooper

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The Cost of Inaction: Why the OHA’s Resistance to Staffing Ratios Defies Logic

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:30:04 +0700

In a recent episode of The Gritty Nurse, I sat down with Michael Hurley, President of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU/CUPE), to discuss a fundamental question: What does it mean to lead a movement in a collapsing healthcare system? Hurley, a veteran advocate, was clear: the current crisis in recruitment and retention isn’t an accident—it’s a policy failure.

The blueprint for a cure exists, yet the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) refuses to pick it up.

The evidence is no longer up for debate. A landmark August 2025 study commissioned by OCHU/CUPE, co-authored by researchers Dr. Jim Brophy and Dr. Margaret Keith, confirms that nurse-to-patient ratios are a matter of life and death. The data shows that for every additional patient added to a nurse’s workload, the risk of mortality increases by seven per cent. This isn’t just a “nursing issue”; it is a public safety crisis that is being ignored under the guise of “managerial flexibility.”

During our conversation, Hurley emphasized that the OHA’s resistance to mandated ratios—and their failure to reach a deal for 60,000 hospital workers—is a refusal to acknowledge the “moral distress” on the front lines. Nurses are fleeing the bedside not because they have lost their passion, but because they refuse to be complicit in a system that makes safe care impossible.

The OHA argues that ratios are too rigid for “complex” hospital environments. But if the OHA is so confident that ratios won’t work, why won’t they even entertain a pilot project? If the data from British Columbia, California, and Australia—where ratios have stabilized the workforce and reduced patient deaths—is somehow “not applicable” to Ontario, then let us prove it through a trial on a single surgical ward or a high-traffic ER.

The refusal to even test a model that has saved lives elsewhere suggests that the OHA is more interested in protecting a failing status quo than in protecting patients. Hurley’s work highlights that the “silent epidemic” of violence against healthcare workers is also tied to these numbers. The OCHU report notes that forcing a nurse to take on extra patients is associated with a spike in physical violence. When we understaff, we create a powder keg of frustration for both staff and patients.

The OHA points to the addition of 40,000 workers since 2019 as a success, yet vacancy rates remain at record highs. We are attempting to fill a leaky bucket. As Hurley notes, the only way to plug those holes is to empower workers to reclaim their profession through bold, collective action. We have over 16,000 licensed, non-practicing nurses in Ontario who are waiting for a reason to return. A mandated safety floor—a ratio—is that reason.

Leadership isn’t about managing a crisis; it’s about having the grit to end it. It is time for the OHA to stop hiding behind the word “flexibility” and start looking at the evidence. If they believe their current model is superior to the one saving lives in other jurisdictions, they should welcome a pilot project. Their continued “no” is no longer a management decision; it is an indefensible choice to ignore the data, the workers, and the patients.

By Amie Archibald-Varley
The Gritty Nurse

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Sharp rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions in Ontario, research finds

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:10:09 +0700

A new Ontario-based study has found a significant rise in prescriptions for stimulant medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly among adults and females. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, calls for better clinical guidance to help ensure those medications are prescribed appropriately, and to help prevent possible adverse health effects, such as heart conditions.

Researchers from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and North York General Hospital analyzed provincial data covering more than 15 million residents, of whom nearly 600,000 received prescriptions for ADHD stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. This study found a 157 per cent increase from 2015 to 2023, with the sharpest growth beginning in 2020.

“Individuals, particularly adults, are receiving ADHD drug prescriptions at rates we have not seen before. While stimulant medications can improve outcomes for those with ADHD, enhanced clinical training and prescribing as per evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are essential,” says Dr. Yaron Finkelstein, Staff Physician, Senior Scientist in the Child Health Evaluative Sciences program, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Drug Safety and Efficacy, and the study’s senior author.

Notable increases in prescriptions among adults and females

The research team analyzed data from Ontario’s Narcotics Monitoring System, tracking all stimulant prescriptions dispensed to more than 15 million residents aged 5 to 105. They found that the annual rate of stimulant prescriptions for ADHD rose from 275 to 708 per 100,000 people from 2015 to 2023, with the yearly growth rate jumping to 29 per cent after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ADHD has traditionally been viewed as a condition diagnosed primarily in school-aged children, with a predominance among males. The study shows a marked shift among adults, particularly females aged 18 to 44, who have experienced the most significant increases in diagnoses. By 2023, first-time ADHD diagnoses among adults aged 45 to 64 rose sharply, and females in the 18 to 44 age groups were receiving new stimulant prescriptions at a rate more than 200 per cent higher than males.

The authors note increased awareness and easier access to diagnosis, including through virtual platforms, may contribute to this rise. Other factors include possible misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis, and the social acceptability and environmental changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Alberta syphilis cases fell after rapid testing rollout

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:10:08 +0700

Physician responses to paA new study suggests that syphilis cases in Alberta dropped sharply following the expansion of rapid testing and same-day treatment, reversing years of steep increases and growing concerns about congenital transmission.

The study, co-led by researchers with St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Alberta, and Indigenous Services Canada, was conducted as Alberta declared a syphilis outbreak in July 2019 after cases surged among key populations, especially Indigenous communities.

In Alberta, the scale of the crisis was stark: reported syphilis cases jumped from 161 in 2014 to 2,330 in 2019. Between 2015 and March 2024, there were 350 cases of congenital syphilis – where syphilis is passed from mother to child – resulting in 61 stillbirths.

To help reduce transmission, Dr. Ameeta Singh, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, and her team introduced rapid, point-of-care syphilis testing. This approach allows people to be tested and treated in a single visit, often in community-based or non-traditional settings. A key factor in its success was the use of mobile health teams who reached individuals with limited access to care, providing testing and connecting them to treatment in culturally safe ways.

The province first implemented the rapid point-of-care testing program in Edmonton in August 2020 and expanded across Alberta in March 2022. Researchers used interrupted time-series analyses to evaluate how the rollout affected new syphilis positivity rates, comparing trends before and after the intervention to measure its impact. After the Edmonton rollout, monthly rates dropped by 15 percent, and once the program expanded across Alberta, the decline deepened to 25 percent, the study found.

“Rapid testing didn’t just slow the outbreak, it bent the curve and now the number of new infections is declining,” said Dr. Ameeta Singh, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta. “Expanding these tests, in addition to offering treatment and care, has helped us reach people in remote or underserved communities who are too often missed by traditional healthcare systems.”

Overall, the findings show that introducing rapid syphilis testing was associated with a meaningful reduction in new infections in a high-income setting facing renewed heterosexual transmission and persistent barriers to testing and timely treatment.

“Infectious syphilis is a public health emergency in Canada, hitting communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba the hardest,” said Dr. Rourke, director of REACH Nexus at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto). “This data show that we can make a real-world impact by reaching more people to test, diagnose, and create crucial linkages to care to help end this health crisis.”

Health officials say the findings highlight the need for accessible, low-barrier testing, as key populations across Canada—particularly Indigenous and remote communities—continue to face disproportionately high rates of syphilis and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

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One-in-four children with major traumatic injuries not cared for in pediatric trauma centres

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:10:06 +0700

New research shows that 1 in 4 children with major traumatic injury do not receive care in a pediatric trauma centre, where outcomes are generally better than in adult centres. The authors of the study, published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), recommend evidence-based strategies to improve care for this vulnerable age group.

“Given the strong evidence of improved clinical outcomes associated with care in pediatric trauma centres, access to these centres in Canada must be improved urgently,” writes Dr. Lynne Moore, professor, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, with coauthors. “Since most severely injured children first present to nonpediatric hospitals, the most effective strategies lie in strengthening decision support in prehospital environments and nonpediatric hospitals, not in costly new infrastructure.”

Researchers found that in a study across 9 Canadian provinces over 5 years (2016 to 2021), 3007 children were admitted to an acute care hospital with major traumatic injuries. Of these, 2335 (77%) were directly transported (879, 29%) or transferred (1456, 48%) to a pediatric trauma centre.

Pediatric trauma centres offer specialized health care and support for the specific physical and psychological needs of children and their families.

Variability in access to pediatric trauma centres exists, with higher access in Alberta and Manitoba than in Ontario, and lower access in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Atlantic provinces.

The authors suggest that provincial trauma systems integrate evidence-based strategies to improve access to pediatric care. A standardized prehospital triage tool adapted to pediatric patients, pediatric readiness assessments for nonpediatric hospitals, and teleconsultation pathways between referring hospitals and pediatric centres are some strategies.

“Immediate implementation of evidence-based strategies to improve care for children with major trauma, coupled with targeted research and national data coordination, would save lives and provide more equitable trauma care for children in Canada, regardless of where they live,” the authors conclude.

“Access to pediatric trauma centres in Canada: a population-based retrospective cohort study” was published December 15, 2025.

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Survey shows progress in primary care access as Nurse Practitioners help close gaps

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:10:05 +0700

The Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) welcomes findings from the 2025 OurCare National Survey, which demonstrate meaningful improvements in Canadians’ access to primary care, with Nurse Practitioners (NPs) playing an increasingly vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of communities across the country.

The comprehensive survey of over 16,000 Canadians reveals that 81% of respondents now report having an NP or family doctor, up from 77% in 2022. An additional 1.4% receive care from primary care teams known for providing ongoing care. These gains represent approximately 600,000 fewer people without access to regular primary care compared to three years ago.

“This is encouraging news for patients and families who have been struggling to access primary care,” said Dr. NP Michelle Acorn, CEO of NPAO. “Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are proven clinicians and leaders in delivering comprehensive, patient-centred care, and these results demonstrate our critical role in strengthening the healthcare system in Ontario, and across Canada.”

The survey found that 7.3% of Canadians with a regular primary care provider see an NP as their primary clinician – up from 5.4% in 2022. This represents significant growth in NP-led care and attachment progress at a time when the healthcare system faces unprecedented pressures.

“While we celebrate this progress, there is much more work to do,” added NP Marie Greer-King, NPAO President “NPs stand ready to serve more patients and help address critical gaps in timely access to care, but we need the provincial government’s continued support to maximize our contributions.”

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Toronto hosts global forum advancing assistive technology in ALS care

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:10:04 +0700

n early December, Toronto was host to the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations Annual Meeting and the Allied Professionals Forum, bringing together health professionals, non-profit organizations, caregivers, and people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from around the world to share learnings, spark collaboration, explore practical approaches to care, and assistive technology.

Co-hosted by the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and the ALS Association, the meetings provided a unique opportunity to examine how innovations can be applied in real-world care settings to improve safety, independence, and quality of life for people affected by the disease.

The event featured a Day in the Life Suite, an interactive demonstration space where vendors showcased assistive technologies designed to support communication, mobility, safety, and daily function. More than 300 participants, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation specialists, neurologists, caregivers, and people living with ALS, engaged with the vendors, tried devices, and explored practical applications for daily life.

Technologies highlighted included eye-gaze communication systems, smart-home supports to enhance safety and autonomy, adaptive feeding tools and mechanical assistants, virtual reality platforms adapted for low-mobility users, next-generation mobility devices, and assistive products addressing intimacy and personal relationships. Clinicians observed how these tools fit into assessment and care planning, while caregivers and people living with ALS explored features and functionality in real-life contexts.

“Allied health professionals play an essential role in ALS care,” said Kim Barry, Vice-President of Community Services at ALS Canada. “This forum created a rare opportunity for clinicians and people living with ALS to come together around assistive technology, not just to see what’s new, but to understand how and when these tools fit into real lives. Seeing technologies used in context helps professionals make more informed decisions that support independence and address daily challenges.”

The event underscored the growing role of assistive technology in ALS care and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches when introducing tools that can reduce care burden and support autonomy. Observing real-time use reinforced the value of aligning clinical decision-making with individual needs and lived experience.

Approximately 4,000 Canadians are currently living with ALS, a neuromuscular disease that progressively paralyzes people because the brain can no longer communicate with the muscles we can typically move at will. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to talk, walk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure for the disease, which carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 300 for each of us.

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Empowering Canada’s health leaders for the AI era: The Health AI Academy takes learning coast-to-coast

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:18 +0700

HN Summary

• Unity Health Toronto’s Data Science and Advanced Analytics team launched the Health AI Academy to build AI literacy among health care professionals nationwide, helping them confidently and responsibly adopt AI in care delivery.

• Developed with KPMG and Signal 1, the two-part program combines virtual foundational learning with an in-person fellowship, equipping leaders and clinicians with practical skills in AI governance, procurement and implementation.

•Drawing on Unity Health’s leadership in applied health AI, including tools like CHARTWatch and Autoscribe, the Academy is creating a national community prepared to use AI to improve patient safety, efficiency and outcomes.

Unity Health Toronto’s Data Science and Advanced Analytics (DSAA) team is delivering Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and literacy directly to health care professionals across the country through the Health AI Academy.

The Academy, created with KPMG and Signal 1 and with funding from DIGITAL, completed its inaugural run in November, sending its first cohort of participants off with new insights and ideas about developing and deploying AI solutions in their home organizations.

Damian Jankowicz, Executive Vice President, Chief Information and AI Officer at Unity Health, says the Academy is an opportunity to equip the Canadian health care system with the tools it needs to shape the future of care for patients and their families.

“It’s about building our national capacity,” says Jankowicz. “We’re helping Canadians move towards confident and responsible adoption of AI tools and solutions.”

The two-part course is a national training program for health care leaders, staff and clinicians across Canada, created with the goal of strengthening health system leadership and understanding of AI.

Hundreds of participants tuned in to weekly virtual sessions during the first part of the course, Health AI Foundations, to learn about topics ranging from change management to data governance and AI solution procurement.

The second phase of the course, the Health AI Fellowship, saw a small cohort of health care leaders visit St. Michael’s Hospital for a week-long in-person program to gain deeper practical knowledge.

Ron Johnson, Vice President, Digital Health, Innovation & Research and Chief Information Officer at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, participated in both the Foundations and Fellowship programs.

“This is going to be a catalyst across the country,” Johnson said during a reflection at the Fellowship graduation ceremony. “It will have a multiplying effect.”

For Danina Kapetanovic, Vice President Innovation at Waterloo Regional Health Network and Chief Health Innovation Officer at University of Waterloo, the Foundations and Fellowship programs gave participants “the vocabulary to make sense of a topic that can feel abstract.”

“The Fellowship marks the first wave of leaders who will ensure that as healthcare becomes more intelligent, it also becomes more human,” says Kapetanovic. “AI readiness is as much about wisdom as it is about knowledge.”

The approval and use of AI devices and solutions in health care has increased exponentially in recent years, and the market for these technologies is on a steep incline.

According to KPMG’s 2025 global report, Canada ranks 44th out of 47 countries in AI training and literacy, highlighting a critical gap in preparing the workforce for the future of care. The Health AI Academy was created to bridge this divide by equipping health professionals with the knowledge and skills to evaluate, adopt, and implement AI responsibly. By blending practical training with real-world application, the academy is helping health professionals build confidence in health AI adoption while fostering a national community of more than 200 professionals who are learning, sharing, and growing together.

“The Health AI Academy is more than a training program, it’s designed to empower Canada’s health professionals in a time of rapid change” says Shripal Doshi, Partner, Healthcare and Life Sciences at KPMG.

“We’re proud to collaborate with Unity Health Toronto and KPMG Canada on the Health AI Academy to help equip healthcare leaders with the skills and confidence to adopt AI responsibly,” says Mara Lederman, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Signal 1. “Education and engagement are essential to closing the AI literacy gap and ensuring that innovation translates into safer, more effective care.”

Unity Health’s DSAA team is uniquely positioned to lead this work. The network leads the country in applied healthcare AI, with 50+ tools developed and tested at our sites to enhance operational decision-making, reduce wait times, customize treatments, improve health outcomes and save lives.

One of these tools is CHARTWatch, the artificial intelligence early warning system developed at St. Michael’s Hospital that monitors hospitalized patients in real-time and identifies those at high risk of unexpected death or transfer to an intensive care unit and sends alerts so that doctors and nurses can intervene early. A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows a 26 per cent reduction in unanticipated mortality after the tool was implemented on the St. Michael’s general internal medicine ward.

Another is Autoscribe, an AI-powered scribe that can generate notes for physicians to review, approve and add to the electronic patient record after a patient visit. AI scribes have been shown to reduce the time spent on this task by an average of 3 to 4 hours a week.

These solutions show that AI can be a transformative tool for staff, physicians and, most importantly, patients across every aspect of health care.

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Training that saves lives: Using simulation to strengthen teams and patient care

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:16 +0700

Over the past three years, simulation activity at Providence has increased by 30 per cent, underscoring its growing importance across clinical teams. In 2024, more than 245 simulations were delivered, and by mid-2025, that number had already been exceeded.

These sessions go beyond practice; they are a critical part of how we prepare health care teams to deliver safe, high-quality care when it matters most.

What is simulation in health care?

Simulation is health care’s rehearsal space. It allows teams to safely practice clinical scenarios before they encounter them in real patient care. At Providence, simulation encompasses both program-specific training and organization-wide or professional practice–led initiatives, such as mock codes and emergency response exercises. It spans a range of modalities—from high-fidelity simulations with advanced manikins to low-fidelity role-playing and tabletop exercises.

Examples include:

• Lifelike manikins that breathe, speak, and respond like real patients

• Virtual reality environments for immersive emergency response training

• Recreated clinical spaces to rehearse complex procedures and team dynamics

• Mock codes and mass-casualty drills to test emergency readiness

“Simulation gives our staff the opportunity to learn by doing,” says Tanya Choy, Education Strategy and Simulation Consultant at Providence. “It builds confidence, strengthens communication, and helps teams prepare for high-stakes situations.”

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St. Michael’s Hospital endoscopy training program draws experts and students from around the world

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:15 +0700

HN Summary

• Participants from around the world took part in North America’s oldest and longest-running live endoscopy course, combining hands-on training with live-streamed complex procedures.

• For 36 years, St. Michael’s Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Course has trained gastroenterologists, fellows and residents in cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

• Recently re-designated a World Endoscopy Organization Centre of Excellence, St. Michael’s is one of just 20 such centres globally and the only one in Canada.

This past fall, endoscopy specialists from around the globe gathered at St. Michael’s to participate in the oldest and longest-running live endoscopy course in North America.

On day one, participants from as far away as Japan, Australia, the United States and Italy joined a live, hands-on training session and practiced the latest advanced endoscopic procedures under expert faculty guidance. Over the following two days, more than 20 complex patient cases were performed at the St. Michael’s Endoscopy Centre and broadcast live to more than 130 course attendees at Li Ka-Shing Knowledge Institute next door, and more than a thousand others watched over a virtual platform, Endoscopy On Air.

For 36 years, the centre’s Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Course has shaped the next generation of endoscopy specialists through this hands-on, three day training course. The course provides practicing gastroenterologists, fellows and residents with an immersive experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. During the program, they learn new endoscopic techniques and enhance their ability to identify and treat endoscopic complications.

“It’s rare to see an educational program sustain this level of engagement for nearly four decades,” said Dr. Gary May, Head of gastroenterology at St. Michael’s Hospital. “This initiative is successful because of the dedication of our guest faculty and their ongoing commitment to passing on knowledge and expertise.”

Students gather on day one of the Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Course to learn hands-on procedures.

Endoscopy is a procedure that allows physicians to examine the gastro-intestinal tract using a flexible tube called an endoscope. Equipped with a light and camera at its end, the endoscope is inserted through a natural opening such as the mouth or rectum. This procedure allows physicians to perform minimally invasive procedures and surgeries that often lead to an easier recovery for patients.

The teaching program was initially founded by Drs. Norman Markon, Paul Kortan and Greg Haber who together had the vision to build the Centre for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy at St. Michael’s. Today the training program convenes international endoscopy specialists, many of whom trained at the centre early in their careers.

“At Unity Health Toronto, we believe in sharing knowledge to foster innovation,” said Sonya Canzian, Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations Officer and Chief Nursing and Health Disciplines Executive at Unity Health. “Our gastroenterologists are among an accomplished group of pioneers in endoscopy who perform complex procedures and significantly contribute to driving advancements in the field. We are proud of their impact on this 36 year legacy of excellence in care and education in Canada.”

St. Michael’s also boasts the largest and most established therapeutic endoscopy centre in Canada.The department acts as the backstop for the entire GTA, Ontario and most of eastern Canada. It serves as a referral centre for many minimally intrusive and complex endoscopic procedures.

“We do much more than routine procedures,” said Dr. Jeff Mosko, Gastroenterologist/Therapeutic Endoscopist who carried out a first ever life saving procedure for a patient just a year ago.“Our team performs more than 35 advanced procedures, many of them for cancer and precancerous conditions. In some cases, we can remove a polyp or lesion, spare nearby organs, and keep the patient from more invasive surgery.”

Recently, the Centre for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy was re-designated as a Centre of Excellence by the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO). This prestigious recognition places St. Michael’s among just 20 Centres of Excellence worldwide. There are four others in the Americas, and one in Canada: St. Michael’s.

By Olivia Lavery
Anna Robinson works in communications at Unity Health.

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Sunnybrook welcomes third cohort of work-integrated learning students

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:14 +0700

HN Summary

• Sunnybrook welcomed its third cohort of Black students through York University’s Work-Integrated Learning for Black Students in Health program, offering hands-on experience and mentorship in real clinical and research settings.

• Students gained practical skills, career insight and professional connections while contributing to meaningful projects in areas such as mental health research, rehabilitation and accessibility.

• The program reflects Sunnybrook’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by supporting Black representation in health care and helping reduce systemic barriers in the profession.

or the third consecutive year, Sunnybrook’s Organizational Development & Learning team has mentored three Black students through York University’s Work-Integrated Learning for Black Students in Health program.

The Work-Integrated Learning for Black students in Health program provides students with valuable real-world experience through workplace-based learning opportunities, such as co-ops and placement programs, to further their academic and professional journeys.

“This program is unique because students placed at Sunnybrook have the chance to gain on-the-job experience that can help to determine career fit, refine learning and career goals and develop specific skills – all while building a strong network,” says Shaunteque Harris, manager in the Organizational Development & Learning department at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “We also benefit from students who bring new and innovative ideas, fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the teams they are placed with.”

The program originated as an initiative championed by two York University student groups – the Black Students in Psychology Association and the Black Students Mentorship Program. Over the years, the program has become a valuable part of the York University Faculty of Health’s educational offerings and a way to support the career aspirations of young Black students in health care.

“Black representation in healthcare is essential to building trust, improving health outcomes, and fostering culturally responsive care”, says Paola Calderon-Valdivia, experiential education coordinator at York University. “Yet, systemic inequities continue to limit access to health care and social services for Black Canadians, making programs like this more important than ever”.

We sat down with the two students from this year’s summer 2025 cohort to learn more about their experience:

Abdulqadir Isaak
Program: Psychology, Honours BA
Placement: Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorder Centre

“When I first applied for the program, I had no idea what to expect. I was assigned to the anxiety disorders program and wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into at first, but I can happily say I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

During my time at Sunnybrook, I had the opportunity to work in The Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorder Centre, where I got the chance to shadow various psychologists in their clinics, getting a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into facilitating different kinds of therapy sessions.

I also had the chance to research music therapy and its effectiveness in reducing anxiety among patients. I applied knowledge from my psychology and quantitative methods courses, using a range of statistical tools and computer programming to support my research.

This was a unique educational opportunity, as I was able to research music therapy while observing actual therapy sessions to see my research in action. I’m happy to say that the research I conducted through this experience is now used as evidence to guide further music therapy programs and research.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience as I got to see first-hand what a career in clinical psychology can look like, while gaining the confidence I needed to continue pursuing my career aspirations.”

Johnathon Orr
Program: Kinesiology, with an interest in rehabilitation and human performance
Placement: St. John’s Rehab

“I came across this opportunity through a Black student organization at York and thought it would be a great way to gain experience outside the classroom.

Working on research projects helped me see other sides of health care and really broadened my understanding of how interdisciplinary rehabilitation can be. During my time at St. John’s Rehab, I supported staff and research teams through note-taking, literature reviews, and writing executive summaries for ongoing projects.

I was part of a study focused on attitudinal barriers, where we explored accessible housing options for people with disabilities and translated research findings into plain language to make them more usable for wider audiences.

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My first 100-Days as CEO and President

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:12 +0700

HN Summary

• The CEO’s first 100 days focused on listening and relationship-building with staff, physicians, patients and community partners to shape RMH’s future together.

• Major priorities ahead include transparent leadership, community-engaged master and strategic planning, and stronger coordination across the full continuum of care in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

• Key investments are moving forward, including expansion of the Emergency Department with a new Mental Health Emergency Services Unit, alongside efforts to better inform the public about services and opportunities to get involved.

Over the past 100 days, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into the role of President and CEO at Ross Memorial Hospital. It has been a busy, energizing start and I’ve felt fortunate to receive such a warm welcome back to the hospital where I’ve spent so much of my career.

Much of my time has been spent meeting with leaders, frontline teams, physicians, patients, and partners to understand both our strengths and the challenges ahead. These conversations have helped lay some of the groundwork for what the future of Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) holds by the people who know this hospital best.

My arrival also coincided with Dr. Michel Boivin joining RMH as our new Medical Chief of Staff. His leadership, clinical insight, and commitment to patient-centred care have already made a meaningful impact. Together, we are focused on strengthening the hospital’s medical leadership and preparing for the next stage of RMH’s growth.

One message I want to ingrain is that Ross Memorial Hospital belongs to our community. We are here because of—and for—the people of Kawartha Lakes. I am committed to transparency being a hallmark of how we operate. Open communication, shared information, and community involvement are fundamental to building, maintaining, and adapting to meet the needs of our region.

In 2026, RMH will undertake two major planning processes: Master Planning and Strategic Planning. While these processes inform each other, they serve different purposes:

• Master Planning focuses on the physical infrastructure and long-term space needs of the hospital. It asks: What buildings, facilities, and clinical programs will we need over the next 10–20 years to serve our community?

• Strategic Planning focuses on organizational goals, priorities, and services. It asks: What should RMH focus on to meet the needs of patients, staff and physicians, and strengthen health outcomes over the next 3-5 years?

Both processes require strong community involvement. Your experiences, ideas, and expectations will help shape the future of healthcare in Kawartha Lakes. This spring, RMH will hold a series of community forums across Kawartha Lakes to share information and gather input from residents that will guide our planning work. These sessions will be advertised well in advance, and I strongly encourage you to attend. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.

Healthcare does not begin or end at the hospital doors. A holistic approach to the continuum of care—across primary care, community agencies, long-term care, mental health services, and emergency response partners—is essential. Over the coming months and years, we will work intentionally with partners across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County to improve coordination, reduce gaps, and support patients throughout their care journey.

One major project RMH is excited to see moving forward is the expansion and renovation of our community’s Emergency Department. This includes the creation of a state-of-the-art Mental Health Emergency Services Unit that will improve patient safety and timely, specialized care for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The expansion will also include a new trauma room with enhanced infection control measures and additional space to support emergency teams caring for patients requiring urgent, lifesaving treatment. This project represents a significant investment in the future of emergency care in our community, and we will provide regular updates as the work progresses with an eye towards shovels in the ground by early 2028.

In addition to timely updates on the Emergency Department expansion, another focus is increasing public awareness and education about the broad range of clinical services available at RMH. We want residents to know what care is offered locally—and how to access it. We welcome your questions about our programs and services, as well as suggestions for areas where more information could be provided. There are also volunteer opportunities available, including Patient Experience Partner openings on hospital committees. Please reach out with any comments or interest in getting more involved to quality@rmh.org or publicrelations@rmh.org.

Thank you to our patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, and community partners for making these first 100 days so meaningful. I look forward to working together as we build a stronger and more connected healthcare future for our City of Kawartha Lakes.

By Veronica Nelson
Veronica Nelson is President and CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital.

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Beyond the bedside: The silent safeguard of the operating room

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:11 +0700

HN Summary

• Medical Device Reprocessing Departments at St. Paul’s and Mount Saint Joseph hospitals work behind the scenes to protect patient safety by cleaning, sterilizing and preparing every surgical instrument.

• MDRD professionals bring diverse backgrounds and personal motivations to a highly technical, team-based role that is essential to infection prevention and safe surgery.

• As new facilities open and demand grows, MDRD offers a meaningful, accessible career path with real impact on patient care and hospital operations.

In the bustling corridors of Providence Health Care’s St. Paul’s Hospital and Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, where life-saving procedures unfold daily, there’s a department whose work is rarely seen, but always felt. The Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) is the quiet force behind patient safety, ensuring that every instrument used in care is meticulously cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use.

What is medical device reprocessing?

Few people know that Medical Device Reprocessing exists, yet without it, surgeries and procedures couldn’t happen. Every tray, every instrument, and every package prepared by MDRD technicians plays a vital role in preventing infection and supporting patient care.

Take a look behind-the-scenes at the dedicated professionals who keep the system running—working with precision, teamwork, and purpose.

A career that begins with curiosity and grows with purpose

For many MDRD professionals, the journey into the field began with a simple question: What role can I play in health care?

Brian, a senior Medical Device Reprocessing Technician at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, found his answer through a family connection. “I had a cousin who worked at Vancouver General Hospital. She told me MDRD was a good entry into health care.”

That advice led Brian to a career where collaboration and impact go hand in hand. “We work as a team to accomplish a goal together. I love seeing my co-workers grow and I feel proud because we’re crucial to the hospital. We’re part of an integrated system.”

Meanwhile Gigi’s path was shaped by a shift in plans. “I was going to take a medical transcription course, but a doctor told me it would soon be obsolete. Then I found the MDRD course. It only took 11 weeks to complete.”

Today, she’s proud to be part of a team where “everyone is a team player” and where her work directly supports patient care.

For Rowena, who joined St Paul’s Hospital earlier this year, the decision was deeply personal. “This is the heart of the hospital. We clean all the instruments coming from the operating room (OR) to make them ready for the next surgery. I wanted to give it back because my husband has had several surgeries here. Working here means I’m helping not just my family, but everyone.”

Saar, who transitioned from a porter role to MDRD, was drawn by the sense of collaboration. “What I liked about this department was the teamwork and the technical aspect of the job. It’s fast-paced and reward2ing. Very different from working alone.”

A community of care and inclusion

Beyond the technical skills, MDRD is a place where people find belonging.

Catherine, who immigrated to Vancouver from Beijing in 2016, began working in MDRD two years later. “I love this job because my colleagues and managers are kind and inclusive. Most of us come from different countries. We support each other.”

Her story is one of resilience and pride. “Through my work, I gain a sense of self-worth, respect, and trust. I help doctors and nurses. I have a stable and enjoyable career in Canada. It’s such a pleasure to share my story.”

Her colleague Kam echoes this sentiment, painting a vivid picture of the department’s role in the broader health care system. “At the center of this efficient system sits MDRD. We make sure every single instrument used on a patient is clean and safe. It’s not an easy job. It requires multitasking, attention to detail, and following procedures precisely. But we do it with love and a big smile.”

Why MDRD matters for patient safety

MDRD professionals are responsible for cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments, sterilizing them using advanced methods, inspecting and assembling instrument sets, and packaging them to maintain sterility. They also manage inventory and maintain detailed records of sterilization processes and equipment maintenance.

Juan, a Medical Device Reprocessing Technician at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital puts it simply: “We focus on patient safety and infection control. We take care of every patient with every set or package we prepare.”

Colleague, Cindy, adds “MDRD is an integral part of the hospital that most people don’t know about. Without this department, it would be hard for doctors to get their instruments and supplies for surgeries and patient care. I enjoy working at MSJ. It feels like a small community hospital. The doctors really get to know you here. We work together as a team, and I’m proud to be making a difference.”

The department’s leader, Bola, underscores the critical nature of their work. “Our work might not always be visible, but it is important to prevent infections and ensure that medical devices are safe for use. We collaborate closely with OR nurses and use feedback from the operating room nurses to streamline processes and also identify areas for improvement. People don’t see us, but we’re critical. We’re here 24/7. If we stopped, surgeries couldn’t happen.”

Looking ahead: Growth, opportunity, and impact

With the new St. Paul’s Hospital set to open in 2027, the MDRD team is preparing for a new chapter—one filled with opportunity for growth, innovation, and recruitment. For those considering a career in health care, MDRD offers a unique and rewarding path.

The post Beyond the bedside: The silent safeguard of the operating room appeared first on Hospital News.

From passion to recognition: SHN named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:09 +0700

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is pleased to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2026. This year’s winners were announced online in The Globe and Mail and in a special magazine by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the country’s largest publisher of employment periodicals. This prestigious award celebrates organizations with exceptional workplaces and human resources programs, evaluating dimensions such as corporate culture, employee benefits, professional development, communications, and community involvement.

“We are proud to be among Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2026, and a workplace of choice for highly skilled healthcare professionals,” said David Graham, President and CEO. “SHN’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029 includes a focus on our people and culture, and this award acknowledges our commitment to advancing how we recruit, retain, and support our exceptional people.”

The award is also a reflection of the accomplishments SHN has made through its People Strategy 2024–2029. This dedicated strategy is grounded in the pillars of workforce sustainability; recognition and rewards; long-term growth and development; health, safety, and wellness; and equity and inclusivity.

“Our People Strategy was developed to position our workforce for success in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said Noura Gharibo Shaw, Vice President, People, Culture andGovernance, and Chief Human Resources Officer. “Through this strategy, SHN has advanced, created, and achieved several key initiatives that have helped to make us one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers.”

Some of the achievements SHN has brought to life include:

• Introducing a new Professional Development Review Program (PDRP), designed to support growth, career aspirations, and personalized development plans through tools, guidance, and meaningful one-on-one conversations between staff and their leaders.

• Continuing to profile staff through the dynamic Where the World Comes to Work recruitment campaign, which highlights the diverse and vibrant workforce driving the health network forward.

• Expanding its series of EnRoute professional development programs that fast-track nursing careers by providing essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in specialized areas of care.

• Launching a new Employee Health Management program through a transformational approach to absence management and a focus on the crucial role of communication between leaders and staff.

• Fostering a culture of inclusivity through staff education like the PeopleFirst: Compassionate Care program, which promotes diversity, provides essential training and resources, and encourages open and empathetic communication.

• Establishing an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee with employee, professional staff, and volunteer representation to serve as a platform for shaping and advancing EDI initiatives across SHN—ensuring that policies and programs reflect the values of fairness, respect, and belonging.

In addition to being named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, SHN has been recertified for 2025 by Waterstone Human Capital as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. This is the organization’s third consecutive year being recognized for this award.

“Our achievements are a direct result of the passion and dedication of our people—our greatest asset. Every day, our staff, professional staff, volunteers, and learners live our values and strengthen the community and culture that makes SHN an employer of choice,” said Gharibo Shaw. “Together, we celebrate our commitment to being a workplace where every person can thrive and bring their best self to their roles in delivering exceptional quality healthcare.”

By Nicole Ruggiero
Nicole Ruggiero is a Communications Specialist, SHN.

The post From passion to recognition: SHN named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers appeared first on Hospital News.

Looking ahead to 2026

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:08 +0700

Workforce stabilization, digital accountability, system integration and public trust will define the next phase of health care transformation. Hospital News examines the issues, decisions and pressures health leaders will be watching in the year ahead.

As Canada’s health system continues to recover, recalibrate and redefine itself, 2026 is emerging as a pivotal year. The pressures that intensified during the pandemic—workforce shortages, capacity constraints, rising patient acuity and public mistrust—have not faded. Instead, they have become the backdrop against which a new phase of decision-making is unfolding.

What makes 2026 different is not the presence of challenges, but the way they are converging. Longstanding structural issues are now intersecting with rapid technological change, evolving patient expectations and renewed policy attention at both provincial and federal levels. For health professionals working across hospitals, community care, long-term care and public health, the year ahead will not be defined by a single breakthrough or reform. It will be shaped by a series of interconnected choices that influence how care is delivered, how teams are supported and how trust is rebuilt.

These are the stories Hospital News will be following closely in 2026.

From workforce crisis to workforce strategy

After several years of operating in near-constant crisis mode, many health organizations are beginning to shift their focus from short-term mitigation to longer-term workforce stabilization. In 2026, the conversation is expected to move beyond filling shifts toward retaining people.

Health leaders are investing more deliberately in flexible scheduling models, redesigned roles, expanded scopes of practice and leadership development for frontline managers—recognizing that culture and day-to-day leadership play a central role in burnout and retention. At the same time, faster credentialing pathways and structured mentorship programs for internationally educated health professionals are becoming more common.

Still, progress remains uneven.

Story to watch: Whether system-wide retention strategies can deliver measurable reductions in vacancy rates and reliance on agency staffing—particularly in nursing, PSW and allied health roles—or whether workforce pressures continue to cycle through the system under new names.

Digital health grows up

Digital health will continue to expand in 2026, but the tone is shifting. After years of rapid deployment, organizations are increasingly asking harder questions about outcomes, usability and return on investment.

Virtual care is settling into more targeted roles, particularly in chronic disease management, post-acute follow-up and improving access for rural and remote populations. Artificial intelligence is moving beyond pilot projects into areas such as diagnostics, imaging, scheduling, documentation and predictive analytics.

But enthusiasm is tempered by caution. Clinician trust, strong governance and clear validation processes will determine whether these tools are adopted—or quietly abandoned.

Story to watch: Whether digital solutions reduce workload and improve patient care in meaningful ways, or introduce new layers of complexity for already stretched clinical environments.

Capacity pressures force integration

Emergency department overcrowding and hospital capacity challenges remain among the most visible symptoms of system strain. Without stronger integration across the continuum of care, those pressures are unlikely to ease in 2026.

Health systems are placing greater emphasis on hospital-to-home models, transitional care teams and strengthened partnerships with primary care, home care and long-term care providers. The goal is not only to move patients more efficiently, but to ensure they receive the right care in the right setting.

The challenge lies in scale. Many of these models work well locally but struggle to expand across regions with differing resources and governance structures.

Story to watch: Whether integrated care models can move from pockets of success to system-wide change—or remain localized solutions to a widespread national problem.

Vaccine confidence becomes everyone’s issue

Vaccine hesitancy is no longer viewed as solely a public health concern. In 2026, health professionals across settings will continue to encounter vaccine wariness and misinformation—not just around COVID-19, but across routine immunizations.

Health systems are increasingly recognizing their role in education, trust-building and consistent messaging at every point of care. Training clinicians in compassionate, effective communication; embedding vaccine education into routine clinical interactions; and aligning messaging with public health partners are gaining traction.

Story to watch: Whether coordinated, system-wide approaches can rebuild confidence and improve uptake among populations influenced by persistent misinformation.

Public health back at the centre

Public health is re-emerging as a strategic priority, informed by hard lessons from the pandemic. In 2026, increased attention is expected on climate-related health risks, infectious disease preparedness, mental health and substance use, health equity and the social determinants of health.

There is also renewed focus on data sharing between public health and acute care, enabling earlier intervention and more cohesive responses to emerging risks.

Story to watch: How public health units translate pandemic experience into stronger surveillance, clearer communication and sustained community trust.

Patients expect more—and say so

Patient expectations continue to evolve. In 2026, patients increasingly expect care that is transparent, accessible and personalized. Faster access to results, clearer communication and meaningful involvement in decision-making are no longer viewed as optional.

Patient experience is being measured alongside safety and outcomes as a core indicator of quality. At the same time, staff are being asked to deliver more personalized care in environments already under strain.

Story to watch: How organizations support health professionals to meet rising expectations without exacerbating workload pressures or burnout.

Leadership under the microscope

With fiscal pressures intensifying, health system leaders in 2026 will face difficult and often highly visible decisions. Boards and executives are navigating competing demands—financial sustainability, workforce well-being, patient access and equity—under intense public scrutiny.

Leadership effectiveness is increasingly judged not only by operational performance, but by credibility, transparency and trust. How decisions are communicated is becoming just as important as the decisions themselves.

Story to watch: How leadership approaches evolve to maintain confidence among staff, patients and communities during periods of constraint and change.

A year defined by decisions

If the past several years were defined by resilience, 2026 will be defined by intent. The decisions being made now—around workforce investment, digital accountability, system integration and public trust—will shape health care delivery well into the next decade.

For health professionals, the year ahead brings both challenge and opportunity: a chance to influence how care is delivered, how teams are supported and how trust is rebuilt.

Hospital News will continue highlighting stories about the people, policies and innovations driving that change—because the future of health care is being built now.

The post Looking ahead to 2026 appeared first on Hospital News.

Research study makes heart screening faster, more accessible using AI

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:06 +0700

A new study from researchers at UHN unveils an AI model to analyze data from electrocardiograms (ECG) — quick, low-cost recordings of the heart’s electrical activity that are commonly used as an initial test for patients with cardiac symptoms.

The model has been made publicly available and may enable faster, more consistent ECG interpretation for screening, assessing risks and predicting the need for further testing.

AI tools can help doctors interpret ECG results. However, most AI tools need large volumes of manually labelled data to learn general patterns.

A foundation model — a type of AI trained on a very large dataset to learn patterns in the data — can get around this issue through its ability to learn the basic patterns in non-labelled ECGs. From there, it only needs a few labelled examples to work on new tasks.

A research team at UHN set out to create a publicly accessible foundation model capable of interpreting ECGs and assessing its performance on clinical tasks. Using data from 1.5 million ECG tests, they developed ECG-FM, a model designed to learn ECG patterns on its own.

The team then evaluated its ability to interpret common ECG findings and predict changes in heart function indicators, such as reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) — an important measure of how effectively the heart pumps blood.

When tested, ECG-FM performed better than previous models and worked well across different datasets and with little labelled data. It was accurate in interpreting common ECG findings and identifying LVEF and heart rhythm irregularities such as atrial fibrillation.

Overall, ECG-FM is versatile, efficient and accurate for tasks like heart screening, risk assessment and monitoring. It also reduces the need for large, labelled datasets, providing a reproducible framework for ECG research.

To support comparability and usage, the team has released their AI code along with tutorials and a public benchmark, so that others can test, adapt and improve it. This is especially beneficial for small ECG datasets geared toward a specific task. Learn more about the electrocardiogram analysis foundation model and this research.

Kaden McKeen is a doctoral candidate in Dr. Bo Wang’s lab and the first and corresponding author of the study.

Dr. Sameer Masood is a clinician investigator at UHN and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He is the clinical lead and co-author of this study.

Dr. Bo Wang is the Chief AI Scientist and a senior scientist at UHN, and an associate professor in the Departments of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology and Computer Science at the University of Toronto. He is the senior author of the study.

This work was supported by UHN Foundation.

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Provinces need to make bold reforms in healthcare

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:50:05 +0700

The federal government’s pledge of $5 billion over three years in this year’s budget for a dedicated Health Infrastructure Fund is a much-needed investment that will aid provinces and territories in building and upgrading hospitals, medical schools and other healthcare facilities.

While the funding addresses health infrastructure needs, it still leaves governments to solve their most pressing healthcare problem – Canadians’ lack of access to timely healthcare services.

As provinces search for solutions, British Columbia and Quebec are taking divergent paths when it comes to physician pay and working conditions.

While B.C. is only tinkering around the edges, Quebec’s bold reforms are the kind of drastic action provinces need to take to fundamentally change healthcare systems to ensure patients have timely access to services and better health outcomes.

From long queues in emergency departments to lengthy waits for some surgeries and difficulties accessing a family doctor, lack of access to essential healthcare services is at a crisis point in Canada.

While doctors are not responsible for provinces’ health systems, they play a vital role. Beyond providing patient care, they are responsible for making many of the decisions on how public money is spent – deciding which patients are admitted to hospital, when they are discharged, how they are managed and which drugs they are prescribed.

Their compensation takes up a significant chunk of provincial health budgets – with most doctors working as independent contractors paid on a fee-for-service basis, billing the province for each service they provide to patients.

As governments look for ways to improve healthcare access, doctors’ prominent role in the healthcare system makes them an obvious focal point for reforms to the way they work – possibly working more off-hours or seeing more patients with complex medical conditions that take more time.

No province has taken up the task as vigorously as Quebec.

Last month, its National Assembly passed Bill 2, legislation that makes radical changes to the way doctors are paid, where they can practice and how they manage their patient loads. The highly contentious Bill has now been paused after doctors there successfully lobbied to have the bill delayed and amended. For system reform efforts, this is bad news. Here’s what the Bill includes:

It gives the government the ability to regulate targets for the number of patients each doctor manages and bases a part of doctors’ pay on performance measures.

It also upends the fee-for-service model, allowing the government to pay doctors a fixed amount per patient depending on their health and vulnerability.

Moreover, it gives the government the power to impose severe penalties on groups of doctors taking concerted action to protest the changes – a significant measure given doctors’ widespread and vehement opposition to the legislation.

While it is anticipated that the legislation and changes in how the province manages its doctors’ practices and method of pay will be in court very soon, the magnitude of the legislated reform cannot be understated in Canada where physicians have been paid the same way for decades.

In sharp contrast, British Columbia has opted for a carrot-like approach.

Responding to recent job actions by obstetrician/gynecologists, a region of B.C. is advertising for temporary obstetrician/gynecologists with super-sized payments.

The rate is currently advertised at $7,117 per 24-hour period – a significant sum of public money given that in 2024 the median annual salary for obstetrician/gynecologists was $405,190 in B.C.

The advertisement also offers extra money for working after-hours and paid accommodation.

While B.C.’s approach is bound to attract applicants – possibly even unhappy Quebec obstetricians/gynecologists – it does little to change physician practices.

Instead of addressing any of the underlying problems in healthcare delivery – like access, costliness, quality and equity – the only certain outcome is that B.C. residents will pay more for the same services.

The Quebec government and doctors’ unions continue to be at loggerheads over the legislation (their current agreement is only ‘in principle’), and it is hard to predict which changes will stick. Other provinces will find themselves in the same boat of having to take drastic action to spur doctors to work differently.

While it is too early to know whether Quebec’s heavy-handed approach will improve patient access and outcomes – or fix issues around costliness, quality and equity – it is clear that provinces need to go beyond half measures to deliver the reforms their healthcare systems need.

It is time for governments to think big and be bold about making sweeping healthcare reforms. Canadians have waited long enough.

By Jason M. Sutherland

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From Canada to Jamaica: Field Clinic becomes critical care hub after Hurricane Melissa

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:25:10 +0700

The line of patients snakes from our canvas tent into the parking lot of Cornwall Regional Hospital. In that gap, our small Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT) field clinic has become an unofficial second emergency department.

And amid the catastrophic damage to the hospitals in western Jamaica is CMAT’s team, a small group of eight Canadian volunteers with an impact that belies its size – our team has been treating roughly one-third to half of the emergency room’s patients in its tent for the past month. Each day, the triage nurses at Cornwall Regional send us a steady stream of patients with wounds, infections, asthma and decompensated chronic disease that are overwhelming the hospital right now.

Hurricane Melissa was no ordinary storm. When it struck Jamaica’s southwest on Oct. 28 as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds approaching 300 km/h, it flattened homes, health centres and badly damaged power and water systems. Nationally, 279,000 were displaced, 45 killed, and health facilities were damaged or even entirely destroyed, including five major hospitals in the hardest-hit western and southern regions. In St. James Parish, Cornwall Regional – the only “type A” (tertiary care) hospital for western Jamaica – was forced onto emergency-only services as water poured through damaged roofing into clinical areas and wards were closed.

A pediatric patient with a forehead injury needing repair practises his own medical skills with emergency physician Julianna Deutscher

What began for CMAT on Oct. 31 as a search-and-rescue deployment quickly evolved into something much more familiar to Canadian hospital staff: trying to keep an overstretched emergency department functioning after its physical structure failed. In early November, our first team partnered with Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue and the Jamaica Defence Force, providing medical support to rescuers and survivors. Within days it became clear there were few trapped survivors, but rather, an enormous burden of people with everyday health needs and few places to seek care. By mid-November, at the request of the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Western Regional Health Authority, CMAT redeployed as a field clinic into the parking lot of Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Our assignment was deliberately focused: become an integrated overflow zone for the emergency department rather than a parallel field clinic. Emergency patients, registered through Cornwall Regional’s usual intake, are triaged by local nurses and then, if appropriate, are directed down the ramp into our tents. Inside, we run several treatment bays with basic pharmacy and diagnostic testing, and with a clear pathway to refer anyone who deteriorates back into the main resuscitation area. On a typical day we see dozens of patients, allowing the in-house team to focus on high-acuity emergencies and those needing inpatient care.

CMAT itself is tiny compared with the needs we were stepping into. Our eight-person rotations – emergency and family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, a paramedic and a logistician – hail from across Canada. Behind them sits a second, invisible team: volunteer duty officers in Canada (I am among them), who provide 24-hour remote coordination, keep supplies moving and help align our work with WHO Emergency Medical Team standards. All of it is funded by individual donors and a small group of institutional supporters.

Clinically, the work would be familiar to any Canadian clinician. Our team has drained abscesses, washed out lacerations, titrated antihypertensives, and managed fractures, often sustained by those clearing debris from damaged homes. They have cared for staff whose own houses were destroyed but who still show up for long shifts, and for evacuees who arrived injured and then found themselves effectively homeless in the corridors until social workers could find them a bed in the community.

For Canadian hospital readers, the point of this story is not that CMAT is special, but that what we are doing in Jamaica is exactly what our own systems may need when – not if – a major climate-fuelled disaster strikes at home. Hurricane Melissa has been a brutal stress test of health-system resilience in the Caribbean and has exposed vulnerabilities Canadians will also recognise: dependence on hospital-based care, limited surge capacity, and underinvestment in community-based services that might otherwise absorb lower-acuity demand.

As our team winds down each night in the fading light over Montego Bay, they are acutely aware that they will eventually go home, while our Jamaican colleagues will continue the long, slow work of rebuilding. Our hope is twofold: first, that our Jamaican friends will be safe and sound in the road ahead; and second, that Canadians will continue to support organisations like CMAT so that we can keep showing up when called.

Meanwhile, the way forward is perhaps best stated by Dr. Nicole Dawkins-Wright, the Director of Emergency, Disaster Management & Special Services in Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“We did, in fact, get probably the worst storm that Jamaica has ever experienced in history… But as Jamaicans, we are strong people, and we will rebuild.”

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Southlake leads global conversation on coronary physiology

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:25:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Global Recognition for Cardiac Leadership – Southlake Health’s Regional Cardiac Program was selected to perform a live coronary physiology case at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference, showcasing its advanced diagnostics to more than 10,000 cardiologists worldwide.

• Advancing Precision Heart Care – Using Coroventis CoroFlow technology, Southlake evaluates coronary artery function beyond traditional angiograms, helping diagnose patients with heart symptoms despite normal-looking arteries, and improving personalized treatment and outcomes.

• Driving Research and Collaboration – Southlake has treated nearly 800 patients, published over 30 research papers, and is leading the Canadian Coronary Physiology Registry, sharing expertise nationally and internationally to shape emerging standards in cardiac care.

Southlake Health’s Regional Cardiac Program was selected to perform a live case at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference, the world’s largest and most prestigious conference for interventional cardiology. More than 10,000 clinicians from around the world watched as Dr. Steven Miner operated live on a patient at Southlake as he demonstrated the industry-leading comprehensive coronary physiology testing. The livestreamed case performed on October 26, marks a first for Southlake, achieving a milestone recognition for Canadian heart care at the Regional Cardiac Program.

The live case showcased advanced diagnostic techniques used to better understand and treat coronary artery disease, one of the most common causes of heart-related illness and death in Canada. Dr. Miner, a world leader in performing this cardiac procedure, used his expertise to teach fellow cardiologists how to leverage the Coroventis CoroFlow technology for better patient outcomes.

Understanding coronary artery disease beyond blockages

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, restricting blood flow and oxygen. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart attacks. However, not all patients fit this traditional pattern. Many experience chest discomfort or symptoms of heart disease without a visible blockage. For decades, these patients were left without clear answers, but Southlake stepped up to overcome this challenge.

In 2015, Southlake leaders approved the creation of the Cardiovascular Integrated Physiology program. The first procedure was performed in 2016, making Southlake the only hospital in Canada to offer comprehensive coronary physiology testing at that time.

Initially using older technology, the process was updated in 2023 when Southlake became the first hospital in Canada to adopt the approved Coroventis CoroFlow system, distributed by Abbott. This advanced technology evaluates how coronary arteries function beyond what can be seen on a traditional angiogram. The system provides a complete physiological picture of both the large (epicardial) vessels and the microcirculation of blood through the smallest blood vessels, helping diagnose patients who show signs of heart disease despite having normal-looking arteries. By revealing hidden issues, physicians can better understand what is causing the patient’s heart symptoms and tailor treatments. This innovation positions Southlake’s regional cardiac program at the forefront of precision diagnostics and personalized heart care in Canada, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.

“For years, many patients with heart symptoms were left without clear answers,” said Dr. Miner, Interventional Cardiologist, Southlake Health. “By sharing our expertise in coronary physiology, we’re helping cardiologists worldwide better understand how heart arteries function, improving care and outcomes for patients everywhere.”

A Canadian leader on the global stage

Southlake has been performing this advanced work for nearly a decade, treating approximately 800 patients and publishing more than 30 research papers through the program. In 2025, the Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiologists appointed Dr. Miner the national Chair of the Canadian Coronary Physiology Registry. Since then, 24 Canadian cardiac sites have committed to adopting the Southlake protocol and contributing to the registry. This collaboration will facilitate ongoing national and international research with Southlake leading the way.

The invitation to perform a live case at TCT is a major recognition of Southlake’s expertise and leadership. The annual event attracts more than 10,000 cardiovascular specialists from around the world, offering demonstrations, clinical breakthroughs, hands-on training, and innovation sessions from top cardiovascular centres. By teaching other physicians how to perform these advanced procedures and showcasing ground-breaking technology, the expertise at this conference has the potential to help save patients around the world and help them lead healthier lives.

“Being selected to perform a live case at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics conference puts Southlake’s Regional Department of Cardiac Health on the world stage,” said Christopher Overgaard MD, Chief, Department of Cardiac Health, Southlake Health. “It’s a testament to our team’s skill, innovation, and commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex cardiac conditions.”

Advancing research and care for Canadians

Southlake’s cardiac team has partnered with leading institutions to share data and insights on coronary physiology, microvascular dysfunction, and patient outcomes. During the live case, Erick Schampaert, MD from Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and co-chair of the national registry joined Dr. Miner at Southlake at the bedside during the procedure, a collaboration that exemplifies the spirit of innovation driving this work. Together, these efforts are helping to shape emerging standards for diagnosing and managing forms of heart disease that have long been overlooked or misunderstood.

“This is not just a proud moment for Southlake, it’s a defining one for Canadian cardiology,” said Derek McNally, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Southlake Health. “We’re helping shape the future of how heart disease is diagnosed and treated around the world.”

As a Level 7 Regional Cardiac Program, Southlake’s contributions to advancing cardiac care extends far beyond the operating and procedure rooms. The highly skilled team of medical staff and staff provide almost every type of cardiac care, except heart transplants, saving patients from travelling into travel to Toronto for world-class care. As leaders in their fields, the team actively participate in ground-breaking research and are often the first to perform industry-leading procedures in Ontario, Canada and the world. Southlake continues to collaborate with international experts to enhance cardiac care and improve patient outcomes globally. nH

Quick Facts

• Southlake’s Level 7 Regional Cardiac Program is the fourth largest comprehensive heart program in Ontario, providing advanced cardiac care close to home to thousands of patients from York Region to Muskoka.

• Southlake is the regional hub for emergent heart attack care, meaning if a patient is having a heart attack, they’ll be brought to Southlake for treatment no matter which hospital is closest in the region.

• Southlake is known internationally for its research and innovation in cardiac care. Its recent accomplishments include becoming the first hospital in North America to successfully implanted 1,001 sutureless heart valves.

• In 2024, Dr. Miner was named co-Chair of the U.S.-based Microvascular Network Physician Education Committee, sharing the Southlake experience to an international audience.

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The journey to where you’re meant to be

Edusehat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:25:07 +0700

For Cassandra Fisher, identifying and addressing gaps in the health care system has shaped her entire career. Her current role as Clinical Manager of the Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program (TVSPCP) at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) represents the realization of a long-held vision shared with colleagues. What is now a growing program serving more than 100 individuals began as an idea to better support some of London’s most vulnerable communities.

A mental health professional by training, Fisher has spent her career focused on improving care for marginalized populations. She spent nearly 15 years at London InterCommunity Health Centre, where she became deeply aware of the daily barriers people face in accessing care.

“The resiliency within this population is truly inspiring, and it should motivate us as providers to go the extra mile,” says Fisher. “That’s where my interest in systemic change really began.”

When Fisher joined St. Joseph’s in 2016 as a clinical manager, she quickly formed a strong connection with Dr. Susan McNair, Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (SADVTP), the TVSPCP, and a family physician at St. Joseph’s Family Medical and Dental Centre.

“When I met Dr. McNair, it was one of those moments where two souls from different universes meet,” says Fisher.

Their early conversations revealed a shared concern: patients with complex trauma were struggling to access consistent primary care. McNair saw an unmet clinical need, while Fisher had witnessed how under-resourced community clinics were unable to meet rising demand.

As Fisher’s work at St. Joseph’s evolved, she noticed many patients cycling repeatedly through hospital programs, often while remaining on waitlists.

“I started asking why this was happening,” she says. “It became clear that many simply didn’t have access to primary care.”

Data reinforced her observations. In 2024, 51 per cent of patients presenting to the SADVTP did not have a primary care provider. The same was true for 26 per cent of the 300 most frequent users of St. Joseph’s Urgent Care Centre, and more than half of patients in the Infectious Diseases Care Program.

Looking closer, Fisher identified a troubling pattern.

“These patients were often labeled as non-adherent or having behavioural problems,” she says. “But when I dug deeper, I realized every single one of them had experienced trauma.”

Two types of trauma commonly appeared: early childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, and significant adult trauma, including sexual assault, domestic violence, or war. Many patients experienced both.

In response, Fisher and McNair piloted what would become the TVSPCP—initially an unnamed clinic operating one day a week out of the SADVTP. After three years, demand far exceeded capacity, prompting the search for sustainable funding. Support came from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, which invested $3.82 million through Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence.

“When Dr. McNair called to share the news, we were both crying,” says Fisher. “I remember thinking, ‘This could actually change the system.’”

The TVSPCP officially launched in early October 2025 and has since rostered 120 patients through internal referral streams. The program provides comprehensive primary care and wraparound supports for individuals who have experienced trauma, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, exploitation, or community violence.

“We need to start seeing the human behind the patient and asking ‘why,’” says Fisher. “So often it comes down to fear and a life shaped by survival. We failed them as a system when they were young, and now it’s our responsibility—and privilege—to support them as adults.”

Referrals to the program have been introduced gradually. Given the overwhelming need both within St. Joseph’s and across the London community, Fisher says a phased approach helps ensure sustainability and avoid burnout.

For Fisher, success ultimately means being “worked out of a job.”

“There will always be a need for specialized care like this,” she says. “But the level of need we’re seeing right now shouldn’t exist.”

Central to that vision is integrating research and education into the TVSPCP. By training nursing and medical students in trauma-informed care, Fisher hopes they will carry those lessons into future practices, spreading understanding beyond the program itself.

She also envisions patients eventually transitioning back into traditional primary care, supported by providers who understand trauma and by patients who feel empowered to manage their own triggers.

“We’re honoured to be the starting point of healing,” she says. “Life is hard for some, and a nightmare for others. How lucky are we to help people know they aren’t alone—to say, ‘We’re here, and we’ll hold hope for you until you can hold it yourself.’”

As a leader, Fisher is acutely aware of the emotional toll this work can take on staff. She prioritizes acknowledging vicarious trauma and creating space for vulnerability and support.

“There are moments where you just have to be human,” she says. “Staff will only feel safe doing that if their leader models it.”

Reflecting just months into a program she hopes will transform both lives and systems, Fisher shares her guiding belief: “Love really does supersede all. If we do this work, it will create change.”

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To manage capacity, a health system relies on interhospital admission transfers

Edusehat — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 03:45:04 +0700

Key takeaways:

• Low-acuity admissions presenting to academic centers can be successfully transferred to nearby community hospitals.
• Clinicians and staff don’t process protocols efficiently if they use them only occasionally.
• Routine load-balancing transfers between hospitals can help manage stabilize staffing.

CONTROLLING HOSPITAL capacity may be facilities’ No. 1 concern—and with health systems consolidating into city-wide or even regional powerhouses, some are starting to use their hospital networks to level-load patient volumes. Academic centers stretched to capacity have started transferring less acute patients to smaller hospitals in the same health system where beds may be empty.

A case in point is Intermountain Health, the regional behemoth based in Utah that serves more than 4 million patients in facilities across seven states. The four system’s four hospitals in greater Salt Lake City include the quaternary Intermountain Medical Center along with three smaller, community facilities.

At the height of the pandemic in October 2020, providers in the quaternary center began transferring less acute covid patients who needed to be admitted from their ED to one of the nearby community hospitals, all of which are within 15 miles. Since the end of the pandemic, that process—which the health system calls its load balancing protocol—is not only being used but is being expanded.

“We originally had a more restrictive concept of which diagnoses would be appropriate for transfer, but we trust our physicians.”

Harris Carmichael, MD, MSHP
Intermountain Health

In an October 2025 write-up in in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, Intermountain researchers detailed data from the first four years of that innovation, noting that the protocol has diverted more than 5,100 bed days from the quaternary center. That’s helped maintain capacity there for advanced care while stabilizing patient volumes at the other three hospitals.

That win-win for both the sending and the receiving facilities is one of several strategies Intermountain is using to manage capacity. But it’s also required a change in thinking and culture to look beyond individual facilities and start thinking of regional solutions.

Who makes the transfer decision?

Since the protocol was first launched, three separate physicians take part in the load-balancing process.

First, the ED doctor considers if a presenting patient might be eligible. If so, that physician approaches the patient to make sure they’re OK being transferred, then reaches out to the quaternary triage hospitalist.

That hospitalist, explains Harris Carmichael, MD, MSHP, a hospitalist who’s lead author of the JHM study, serves basically as “a quarterback within the hospital walls,” taking care of all transfers within the quaternary center and between services. Once the triage hospitalist assesses the patient’s information and makes sure the transfer is appropriate, the on-duty tele-hospitalist is alerted.

The tele-hospitalist is offsite in Intermountain’s virtual hospital, which houses the health system’s extensive remote services. The tele-hospitalist manages all transfers coming in for hospital medicine from Intermountain’s vast network as well as load-balancing transfers within Salt Lake City.

The tele-hospitalist has up-to-date information on bed availability at each receiving community facility. That physician also knows whether a specific hospital has the resources—such as dialysis—that a patient being load-balanced needs.

It’s the tele-hospitalist who makes the final transfer decision. If the hospitalist at the receiving community hospital is swamped, the quaternary triage hospitalist at the academic center can write a patient’s initial orders before the transfer. And to make sure nocturnists at receiving hospitals aren’t overwhelmed, the protocol is deployed only during day and early evening hours.

Only occasional use didn’t work

As Dr. Carmichael points out, load-balancing decisions are based on patient acuity, not specific diagnoses.

“We originally had a more restrictive concept of which diagnoses would be appropriate for transfer,” he says, “but we trust our physicians—and we didn’t want to slow the process down with too many criteria.” While the protocol comes with no diagnosis restrictions, “it really tends to be only five or six diagnoses.”

According to the last six months of data analyzed in the JHM study, the most common diagnoses transferred were sepsis (15%), pneumonia (8%), covid (5%), acute renal failure (3%), alcohol dependence with withdrawal (2%) and weakness (2%).

“We’re trying to change how we fundamentally view patient flow issues and how we work together.”

Nathan Starr, DO
Intermountain Health

Within Intermountain, the protocol also proved to be an object lesson in how processes need to be routine and consistent to be effective.

During the pandemic, the quaternary system was load balancing more than120 patients each month. But once the pandemic ended, the academic center used the protocol only occasionally when capacity hit a certain threshold. That turned out to be a problem.

During 2021 and 2022, for instance, when Dr. Carmichael found himself filling the quaternary triage hospitalist role, “I would say, ‘Oh, this looks like a great load-balancing patient.’ And the ED provider would say, ‘What’s that?’ ” he recalls.

Or if people were aware of the protocol, “they knew there was a script for that somewhere to get buy-in from patients, but they didn’t know how to find it. That ended up being a big hurdle to overcome.” Not only were ED doctors out of practice considering appropriate patients, but both the sending and receiving providers saw the infrequent internal transfers as added work.

The case for making the protocol routine

That’s when system leaders began to consider deploying the load balancing protocol routinely, not just PRN. The idea at first received a mixed reaction.

Some leaders at the quaternary center, for instance, wanted to keep the protocol threshold-driven, worried that too much volume would be siphoned away from the quaternary center.

But the community hospitals were enthusiastic. Lower or fluctuating volumes at those hospitals meant that some nursing shifts were being canceled due to low census. A set number of load-balanced patients each day would even out volumes and stabilize staffing.

And volume projections over the next few years were sobering. Right now, says Nathan Starr, DO, medical director of Intermountain Health’s home services and tele-hospitalist programs, Utah’s population is still relatively young compared to some parts of the country.

“Right now, we have capacity,” Dr. Starr says. “But our projections are that in five or 10 years, we’re going to need other solutions. The so-called ‘silver tsunami’ is just now starting to hit us.”

Leadership decided to make the protocol routine in March 2024, with a target of transferring one or two load-balancing patients to each of the three community hospitals every day. That target has since bumped up to three or four patients for each hospital per day, says Dr. Carmichael.

And two of the three receiving hospitals “still have plenty of capacity,” Dr. Starr points out. “Those hospitals are asking for more.”

The challenge of regional management

As for how patients approached for load balancing receive that request, Dr. Carmichael says their No. 1 question is, “How much will this cost me?” When they understand that the transfer doesn’t cost anything—the health system contracts with and pays an ambulance company for these transfers—patients are usually fine. Many appreciate being admitted to a hospital closer to where they live.

The protocol has been such a success that the health system is considering adopting it in Provo and Ogden. But, Dr. Starr admits, it’s a big shift to switch from managing capacity at one hospital to thinking of capacity in terms of regional management.

“We know we’re stronger when we work together, moving out of siloes and taking a system approach,” he says. However, “a lot of times, we don’t need this level-loading because we have capacity at our quaternary center. So for our frontline providers, this can feel like extra work.”

Still the system is planning for the future, says Dr. Starr. “We continue to educate our staff and providers on the long-term benefits, and we’re getting there. We’re trying to change how we fundamentally view patient flow issues and how we work together.”

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The value of radiology and the impact of medical imaging in Canada

Edusehat — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 01:25:08 +0700

HN Summary

• Radiology is essential to Canada’s healthcare system, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment, but aging equipment, workforce shortages, and rising demand are straining capacity and patient access.

• Long wait times have major impacts, with nearly 1 million Canadians waiting too long for imaging, billions in lost wages and GDP, and diagnostic delays that worsen patient outcomes.

• Strategic investment is urgently needed, including workforce expansion, modernization of imaging equipment, and adoption of decision-support and AI validation systems to ensure timely, high-quality medical imaging nationwide.

Radiology plays a critical role in Canada’s healthcare system, supporting accurate diagnoses, treatment planning, and patient outcomes for a variety of medical illnesses. Radiology is instrumental in the healthcare continuum, and many medical providers rely on medical imaging in delivering patient care. However, long wait times, ageing equipment, and increasing demand for medical imaging pose significant challenges for patients and healthcare providers. The Value of Radiology (VOR) reports, commissioned by the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), highlight the urgent need for strategic investment in radiology infrastructure and human resources.

Long wait times impact patients and the economy

• Nearly 1 million Canadians wait longer than recommended for medical imaging.

• Delays in medical imaging force 1 in 20 patients to stop working while awaiting a diagnosis, leading to wage losses of up to $5,853 per patient.

• We estimate that patients having to miss work while waiting for their imaging exam have lost nearly $18 billion in aggregate employment income annually, which has cost the economy $64 billion in lost GDP and $6 billion in lost tax revenues for the government.

• According to a 2025 survey conducted by Nanos Research, 11.4% of diagnostic imaging patients had to stop working while waiting for a diagnostic scan. These patients wait for an average of 84 days for an MRI scan, 66 days for a CT scan, and 30 days for an ultrasound scan.

• Demand for CT and MRI services continues to outpace supply, worsening delays in access to diagnostic imaging.

• For non-urgent scans, CAR recommends a maximum wait time of 60 days (8 weeks)

Challenges in imaging capacity

• Globally, Canada ranks 34 out of 37 OECD countries in number of MRI machines per capita, and 33 out of 36 OECD countries in number of CT machines per capita.

• The number of scans is growing faster than the growth rate of the population: since 2015, the number of CT and MRI imaging scans per 1,000 population has grown by 7%.

• Canada maintains approximately 10.8 MRI units and 14.0 CT units per million residents, nearly unchanged from 2015 when the levels were 9.5 and 15.0, respectively.

• In 2022, Canada’s funding per capita lagged the average of its OECD peers by USD$15, or 17%. In the same year, Canada performed approximately 221 diagnostic scans per 1,000 population, below the OECD average of 247.

• Closing the gap to the OECD average alone would require a 11% increase in the number of scans delivered, implying that the total number of MRI and CT scans annually in Canada would need to increase from ~8.6 million to ~9.5 million.

The path forward: investing in radiology

To address these challenges, CAR continues to advocate for:

• Strategic federal investment in radiology workforce expansion through Health Canada to recruit and retain radiologists, MRTs, and sonographers.

• Canada is currently facing shortages of both MRTs and medical sonographers that are likely to persist for years to come. This investment will support the recruitment and retention of radiologists, medical radiation technologists (MRTs), and sonographers to reduce diagnostic backlogs, address critical vacancy rates, and build sustainable, high-quality careers in healthcare. By investing in this workforce, Canada can enhance system productivity, improve patient outcomes, and bolster economic resilience. Given that healthcare now accounts for a tenth of Canada’s GDP, investment in the sector is not only a health imperative, but also a smart economic strategy that supports long-term national growth.

• A $2 billion investment over three years to modernize radiology infrastructure and ensure timely access to diagnostic imaging.

• 2% of MRI units and 33.4% of CT units are over 10 years old.

• Older machines are slower, less accurate, and more prone to breakdowns.

• Funding for integrating Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems into electronic medical records (EMR) and establishing the framework for the Health AI Validation Network (HAIVN)

Given the important role that radiology plays, it is important to work together as medical professions to advocate for improved access to radiology services in Canada. nH

Read the reports: Value of radiology Part1 – Part2, Impact of Delayed medical Imaging in Canada, Economic Footprint of Radiology in Canada.

The post The value of radiology and the impact of medical imaging in Canada appeared first on Hospital News.

SDI Canada delivers modular MRI Cassette to Upper River Valley Hospital

Edusehat — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:35:04 +0700

SDI Canada has delivered a prefabricated Modular MRI Cassette to Upper River Valley Hospital, marking a key step in the facility’s plan to add magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services. The unit arrived after a week-long transport from Ontario and is scheduled for installation on Wednesday, November 19, when crane crews will position it on a reinforced foundation adjacent to the hospital’s diagnostic imaging department.

The arrival of the Cassette represents a growing trend in healthcare infrastructure toward modular, pre-assembled buildings that can be integrated into existing hospital environments with less disruption than traditional construction. For Upper River Valley Hospital, the unit provides a faster pathway to expanding diagnostic services in a region where access to MRI imaging has historically required significant travel for patients.

A prefabricated approach to MRI infrastructure

The delivered building is a single prefabricated module designed specifically for MRI use. It was constructed off-site to meet the technical requirements associated with MRI environments, including magnetic shielding, room dimensions, equipment layout, and workflow configuration. Because the interior and exterior finishes were completed prior to transport, much of the remaining work involves crane placement, utility connections, and installation of the MRI system.

Over the coming days, the building will be secured to the foundation and integrated with the existing hospital structure. Once in place, a Siemens Healthineers MRI scanner will be craned into the unit. A team consisting of architects, engineers, and contractors will oversee the installation to ensure safety, compliance, and operational readiness. The Cassette is classified as a permanent relocatable building and complies with CSA A277-16 standards for factory-built construction.

A cross-provincial transport effort

The delivery required notable logistical preparation. The module weighs approximately 110,000 pounds and travelled roughly 2,400 kilometres on a 130-foot super-load truck and trailer. To accommodate the building’s size and weight, the route relied heavily on secondary roads. The transport occurred during the season’s first snowfall in parts of the region, adding to the complexity. Once on-site, a 250-ton crane will lift the unit into place in a process expected to draw interest from staff and observers.

The installation marks the first deployment of this type of modular MRI building in New Brunswick. Hospital officials anticipate that the addition of MRI services will help reduce wait times and improve access to advanced diagnostic imaging for patients in the area.

Minimizing disruption and shortening timelines

Modular construction allows hospitals to add or upgrade clinical spaces while maintaining ongoing operations. Because prefabricated buildings are produced in controlled environments with consistent oversight, they often achieve accelerated timelines and predictable quality standards compared to conventional builds. In this case, the design contract for the MRI Cassette was awarded in late January, and the building arrived on-site less than 10 months later. The MRI suite is expected to be operational within a year of the contract award.

This timeline is significantly shorter than what is typical for similar projects relying entirely on traditional construction, which can require extended periods of on-site work and may affect hospital operations.

A growing role for modular solutions in healthcare

As healthcare systems look for ways to expand diagnostic, surgical, and treatment capacity, modular and prefabricated solutions have emerged as an option for reducing construction impacts and controlling project timelines. These approaches are increasingly used for imaging departments, clinical expansions, and temporary or permanent infrastructure needs.

SDI Canada works with hospitals across the country on construction, infrastructure, and specialized equipment installations. The company has been involved in a range of projects including MRI room redesigns at Toronto Western Hospital, the installation of a 7-Tesla MRI system at the Montreal Neurological Institute, and the first modular MRI department installed in Canada at Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre.

With the Cassette now on-site at Upper River Valley Hospital, work will continue through the winter to connect the building, complete the equipment installation, and prepare the new MRI suite for patient use. Once operational, the suite is expected to support improved access to diagnostic imaging for communities across the region.

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Max Healthcare announces entry into Pune with a 450-beds hospital

Edusehat — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 18:10:04 +0700

Max Healthcare Institute has announced its entry into Pune with a 450-beds super speciality hospital, involving an investment of over Rs 1000 crore.

The facility, situated in Yerawada, Pune is expected to be commissioned over the next 3 years. The hospital, will mark Max Healthcare’s fourth facility in Western India.

Commenting on the development, Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director, Max Healthcare said, “Pune is one of India’s fastest-growing urban centers with a strong economic base and rapidly expanding middle-class population. There is a growing need for a high-end super speciality hospital equipped with state-of-the-art technology that Max Healthcare is renowned for. This proposed hospital will bring advanced medical care closer to patients in the region. Our entry into Pune is a strategic milestone for Max Healthcare and aligns with our long-term vision of expanding our presence in key healthcare markets across the country. We see this as first amongst the few that we intend to establish in this market.”

The transaction involves staggered acquisition of a 100 per cent equity stake in Yerawada Properties Private Limited (YPPL), Pune and further development of the hospital over the course of next 3 years.

The post Max Healthcare announces entry into Pune with a 450-beds hospital appeared first on Express Healthcare.

GE HealthCare receives CE mark for 128cm total body PET/CT

Edusehat — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:55:07 +0700

GE HealthCare receives CE mark for 128cm total body PET/CT

/ in Product News

GE HealthCare has secured CE mark approval for its Omni 128cm total body positron emission tomography/computed tomography system, designed to advance cancer diagnosis, staging and therapeutic planning through enhanced molecular imaging capabilities. The next-generation platform addresses growing demand for whole-body PET/CT imaging as global cancer rates are projected to increase 77 per cent by 2050.

Single bed position imaging transforms workflow efficiency

The system accommodates head-to-thigh imaging in a single bed position across a wide patient demographic, compared with traditional systems requiring five to six bed positions. This design enables accelerated scan times and streamlined workflows whilst supporting ultra-low dose scans, multi-organ dynamic imaging and imaging of slow-decaying, low-activity tracers.

“Our commitment to precision health is rooted in innovation that also aims to anticipate the future of care,” said Jean-Luc Procaccini, president and CEO of molecular imaging and computed tomography at GE HealthCare. “With our Omni 128cm total body PET/CT system, we’re not just advancing imaging – we’re building a platform that empowers clinicians to deliver personalised, efficient and impactful care.”

Clinical applications span oncology and research domains

The technology’s ultra-high sensitivity and spatial resolution support imaging across multiple clinical applications, including advanced prostate cancer treatment monitoring. The non-invasive platform quantifies biological processes at the cellular level, facilitating early disease identification and treatment planning.

“PET/CT has transformed our ability to visualise disease at the cellular level, offering insights that were once out of reach,” said Prof Michael Hofman, nuclear medicine physician and head of the PET/CT programme at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. “With the Omni 128cm total body PET/CT system, we’re entering a new phase of possibility – one where faster scans and broader imaging coverage could redefine how we approach translational research and accelerate the development of targeted therapies.”

Paediatric imaging benefits from dose reduction capabilities

The system’s ultra-low dose scanning capability holds particular significance for paediatric populations, where minimising radiation exposure remains a clinical priority. The platform’s speed and precision may reduce anaesthesia requirements in paediatric scans whilst enabling confident early diagnoses.

“This next-generation PET/CT technology is engineered to deliver exceptional sensitivity and resolution – capabilities that could reshape how we approach molecular imaging,” said Ken Herrmann, MD, director and chair of the department of nuclear medicine at Universitätsklinikum Essen.

Research applications accelerate theranostic development

The Omni 128cm system supports advanced research applications spanning novel PET tracer development, new clinical pathway evaluation and emerging theranostic agent assessment. Integration with GE HealthCare’s MIM software solutions provides advanced quantitation tools and streamlined workflows for diagnostic confidence and operational efficiency.

The platform leverages NVIDIA’s accelerated computing technology to optimise reconstruction processes, reducing image generation time for timely clinical diagnoses. The CE mark milestone coincides with GE HealthCare’s 25-year history in PET/CT innovation, from launching the industry’s first commercially available PET/CT system, Discovery LS, to this total body solution.

The Omni 128cm system with 128cm axial field of view is CE marked and available for sale in EU member states. The system is not approved or cleared by the US FDA and is not available for sale in the US and other non-EU member states.

For more information, visit: https://www.gehealthcare.co.uk/products/molecular-imaging

Het bericht GE HealthCare receives CE mark for 128cm total body PET/CT verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

A new chapter for Christie Innomed: Dr. Michel Vachon and Nicolas Vachon become co-owners of the group with support from the BDC

Edusehat — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:20:05 +0700

Christie Innomed Inc., a leader in medical imaging and health technologies, announces that Dr. Michel Vachon and Nicolas Vachon have acquired all the shares of Group Christie and its subsidiaries.

This transaction, carried out with the support of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), consolidates the company’s governance and strengthens its ability to pursue its long-term growth and innovation strategy.

“This acquisition represents a turning point for our organization. By consolidating the ownership of the group, we gain agility and strategic consistency. With BDC’s support, we have solid leverage to invest in our growth, innovate, and create sustainable value for our employees, customers, and partners,” explain Dr. Michel Vachon and Nicolas Vachon, co-owners of Group Christie.

Founded in 1954 by Robert L. Vachon, Christie Innomed remains committed to innovation and quality of care. With over 70 years of expertise and a network of highly qualified specialists across North America, the company supports healthcare systems in their transformation and continuous improvement of their practices.

Under the leadership of Nicolas Vachon, appointed President and CEO in January 2025 and representing the third generation of the family, Christie Innomed draws on its partners to offer high-performance, sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of the North American market. This acquisition also illustrates the management’s commitment to continuing the company’s transformation while remaining true to its founding values: authenticity, innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.

“With its medical imaging and information management solutions, Christie Innomed brings an essential contribution to a sector undergoing rapid modernization. Supporting SME owners in their growth opportunities, such as business transfers, is fully in line with our purpose as a development bank,” said Mouhamad Mrad, Vice President, Corporate Financing, BDC.

About Christie Innomed
Founded in 1954, Christie Innomed develops, distributes, integrates, and supports innovative medical imaging and medical information management equipment that improves the performance of healthcare institutions. Christie Innomed is a leader in Medical Imaging Equipment Solutions, Service Solutions & Multi-Vendor Services (MVS), and Health IT Solutions, with over 200 dedicated specialists serving more than 2,500 hospitals and clinics across Canada and the United States. Through its commitment to innovation and service, Christie Innomed contributes every day to making healthcare more accessible, more efficient, and more human. To learn more about Christie Innomed, visit www.christieinnomed.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

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Giving docs time to do EHR work can improve burnout without killing productivity

Edusehat — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:15:04 +0700

GIVING INTERNISTS short breaks from patient care to catch up on EHR duties can improve burnout without destroying their productivity.

That was the conclusion of a research letter published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers gave outpatient internists in an academic health system one 20- to 30-minute period of nonpatient time per half day for “asynchronous EHR-based tasks.” Those included messaging, prior authorizations and prescription refills.

Researchers analyzed doctors’ work trends from November 2021 through June 2024 and found that among those in the intervention group, burnout was 81% lower than among controls. The study also found that work-value relative units (RVUs) declined slightly in the intervention network from 48.7 to 45.1 for a 7% loss in productivity.

The research was conducted in an academic practice where physicians were paid based on a fee-for-service model. The authors suggested that different payment models could affect the difference in productivity. They also suggested that future studies could look more closely at metrics of burnout.

Today’s Hospitalist survey data found that 43.5% of hospitalists cited administrative work as the top reason for career dissatisfaction, making it the No. 1 cause. In that same survey, 85.9% of adult hospitalists ranked burnout as “significant.”

Read strategies several hospitalist groups are using to mitigate burnout: Mitigating hospitalist burnout: A look at what works

The post Giving docs time to do EHR work can improve burnout without killing productivity appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

Researchers uncover genetic basis of heart defects and facial differences in syndrome

Edusehat — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:00:05 +0700

HN Summary

• New genetic cause identified: SickKids and University of Toronto researchers discovered previously unknown disease-causing variations in the EIF3A and EIF3B genes linked to congenital heart disease, facial differences and developmental delays.

• Global validation: By connecting with international clinicians through GeneMatcher, the team identified 18 affected individuals worldwide, revealing a consistent pattern of heart defects and neurodevelopmental traits.

• Stronger diagnosis and care: Lab studies using CRISPR-edited zebrafish confirmed the genetic link, enabling genetic testing labs to report these variants and allowing clinicians to offer clearer counselling and more comprehensive care for families.

A new discovery from a team of researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and University of Toronto (U of T) may enable doctors to provide more personalized care to children and families affected by congenital heart disease.

“We’ve identified a cause of congenital heart disease that wasn’t previously known,” says Rebekah Jobling, a medical geneticist at SickKids and an assistant professor of paediatrics at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

“Knowing this allows us to give a more accurate explanation to families of why the disease occurred, if it’s likely to happen again in a family and for affected individuals, how likely they are to pass it on.”

The findings, which were published recently in the American Journal of Human Genetics, describe a set of genetic variations in two genes called EIF3A and EIF3B. In addition to congenital heart disease, these variations also led to other traits including facial differences and mild developmental delays.

The researchers first identified these variations in two people who were part of a study at the Cardiac Genome Clinic, a program at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research that investigates the genetic causes of heart failure. Jobling says two factors alerted her that these genetic variations could be significant.

“The first was that the mutation was new in the affected individual, which is an immediate flag for us. We could also see from our population databases that it’s very uncommon for people to have one copy of these genes that doesn’t work,” she notes.

Both EIF3A and EIF3B are involved in the critical process of initiating protein synthesis. The variations discovered by the researchers either inactivated these genes or severely reduced their function.

The researchers next turned to GeneMatcher, a matchmaking website that connects clinicians and researchers from around the world who have a shared interest in the same gene. Through GeneMatcher, the SickKids team learned of 16 other individuals in England who also carried similar variations in either EIF3A or EIF3B.

By studying these 18 people — 14 with variations in EIF3B and four with variations in EIF3A — the researchers uncovered a more complete picture of the impact of these genetic changes.

In addition to congenital heart disease, which affected nearly all 18 individuals, the other most commonly observed traits were neurodevelopmental differences like speech and language delays and learning disabilities, and facial differences like drooping eyelid and cleft lip and palate. A number of people also had hearing loss and behavioural conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

To confirm the role of these variations in causing congenital heart disease and the other characteristics, Jobling teamed up with Ian Scott, a Senior Scientist in Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology at SickKids and a professor of molecular genetics at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Scott’s lab uses zebrafish as a model to study heart development and disease. Zebrafish embryos are transparent, making it easy for researchers to observe the heart as it develops in real time.

Led by PhD student Esra Erkut in the Scott Lab, the researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to inactivate both copies of the zebrafish version of the EIF3B gene. They found that these zebrafish had underdeveloped hearts and reduced cardiac function as well as smaller eye and head size.

“The characteristics we saw in the model organism was quite supportive of what we saw clinically, which is strong evidence that this mutation is causative of the disease,” says Scott. “Establishing this model is really useful for downstream studies of how these mutations lead to disease and to explore potential therapeutic approaches to correct these defects.”

Jobling says that because of their study, genetic testing labs around the world can now include variations in EIF3A and EIF3B as reportable genetic changes, which will inform the counselling that families receive.

“Now we can give families with this diagnosis a more accurate set of other things to look out for in their child, such as learning issues at school and ADHD,” she says. “It allows not just better counselling around congenital heart disease, but better, more holistic care of that patient going forward.”

The post Researchers uncover genetic basis of heart defects and facial differences in syndrome appeared first on Hospital News.

AI-powered radiation therapy: scans in seconds allow more cancer patients to be treated daily

Edusehat — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:35:07 +0700

Cancer patients in Southwestern Ontario can now receive radiation treatment with advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology that completes scans in as little as eight seconds. This innovation enables London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) to treat approximately 10 to 20 more patients each day, thanks to a generous donation from The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation, supported by Trudell Medical Limited.

Faster scans, shorter treatments and more personalized care are now possible with LHSC’s new Varian Ethos therapy system, a new linear accelerator (LINAC), which uses AI and advanced imaging to deliver highly precise, radiation therapy. LHSC is one of only four sites in Canada and two in Ontario to have the Ethos, bringing cutting-edge cancer care to patients across the region.

Unlike older systems that require days for a new CT scan and manual re-planning, Ethos can identify changes in the body, such as alterations in tumour size, internal anatomy or patient weight. This AI-enabled approach allows oncologists to create a personalized radiation plan for each patient daily, ensuring treatment is tailored to the individual’s anatomy and needs.

“Access to this technology wouldn’t be possible without donors and London Health Sciences Foundation,” said Dr. Stewart Gaede, chief medical physicist at LHSC. “The Ethos ushers in a new era of adaptive radiation therapy, allowing us to adapt to the patient r-ather than the patient adapting to the machine.”

Every year, the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (VFCC) delivers radiation therapy to 4,000 to 4,500 patients. Ethos helps make that process faster and more efficient by reducing scan times to as little as eight seconds.

Among the first to experience the new system in August was Walter Edwards, 74, from Sarnia, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. “I was nervous at first, but after my first treatment I felt completely at ease,” said Edwards. “Being able to choose music during my sessions made the experience so much smoother, and after 20 treatments I haven’t had any side effects. It was nowhere near as scary as I expected.”

The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation’s continued generosity builds on their legacy of supporting health-care innovation in London. Their support is helping bring advanced radiation technology to patients throughout Southwestern Ontario.

Ethos’ real-time imaging and AI-driven planning provides enhanced precision, helping improve accuracy and potentially reduce side effects for patients.

What does this mean for patients?

• Shorter wait times for LINAC treatments and CT scans

• Quicker, more comfortable sessions

• Personalized daily treatment plans

• Improved accuracy and fewer side effects

“The Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation’s generosity has made it possible for our community to access one of the most advanced cancer treatment technologies in the world,” said John H. MacFarlane, president and CEO of London Health Sciences Foundation. “Their support exemplifies the power of philanthropy to transform health care and ensures patients in London and across Southwestern Ontario receive the very best care close to home.”

The post AI-powered radiation therapy: scans in seconds allow more cancer patients to be treated daily appeared first on Hospital News.

HOPS 2026 Returns to Dubai — Setting a New Benchmark for Oncology Pharmacy in the Middle East

Edusehat — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:35:06 +0700

HOPS 2026 Returns to Dubai — Setting a New Benchmark for Oncology Pharmacy in the Middle East

/ in E-News

The 2nd Annual Hematology-Oncology Pharmacy Summit (HOPS 2026) is set to take place on 16–17 January 2026 at Conrad Dubai, bringing together oncology pharmacists, clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders from across the Middle East and beyond. The Summit aims to drive clinical excellence, collaborative care, and innovation in cancer pharmacotherapy.

HOPS returns stronger in its second edition — offering a comprehensive, clinically oriented program designed around the most advanced and emerging trends in oncology pharmacy. Attendees will benefit from sessions covering topics such as CAR-T and cellular therapies, gene therapy, bispecific antibodies, precision hematology, transformative pharmacotherapy in malignant and benign hematology, pharmacy-driven supportive care, operational excellence for advanced therapies, and health-technology integration in oncology pharmacy.

“We are entering a new era in cancer care — one defined not only by scientific breakthroughs, but by the leaders who know how to translate innovation into meaningful outcomes for patients,” says Sana Alblooshi, Summit Chairperson. “HOPS 2026 is more than a conference; it is a regional movement to elevate oncology-pharmacy practice, equip our professionals with future-ready capabilities, and build a sustainable ecosystem of excellence that will shape the next decade of cancer care in the Gulf.”

At the heart of HOPS 2026 is a distinguished Scientific Committee comprised of regional and international leaders in hematology, oncology pharmacy, and clinical research — including members from the Gulf region and beyond. Their collective expertise ensures a program grounded in scientific rigor and clinical relevance.

The Summit is expected to draw 400+ attendees, feature 50+ expert speakers, and present 40+ up-to-date scientific presentations, enabling a rich combination of knowledge exchange, professional development, and networking.

HOPS 2026 is especially relevant for: medical oncologists; oncology and clinical pharmacists; pharmacy technicians; residents, students, and academics; oncology nurses; regulatory and compliance professionals; as well as representatives from the pharmaceutical industry and patients’ advocacy organizations. The Summit’s multidisciplinary approach offers a unique platform for collaboration, research dissemination, and shared progress in cancer care.

Registration for HOPS 2026 is now open. Early-bird rates are available until 20 December 2025. For more information, including program details, registration categories, and abstract submission guidelines, please visit the official website: hops-uae.com.

About HOPS

HOPS is a dedicated oncology pharmacy summit committed to advancing hematology and oncology pharmacy practice in the Middle East. Through scientific sessions, workshops, research presentations, and expert-led discussions, HOPS aims to elevate standards of care, foster regional collaboration, and support the professional growth of oncology pharmacy practitioners.

Website: https://hops-uae.com/

Media Contact:
Johnilyn Opus
Event Manager
info@hops-uae.com
(+971) 52 702 7924

Het bericht HOPS 2026 Returns to Dubai — Setting a New Benchmark for Oncology Pharmacy in the Middle East verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

World’s first remote, robotic-assisted neurovascular procedure

Edusehat — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:00:44 +0700

HN Summary

• World-First Remote Robotic Neurovascular Procedure
St. Michael’s Hospital performed the first-ever robotic-assisted neurovascular diagnostic procedure remotely, with the patient at St. Michael’s and Dr. Vitor Pereira operating from St. Joseph’s Health Centre, six kilometres away. This groundbreaking procedure demonstrates the feasibility of performing minimally invasive, endovascular interventions across a network connection.

• Cutting-Edge Technology & Safety Measures
The procedure used a next-generation surgical robotic system from Remedy Robotics, allowing precise catheter navigation while a specialized bedside clinical team supported the patient. Extensive testing and a secure layer-2 fibre optic network ensured patient safety, marking the first human use of this remote-capable system.

• Future of Remote Specialized Care
The initiative, called Cut the Cord, aims to expand remote interventions for life-saving treatments, such as aneurysm repairs and stroke clot removal, bringing specialized care to rural and smaller hospitals. The project reflects a paradigm shift in neurovascular care, where expertise can travel to the patient rather than requiring the patient to travel.

In a world-first, a surgical team at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto has performed a robotic-assisted neurovascular diagnostic procedure remotely over a network connection—with the patient at St. Michael’s in the downtown core and the surgeon located at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, a community hospital six kilometres away.

Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira, a neurosurgeon who specializes in neurosurgical minimally invasive procedures, performed a diagnostic angiogram in two patients located at St. Michael’s while he remained at St. Joseph’s. Both hospitals are part of the Unity Health Toronto hospital network.

Diagnostic angiograms are an important first step in evaluating the blood vessels in the brain for neurovascular diseases, such as stroke, brain malformation and aneurysms. Strokes are a medical condition where the quicker a patient receives treatment, the better chance they have at recovery.

A specialized clinical team remained at St. Michael’s Hospital to support the patient, while Dr. Vitor Pereira performed the procedure remotely from St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo: Katie Cooper, Kevin Van Paassen / Unity Health Toronto).

‘We can conquer time’

This act of “cutting the cord” between the robot and the controllers marks a new frontier in neurovascular and stroke care, where life-saving interventions such as the removal of a blood clot from the brain or securing a ruptured brain aneurysm, will be able to be performed remotely.

“Cut the Cord is addressing two main problems: access to medical expertise and time,” said Pereira, the Walter and Maria Schroeder Chair for Neurovascular Interventions. “Our next goal will be to expand remote specialized care and treatments such as brain aneurysm repairs and mechanical thrombectomy—the removal of a blood clot from the brain—to communities that do not have a neurosurgeon or neuro-interventionalist. We can save patients hours of transport time before they receive treatment. With Cut the Cord, we can conquer time.”

This remote procedure was enabled by a new generation of surgical robotic systems developed by Remedy Robotics, which allows minimally invasive endovascular procedures—performed inside blood vessels—to be conducted robotically by a remotely located surgeon with a specialized bedside team. These procedures mark the first-in-human use of this next-generation system.

For the past year, Unity Health and Remedy Robotics teams have been conducting extensive testing and simulations on the network and with the robot to ensure the highest level of patient safety and security.

The ultimate aim, said Pereira, is for surgeons in acute care hospitals and regional stroke centres, such as St. Michael’s, to be able to operate remotely over a high-speed network on patients in rural communities and smaller health centres. These patients would otherwise have to travel hours for time-sensitive specialized care, he said.

The team celebrates the achievement after the procedure is complete, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo: Katie Cooper / Unity Health Toronto).

Global first cases

In these global first cases, performed in late August, Pereira was stationed at St. Joseph’s and controlled the robot to navigate a catheter through the patient’s blood vessels to perform angiographic imaging to assess where there might be any narrowing or blockages.

Although these initial procedures were diagnostic in nature—meaning the catheters did not enter the brain’s blood vessels—the next step is to use the next iteration of the robotic system to perform remote treatments, which will involve navigating catheters and devices directly into the brain.

At St. Michael’s, the patient was with the robot and supported by a specialized bedside clinical team, including Nicole Cancelliere, RADIS Lab co-lead and Research Program Manager, who played a key role as the bedside robotic medical radiation technologist, ensuring the safe operation and integration of the robotic system. The procedures were conducted over the layer-2 fibre optic internet connection that binds all Unity Health Toronto hospitals.

“Our lab has been advancing local and remote endovascular robotics since 2018. It’s incredibly exciting to see this work realized in remote clinical applications,” said Cancelliere.

“Cut the Cord is a success thanks to the infrastructure and support in place at Unity Health which, together with next generation robotic technology, allowed us to safely complete these cases. We are expanding remote procedures in a stepwise fashion by progressively increasing the distance between the operator and the bedside team, so that we can test each variable independently and ensure maximum safety for our patients.”

“What we’ve achieved here isn’t just a technical milestone – it’s a paradigm shift. The brain and its blood vessels no longer need to wait for geography,” said Dr. Julian Spears, head of neurosurgery and co-principal investigator of a research grant on remote robotics through the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation’s Angels Den. “With remote robotic intervention, expertise comes to the patient, not the patient to the expert.”

Cut the Cord would not be possible without the support of Unity Health Toronto’s leadership, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation’s generous community of supporters—including lead donors The Schroeder Foundation, The Rathlyn Foundation and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., as well as funding through Angels Den—Remedy Robotics, and the team of pioneering physicians, clinicians, researchers, and technologists, Pereira said.

“For a project of this dimension, you need everybody to be holding hands. We have an incredible amount of support here for innovation, for research, and for transformational technologies,” he said.

The post World’s first remote, robotic-assisted neurovascular procedure appeared first on Hospital News.

New imaging framework transforms epilepsy surgery planning

Edusehat — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:05:05 +0700

New imaging framework transforms epilepsy surgery planning

epileptic biomarkers, presurgical evaluation, 12 December 25/ in E-News, Neurology, Surgery

A unified computational framework developed at Carnegie Mellon University enables clinicians to analyse all major epileptic biomarkers within a single system, potentially transforming presurgical evaluation for drug-resistant epilepsy patients. The spatial-temporal-spectral imaging approach achieves localisation accuracy within millimetres of invasive monitoring whilst eliminating the need for separate analysis pipelines.

Novel approach addresses clinical imaging challenge

Researchers led by Professor Bin He at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a machine learning-based approach called spatial-temporal-spectral imaging (STSI) that represents the first technology capable of analysing every major type of epileptic brain signal within a unified computational framework. The work, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on 8 December 2025, addresses a fundamental challenge in presurgical planning for the estimated 30% of epilepsy patients whose seizures cannot be controlled with medication alone.

“For the first time, one algorithm can handle all epileptic biomarkers,” He emphasised. “This unified computational approach has never been done before.”

The current gold standard for presurgical evaluation relies on intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG), where electrodes are surgically placed over presumed epileptogenic regions. Whilst accurate, this invasive procedure requires lengthy hospital stays and carries inherent surgical risks. Noninvasive scalp EEG offers a safer alternative, but clinicians have lacked clarity on which biomarkers – interictal spikes, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), or seizures – most reliably identify seizure-generating tissue.

Pathological HFOs emerge as optimal interictal biomarker

The research team conducted a multi-year study analysing 2,081 individual EEG events from 42 drug-resistant epilepsy patients in collaboration with Mayo Clinic clinicians. This represents the first rigorous quantitative comparison of all major epileptic biomarkers for source localisation. The authors noted in their paper: “The STSI enabled quantitative comparisons across key EEG epilepsy-related biomarkers, with averaged localisation errors of 6.67 mm for seizures, 8.73 mm for HFOs overlapping with spikes (pHFO), 10.28 mm for HFO-riding spikes (pSpike), 19.59 mm for general spikes (aSpike), and 36.53 mm for general HFOs (aHFO), respectively, for seizure-free patients.”

The findings revealed that pathological HFOs – which occur only when HFOs overlap with interictal spikes – are the most spatially accurate interictal biomarker for mapping the epileptogenic zone. These pathological HFOs localised the epileptogenic zone within approximately nine millimetres of invasive seizure mapping, approaching the seven millimetre accuracy achieved using actual seizures.

“You can record pathological HFOs in under an hour, instead of waiting days for a seizure,” He explained. “The accuracy is only two to three millimetres different.”

In contrast, general HFOs, once considered promising biomarkers, performed poorly. This finding helps clarify years of inconsistent results across clinical studies and highlights the importance of distinguishing pathological from physiological high-frequency oscillations.

Technical innovation enables unified biomarker analysis

The STSI framework operates by jointly analysing where, when, and at what frequencies brain activity occurs. The system decomposes complex, high-dimensional EEG data into low-dimensional representations, delineates spectral characteristics of different biomarkers, and maps the location, dynamics, and extent of sources generating these biomarkers through data-driven optimisation.

The framework relies on tensor decomposition analysis, which enables low-dimensional representation of complex neurophysiological data. As the authors describe in their paper: “STSI decomposes complex, high-dimensional EEG data into low-dimensional representations, delineates the spectral characteristics of different biomarkers in EEG measurements, and then maps the location, dynamics, and extent of sources generating these biomarkers with data-driven L1 norm-based optimisation.”

When benchmarked against established methods including standardised low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) and linearly constrained minimum variance (LCMV) beamforming, STSI demonstrated superior accuracy in estimating both source location and extent across all frequency ranges. The system showed significantly lower localisation error and spatial dispersion, with higher precision and specificity compared to conventional approaches.

Performance stratified by surgical outcome

The research revealed distinct performance patterns when stratifying patients by surgical outcome. Among the 42 patients studied, 30 achieved seizure freedom (ILAE I-II) whilst 12 remained non-seizure-free (ILAE III-V). Seizure source localisation showed consistent performance across both groups, whilst pathological HFOs and pathological spikes exhibited statistical differences in localisation error and spatial dispersion between groups.

For seizure-free patients, pathological spikes showed significantly higher spatial dispersion compared with seizures and pathological HFOs. The authors note: “These findings indicate that HFOs overlapping with spikes is the most spatially accurate interictal biomarker for mapping the EZ.”

When comparing results to iEEG-defined seizure onset zones in 20 patients with available invasive monitoring data, all three biomarkers (seizures, pathological HFOs, and pathological spikes) exhibited similar performance, with the seizure-free group showing significantly lower localisation error values across all biomarkers.

Broader applications beyond epilepsy

The implications of STSI extend beyond epilepsy surgery planning. The framework’s capability to analyse any EEG or magnetoencephalography signal, whether transient or oscillatory, opens applications across multiple domains of neuroscience and clinical medicine.

As the authors state in their paper: “STSI holds significant promise for cognitive neuroscience and clinical research. It can be extended to map event-related potentials (ERPs) like the P300 and N400, which are central to cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and language processing, or evoked potentials such as visual, auditory, and somatosensory evoked potentials, that are widely used in brain research and clinical neurophysiology testing.”

The framework could enable imaging sources of neural oscillations and dynamic brain-state modelling, potentially advancing understanding of network dynamics in conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychiatric disorders.

Future development and clinical translation

He aims to secure funding to validate the technique in larger patient cohorts and prepare it for clinical adoption. The team has made the computer code publicly available via GitHub < https://github.com/bfinl/STSI > to facilitate broader research application and development.

“The whole point is to help others,” He said. “If we can provide a noninvasive, precise alternative that spares patients from days of invasive monitoring, that would have a major impact. We’re committed to improving the patient experience through our expertise.”

The research represents a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Mayo Clinic’s Department of Neurology, with data collection and clinical validation conducted at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Reference

Jiang, X., Cai, Z., Gonsisko, C., Worrell, G. A., & He, B. (2025). Mapping epileptogenic brain using a unified spatial-temporal-spectral source imaging framework. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(50), e2510015122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2510015122

Het bericht New imaging framework transforms epilepsy surgery planning verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Researchers create living heart tissue with a 3D printer for testing new treatments

Edusehat — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:20:06 +0700

HN Summary

• Living Heart Tissue Created with Custom 3D Printer
Researchers at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI), St. Paul’s Hospital, developed an in-house 3D printer that produces living human heart tissue from patient-derived stem cells. This enables highly consistent, reproducible tissue samples that mimic real human heart behavior.

• Advancing Drug Testing and Precision Medicine
The 3D-printed heart tissue allows for faster, cheaper, and more accurate testing of new treatments, serving as a “clinical trial in a dish.” Researchers can test drugs on tissue genetically identical to individual patients, improving personalized medicine and reducing reliance on animal models.

• Towards Complex, Functional Organs
The team is working to increase tissue complexity and incorporate vascular systems, with the long-term goal of printing heart patches or entire organs. Collaborative bioengineering efforts, including vascularized tissue printing, aim to expand regenerative medicine applications beyond the heart to other organs like lungs.

Scientists at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI) at St. Paul’s Hospital have created living human heart tissue using a 3D printer they built in-house.

The custom-built 3D printer allows the team to produce small pieces of heart muscle that behave like real human tissue. This helps doctors and scientists test new drugs and treatments faster and cheaper and get results that better match real patient responses.

The team, led by Dr. Zach Laksman, includes Hattie Luo, PhD candidate in Experimental Medicine at UBC, and Ardin Sacayanan, graduate student in the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering. They spent three years combining engineering and biology to make the 3D printer work.

Custom printer is adaptable, produces consistent results

To create the heart tissues, cells from patient’s blood samples are reprogrammed into stem cells and then differentiated into heart cells. Previously, these cells would be placed by hand in a process called manual casting, until they would self-organize into a tissue structure. This process has limitations, with the resulting samples varying slightly each time.

“We had this vision of using a 3D printer to print heart tissue, so that we could control and pattern complex multicellular heart tissues that replicate the human heart,” says Dr. Laksman.

Bioprinting the tissue produces results that are more efficient, consistent, and reproducible. However, none of the commercially available 3D bioprinters worked for their purposes, and could not be easily adapted. So, Dr. Laksman and his team decided to build their own.

“We really kind of started from scratch, and so there were a lot of lessons that we had to learn about 3D printing in general,” says Dr. Laksman.

With his bioengineering background, Sacayanan took a lead role in building the printer, manufacturing the design, software, and custom parts the project required. Luo was instrumental in creating the tissues from stem cells, troubleshooting the differentiation process and aiding in quality assurance and cell characterization.

The key to 3D bioprinting

The key to 3D printing living tissue is ensuring that the cells survive. A careful balance is needed between how much pressure the cells can withstand and the level of control the printing process requires. A bio-ink, a mixture of cells and a substance that provides a supportive environment that allows them to survive the printing process, is needed to strike this balance. This substance dissolves or evaporates when the printing is complete, so that it is not part of the final tissue.

Dr. Laksman and his team have developed cardiac-specific bio-inks for their printer, but there is room for improvement. Dr. Laksman has received funding from Genome Canada and Genome BC to lead a project with Axolotl Bioscience that will use genomics to create two new cardiac bio-inks that could potentially be commercialized and used to print heart tissue worldwide.

Clinical trials in a dish

Dr. Laksman’s lab produces samples that are only a few centimeters in size. Many of these can be produced in a short timeframe, and can be used for a process called high-throughput screening, in which multiple drugs are tested at different concentrations simultaneously. This can significantly speed up the process of drug testing.

This technology has great potential for enabling precision medicine, because the samples are genetically identical to the donor the original cells were sourced from. This allows researchers to rapidly test treatments on an individual level and easily evaluate how a treatment differs between diverse demographics.

Significantly, this presents an alternative to animal testing that is not only faster and cheaper, but more effective. Tests run on these samples of printed human tissue provide substantially more accurate results that those run on animal models. In addition, running a “clinical trial in a dish” can potentially replace some early-stage human trials, saving significant cost, time, and reducing risk to vulnerable patients.

“We can replace early-stage clinical trials to bring safer and more effective drugs to market faster,” says Dr. Laksman.

He and his team are already using this technology to study multiple conditions, including heart rhythm problems and heart muscle problems. As part of the next phase of this project, Luo will be developing a disease model for peripartum cardiomyopathy, a serious disease that causes heart failure in pregnancy. Luo will be creating tissue samples that reflect the disease and testing to see the impact of different treatments.

3D-printed human tissue samples present an alternative to animal testing.

Increasing complexity to replicate the human heart

There is currently a long way to go before it is possible to 3D print whole, functional hearts – but research is moving in that direction. The heart is not a single pump, but a complex structure made up of many different cell types. Dr. Laksman’s lab has been successful in incorporating multiple cell types in the printed structure.

“We’re increasing the complexity of the tissues that we print, trying to get to that goal of being able to incorporate not just all the cell types, but all the different structures in the heart,” says Dr. Laksman. This work is a step towards printing patches that could be attached to the heart to fix certain defects.

Currently, the technology is limited by complexity, size and resolution. It is relatively simple for Dr. Laksman’s lab to print small samples, but full organs are not only much bigger, they need to have a functioning vascular system to deliver oxygen to the tissue.

HLI investigator Dr. Yuan Yao, who has a joint appointment between the University of British Columbia Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Medicine, has established her own lab adjacent to Dr. Laksman’s, primarily studying vascular bio-fabrication.

“Theoretically, we will combine both types of tissues together, printing vascularized cardiac tissues,” says Dr. Yao.

Right now, 3D bioprinting does not have the resolution necessary for the level of detail needed to print small blood vessels and capillaries, which are thinner than a human hair. The field is pushing towards achieving that higher resolution, which would enable many different tissues to be printed more accurately.

Dr. Yao was brought on to the HLI in anticipation of an increased focus on bioengineering in the future Clinical Support and Research Centre, Providence Research’s future health innovation hub. Work such as 3D bioprinting will be conducted in its dedicated bioengineering core, which will focus on developing human models, and will have the facilities needed to prototype and fabricate the materials to advance this technology.

One of the most exciting areas of regenerative medicine

This achievement of creating living heart tissue with a custom-built 3D printer is the result of millions of smaller innovations. 3D printing and stem cell technology are coalescing, having developed to a point where they can provide translational solutions that impact people’s lives. Moving forward, Dr. Laksman’s team aims to scale up their production capabilities and increase the complexity of the heart tissue they are able to print.

“The idea of 3D printing tissue is one of the most exciting areas of regenerative medicine in the world right now,” says Dr. Laksman.

There is significant potential for this technology to change how we treat patients in the future, from expediting drug development, to personalizing medicine, to someday printing whole organs for transplant. This potential is not just limited to the heart – fellow HLI scientist Dr. Emmanual Osei recently developed a 3D bio-printed model that closely resembles the complexity of a human lung, enabling improved testing of respiratory diseases and drug development.

“There is a lot of creativity, and there are a lot of doors that can be opened with 3D printing,” says Dr. Yao.

The post Researchers create living heart tissue with a 3D printer for testing new treatments appeared first on Hospital News.

Siemens Healthineers unveils AI-powered imaging chain

Edusehat — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:11 +0700

Siemens Healthineers unveils AI-powered imaging chain

/ in Product News

Siemens Healthineers has introduced Optiq AI, an artificial intelligence-powered imaging chain designed to enhance image quality whilst maintaining low radiation doses during image-guided interventional procedures. The technology was presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Professor Samuel Tobias Sossalla, MD, director of cardiology at Kerckhoff Clinic Bad Nauheim and University Clinic Gießen, Germany, is working with the new Artis icono.explore floor with Optiq AI.

The new imaging chain addresses growing complexity in image-guided therapy, where precision requirements for early-stage treatments and minimally invasive procedures demand superior image quality without compromising patient and staff safety. Optiq AI will be integrated across three new imaging platforms: Artis genio, Artis icono.explore, and Artis icono.vision/Artis pheno.vision.

Real-time denoising through AI algorithms

Optiq AI employs an AI-based algorithm that reduces noise introduced during image formation, including electronic interference, in real time. This denoising capability benefits multiple two-dimensional imaging modes, encompassing fluoroscopy, acquisition, and digital subtraction angiography across interventional radiology, cardiology, and minimally invasive surgery applications.

The system utilises big data to automatically optimise parameter combinations based on user-specified imaging requirements. Its exposure control dynamically adjusts tube voltage, tube current, copper prefiltration, focal spot size, pulse width, and detector dose whilst accounting for source-image distance and collimation. When system repositioning or parameter modifications occur during procedures, Optiq AI automatically recalibrates to maintain requested image quality whilst keeping radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable.

Clinical validation and system integration

“The growing need for earlier-stage treatments raises the bar for image quality and this is where artificial intelligence comes into play,” explains Carsten Bertram, head of Advanced Therapies at Siemens Healthineers. “With Optiq AI, we are unlocking AI’s potential for a new generation of interventional systems and are bringing it to all clinical fields. Clinical staff and their patients benefit from accelerated workflows and better image quality, paving the way for precision therapy.”

Early clinical experience has been positive. Professor Samuel Tobias Sossalla, MD, director of cardiology at Kerckhoff Clinic Bad Nauheim and University Clinic Gießen, Germany, and his colleagues have worked with the new Artis genio floor and Artis icono.explore floor equipped with Optiq AI for five months. “You can really see a major breakthrough,” he said. “AI-based noise reduction gives us razor-sharp images of very high quality, which are excellent to work with.”

Platform specifications

The technology launches across Siemens Healthineers’ latest interventional system range. High-end platforms Artis icono.vision and Artis pheno.vision prioritise speed and precision, whilst Artis icono.explore features a powerful X-ray tube for high patient throughput. Artis genio is engineered for versatility and productivity across diverse case mixes.

Regulatory status: Optiq AI, Artis icono.explore floor, and Artis genio floor are pending 510(k) clearance and are not yet commercially available in the United States. Outside the United States, Optiq AI, Artis icono.explore floor, and Artis genio floor are under development and not commercially available. Artis icono.vision and Artis pheno.vision are under development globally.

For more information, visit: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com

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AI achieves superhuman accuracy in blood cell classification using generative diffusion models

Edusehat — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:09 +0700

AI achieves superhuman accuracy in blood cell classification using generative diffusion models

blood, CytoDiffusion, 11 December 25/ in AI, E-News, haematology

Researchers have developed CytoDiffusion, a diffusion-based generative classifier that surpasses clinical experts in blood cell image analysis. The system demonstrates remarkable capabilities in anomaly detection, uncertainty quantification and domain adaptation whilst generating synthetic images indistinguishable from real samples.

Published in Nature Machine Intelligence, the work establishes a comprehensive evaluation framework addressing key challenges in clinical AI deployment, including robustness, interpretability and data efficiency.

Blood cells. Image for illustrative purposes only.

Revolutionary approach models complete blood cell morphology distribution

Blood cell morphology assessment through light microscopy remains fundamental to haematological diagnostics, yet the task’s inherent complexity – involving subtle morphological variations, biological heterogeneity and technical imaging factors – has long challenged automation efforts. Conventional machine learning approaches using discriminative models struggle with domain shifts, intraclass variability and rare morphological variants, constraining their clinical utility.

The research team, led by scientists at the University of Cambridge and University College London, introduced CytoDiffusion as a fundamentally different approach. Rather than merely learning classification boundaries, the system models the complete distribution of blood cell morphology. “CytoDiffusion is compelled to learn the complete morphological characteristics of each cell type (by modelling the distribution) rather than focusing only on discriminative features near a decision boundary,” the authors explain.

The model’s capabilities were validated through an authenticity test involving ten expert haematologists with up to 34 years of experience. Each specialist evaluated 288 images, attempting to distinguish between real and synthetic samples. The experts achieved an overall accuracy of just 0.523 (95% confidence interval: 0.505-0.542), essentially random performance, indicating that CytoDiffusion’s synthetic images are indistinguishable from genuine blood cell photographs.

Outperforming human experts in uncertainty quantification

CytoDiffusion’s metacognitive abilities represent a significant advancement. The researchers deployed psychometric function estimation to evaluate the model’s uncertainty measures, revealing that its confidence scores approximate an ideal psychophysical observer detecting noisy signals. This suggests the model’s uncertainty is dominated by aleatoric components – inherent data variability – rather than epistemic uncertainty from the model itself.

When comparing individual human expert performance against expert consensus, CytoDiffusion’s confidence measures described the relationship better than human expert confidence. The analysis demonstrated that “CytoDiffusion’s metacognitive abilities are superior to human experts here,” with the model’s uncertainty estimates enabling more effective differentiation between varying expert abilities.

The practical implications are substantial. As the authors note, “Cases with high certainty can be processed automatically, whereas uncertain cases can be flagged for human review.” This transparent quantification of model uncertainty helps build essential trust amongst clinical practitioners whilst providing mechanisms for detecting domain shifts or equipment malfunctions.

Superior anomaly detection and domain robustness

CytoDiffusion excelled at detecting anomalous cell types excluded during training. For the Bodzas dataset, with blasts as the abnormal class, the system achieved sensitivity of 0.905 and specificity of 0.962, with an area under the curve of 0.990. By contrast, the Vision Transformer model suffered from extremely poor sensitivity (0.281), rendering it inadequate for clinical applications where high sensitivity is essential to minimise false negatives.

The model demonstrated remarkable robustness to domain shifts – variations in microscope types, camera systems and staining techniques common across different laboratories. When trained on Raabin-WBC and tested on datasets created with different equipment (Test-B) and entirely different microscopes, cameras and staining methods (LISC), CytoDiffusion achieved state-of-the-art accuracy of 0.985 and 0.854 respectively, consistently outperforming discriminative models.

Data efficiency and clinical explainability

In low-data scenarios – particularly relevant for rare cell types – CytoDiffusion consistently outperformed discriminative models. With just 10 images per class, the advantage was pronounced, demonstrating the model’s learning efficiency. This capability becomes crucial when dividing classes into more granular subclasses encountered in clinical haematological assessments, many of which may only be sparsely represented.

The system provides interpretable explanations through counterfactual heat maps generated directly from the generative process. These visualisations highlight regions requiring change for different classifications, offering immediate insights into morphological distinctions. For example, when examining the transition from monocyte to immature granulocyte, the model indicated differences in cytoplasm characteristics and suggested filling of monocytic vacuoles – capturing typical morphological findings that differentiate these cell types.

Comprehensive evaluation framework for medical AI

Beyond introducing CytoDiffusion, the research establishes a multidimensional evaluation framework encompassing robustness to domain shift, anomaly detection capability, performance in low-data regimes, uncertainty quantification reliability and interpretability. The authors propose that “the research community adopt these evaluation tasks and metrics when assessing new models for blood cell image classification.”

The work was supported by the Trinity Challenge, Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation and National Institute for Health and Care Research. The dataset CytoData, comprising 559,808 single-cell images with labeller confidence scores, is publicly available, addressing critical gaps in existing datasets by explicitly modelling artefacts – a key challenge in clinical applications.

Whilst computationally expensive during inference (averaging 1.8 seconds per image), the researchers note that several optimisations could improve efficiency, including code optimisation, model distillation, parallelisation and advancing hardware capabilities.

CytoData online

CytoData is available at: https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/SBSST2156

Code availability

All code is available via GitHub at:
https://github.com/CambridgeCIA/CytoDiffusion

Reference

Deltadahl, S., Gilbey, J., Van Laer, C., et. al. (2025). Deep generative classification of blood cell morphology. Nature Machine Intelligence, 7, 1791–1803. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-025-01122-7

Het bericht AI achieves superhuman accuracy in blood cell classification using generative diffusion models verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Psychiatry breakthrough: Genetic mapping reveals five key factors underlying 14 psychiatric disorders

Edusehat — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:30:07 +0700

Psychiatry breakthrough: Genetic mapping reveals five key factors underlying 14 psychiatric disorders

Genetics, psychiatry, 10 December 25/ in E-News, Psychiatry

Researchers have identified five fundamental genetic factors that explain the majority of genetic risk across 14 psychiatric conditions, based on DNA data from over one million people. The findings challenge current diagnostic boundaries and suggest psychiatric disorders arise from shared biological pathways that manifest differently across conditions, potentially informing more targeted therapeutic development.

An international team led by researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and Massachusetts General Hospital has conducted the most comprehensive genomic analysis of psychiatric disorders to date, revealing that most genetic risk is shared amongst subsets of conditions rather than being unique to individual diagnoses.

Cross-disorder genetic architecture mapped

The study, published in Nature on 10 December 2025, analysed genetic data from 1,056,201 individuals with psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, anorexia nervosa, and substance use disorders.

Using advanced statistical methods, the researchers identified five genomic factors that collectively explained approximately 66% of the genetic variance across the disorders. “The genetic variation underpinning these conditions clusters into five broad categories, which cut across current diagnostic boundaries,” explained Dr Abdel Abdellaoui from Amsterdam University Medical Centre, who authored an accompanying commentary on the research.

The five factors comprised: a compulsive disorders factor (anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette’s syndrome); a schizophrenia-bipolar factor; a neurodevelopmental factor (autism spectrum disorder, ADHD); an internalising disorders factor (major depression, PTSD, anxiety); and a substance use factor (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine and opioid dependence).

Shared genetic risk concentrated in specific pathways

The research team, led by Dr Andrew Grotzinger and Professor Jordan Smoller, identified 238 unique genetic loci associated with at least one of the five factors, including 48 novel genetic regions not previously linked to psychiatric disorders. Critically, they found that genetic variants shared across all disorders were enriched for broad biological processes such as transcriptional regulation, whilst more specific pathways emerged at the individual factor level.

“The shared genetic signal across the schizophrenia-bipolar factor was substantially enriched in genes expressed in excitatory neurons, whereas the internalising factor was associated with oligodendrocyte biology,” the authors reported in their paper. This suggests different brain cell types uniquely confer risk to more circumscribed subsets of disorders.

Functional analyses revealed that genes associated with psychiatric risk factors showed peak expression during foetal development, highlighting the importance of early neurodevelopmental processes. The team also found that genetic variants associated with the schizophrenia-bipolar factor showed positive associations with the non-cognitive component of educational attainment, suggesting that genetic variants increasing psychosis risk might also contribute to creativity and persistence.

Implications for diagnosis and treatment

The findings have important implications for psychiatric nosology and treatment development. Disorders clustering on the same genetic factor showed remarkably similar genetic profiles, with very few disorder-specific variants distinguishing them. For instance, major depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders (the internalising factor) demonstrated high genetic correlations and shared 88 regional genetic hotspots.

“Few genetic variants are unique to a single diagnosis, suggesting that the categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual might be useful clinically but are seemingly arbitrary at a biological level,” the researchers noted. This observation supports ongoing debates about diagnostic boundaries, particularly between conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, where genomic methods have revealed that the majority of genetic signal is shared.

The study also identified 101 genomic regions with correlated effects across multiple disorders, including a particularly pleiotropic hotspot on chromosome 11 containing the NCAM1-TTC12-ANKK1-DRD2 gene cluster, which showed associations with eight different psychiatric conditions. Such findings could inform the development of therapeutics designed to treat commonly occurring comorbid presentations.

Limitations and future directions

The researchers acknowledged several limitations, noting that analyses were primarily restricted to individuals of European genetic ancestry due to limited availability of genome-wide association study data from other populations. Cross-ancestry analyses suggested findings may generalise better for some disorders (such as schizophrenia) than others (PTSD and major depression), emphasising the need for ancestrally diverse research.

Professor Smoller emphasised the significance of these findings: “This evidence should contribute substantially to ongoing debates regarding diagnostic boundaries between disorders and could inform the development of novel treatments targeting shared biological pathways.”

The research represents the third major study from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Cross-Disorder working group, with substantial increases in sample sizes compared to previous analyses. The team called for future research including more diverse populations and exploration of how these insights can guide therapeutic development for the substantial proportion of individuals affected by multiple psychiatric conditions throughout their lifetime.

Reference

Grotzinger, A. D., Werme, J., Peyrot, W. J., et. al. (2025). Mapping the genetic landscape across 14 psychiatric disorders. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09820-3

Het bericht Psychiatry breakthrough: Genetic mapping reveals five key factors underlying 14 psychiatric disorders verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Violence against women and children emerges as major global health crisis

Edusehat — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:45:07 +0700

Violence against women and children emerges as major global health crisis

/ in E-News, Featured Articles, Mental health

A groundbreaking global study reveals that intimate partner violence and sexual violence against children rank among the top health threats worldwide, contributing to over 50 million disability-adjusted life years annually. The research fundamentally challenges persistent views of these forms of violence as primarily social issues, positioning them instead as critical public health priorities demanding immediate, comprehensive intervention.

Unprecedented scale of health burden revealed

Researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine have produced the most comprehensive analysis to date of health outcomes linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) against women and sexual violence against children (SVAC). Published in The Lancet on 9 December 2025, the study examined 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023, dramatically expanding understanding of these violence types’ true health impacts.

The findings paint a stark picture: in 2023, an estimated 608 million women aged 15 and older had experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, whilst over one billion people aged 15 and older had experienced sexual violence during childhood. These exposures together contributed to more than 50 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally – 32.2 million from SVAC and 18.5 million from IPV.

“These findings fundamentally challenge the persistent view of SVAC and IPV as primarily social or criminal justice issues and underscore their status as major public health priorities,” said Dr Luisa Sorio Flor, lead author and assistant professor at IHME. “By expanding the recognised adverse health outcomes linked to sexual and physical violence, we are deepening our understanding of a crisis that has remained in the shadows. The burden is staggering – and has been systematically overlooked in global health priorities.”

Devastating impact on young people

The research reveals particularly devastating consequences for young and middle-aged individuals. Among women aged 15–49 years, IPV and SVAC ranked as the fourth and fifth leading risk factors for loss of healthy life globally, outranking many well-known threats such as high fasting plasma glucose or elevated blood pressure. For men in this age group, SVAC ranked 11th among all health risks.

Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from IHME noted: “Most other conditions affecting a billion people and ranking in the top five health threats dominate the global health agenda. These findings make the case irrefutable: violence is not simply a social problem that occasionally impacts health, it is a leading cause of death and disability demanding comprehensive public health action.”

In high-income regions, SVAC’s contribution to health loss ranked fourth overall, comparable to the disease burden imposed by smoking – a risk factor that has experienced substantial declines through comprehensive, evidence-based control measures and coordinated global action.

Expanded spectrum of health consequences

The GBD 2023 study incorporated new evidence showing SVAC and IPV are linked to a substantially wider spectrum of health outcomes than previously recognised. SVAC was associated with 14 health conditions, including mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and asthma. IPV was linked to eight negative health outcomes, including anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, self-harm, HIV/AIDS, maternal complications, and interpersonal violence.

Mental health disorders accounted for the greatest share of disease burden amongst survivors. For IPV, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder were the largest contributors to DALYs, accounting for 5.43 million and 3.96 million DALYs respectively in 2023. For SVAC, self-harm and schizophrenia were the leading causes of attributable burden, with 6.71 million and 4.15 million DALYs respectively.

“Given the wide range of health conditions associated with SVAC and IPV, survivors will continue to require both immediate and long-term care from health systems worldwide,” explained Dr Flor. “Violence prevention is not enough: we must also identify, protect, rehabilitate, and support survivors, and the health sector is central to these efforts.”

Fatal consequences and urgent protection needs

The study documented 290,000 deaths worldwide associated with SVAC in 2023, predominantly from suicide, HIV/AIDS, and type 2 diabetes. IPV accounted for 145,000 deaths, mostly from homicide, suicide, and HIV/AIDS. Alarmingly, the researchers estimated that nearly 30,000 women were killed by their partners in 2023 alone, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced protection for at-risk individuals.

IPV accounted for more than 40% of interpersonal violence DALYs amongst women globally, with this proportion reaching nearly 70% in North Africa and the Middle East. “This underscores the urgent need for enhanced protective measures for at-risk individuals,” the authors write in their conclusion.

Regional disparities and geographical patterns

The research revealed substantial geographical disparities in both exposure rates and disease burden. Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest rates of DALYs attributable to both SVAC and IPV, driven largely by high prevalence rates and the substantial burden of HIV in this region. Countries with the highest age-standardised prevalence of IPV were primarily located within sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia, whilst for SVAC, the highest regional prevalence was observed in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, followed by high-income regions.

However, DALY rates for IPV and SVAC were also elevated across high-income regions compared with other super-regions, reflecting the large burden of substance use disorders and non-communicable diseases in these settings. Amongst males aged 15–49 years in the high-income super-region, SVAC burden ranked fourth.

Urgent call for increased investment

Dr Anita Zaidi, Gender Equality President at the Gates Foundation, emphasised the need for immediate action: “Rigorous data like this bring long-overdue clarity to the scale and consequences of violence experienced by women and children. The evidence is unmistakable: these harms are far more pervasive and far more damaging to health than previously understood, and they demand immediate action from country leaders.”

The study highlights that violence is preventable through effective interventions such as comprehensive legislation and enforcement, trauma-informed healthcare, school-based prevention, community engagement, and economic empowerment. Despite this, most countries still lack the essential resources, effective legislation, and robust enforcement mechanisms necessary to combat violence.

Currently, less than 1% of aid spending targets gender-based violence, indicating a substantial gap in prioritising this issue within global health agendas. The researchers strongly advocate integrating both prevention measures and survivor support into broader public health initiatives that also address mental health disorders, substance misuse, suicide, homicide, and HIV.

Methodological advances and limitations

The study represents substantial methodological improvements over previous GBD iterations. Researchers incorporated 195 new sources of data to refine IPV prevalence estimates and an additional 211 sources to enhance SVAC prevalence estimates. They also introduced substantive methodological advances, including revising the SVAC definition to extend the age range of exposure from before 15 years to before 18 years, aligning with international classifications of violence against children.

To address differential reporting challenges, the team adjusted SVAC estimates for differential reporting across survey modes, recognising that survey administration methods significantly impact disclosure rates. They employed burden-of-proof methodology to estimate relative risks for outcomes associated with IPV and SVAC, synthesising data from a comprehensive systematic review of seven electronic databases covering studies from 1970 to 2024.

However, the authors acknowledge several limitations. Prevalence data were self-reported and prone to under-reporting due to the sensitive nature of these topics and associated stigma. Substantial gaps remain across geographical regions and time periods, particularly in the North Africa and Middle East super-region. The wide uncertainty intervals for some exposure estimates highlight considerable statistical uncertainty, especially in data-sparse settings.

The analysis focused exclusively on physical or sexual IPV against women and SVAC, not encompassing psychological abuse, coercive control, or other forms of violence against children and women. The authors note that future work should consider the overlapping and unique health effects of additional forms of violence, as the most effective policies and intervention strategies might differ.

Path forward for global health

“Quantifying the disease burden attributable to IPV and SVAC is essential for enabling timely and effective interventions,” the authors conclude. “Moreover, by leveraging the GBD comparative framework, we position IPV and SVAC alongside other major health threats, moving beyond viewing them solely as social or criminal concerns.”

The research demonstrates that eliminating exposure to these risks could avert millions of DALYs annually, primarily through reductions in the burden of mental health disorders, self-harm, interpersonal violence, substance use, and infectious diseases such as HIV. The substantial contributions of IPV and SVAC to the burden of mental disorders – a leading cause of health loss for which effective preventive measures remain limited – underscores the need to incorporate these risks into strategic plans targeting this cluster of conditions.

“Investing in prevention of these avoidable risk factors has the potential to avert millions of DALYs and considerable premature mortality each year,” the authors state. “Our findings represent strong evidence for global and national leaders to elevate IPV and SVAC amongst public health priorities. Sustained investments are needed to prevent IPV and SVAC and to implement interventions focused on supporting the complex social and health needs of survivors.”

Reference

GBD 2023 Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence against Children Collaborators. (2025). Disease burden attributable to intimate partner violence against females and sexual violence against children in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2023: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. The Lancet. Published online December 9, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)02503-6

Het bericht Violence against women and children emerges as major global health crisis verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

New report examines use of locum tenens physicians in U.S. health care

Edusehat — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:50:05 +0700

DATA FROM A NEW survey show that U.S. health care organizations are increasing their use of locum tenens physicians, but not always to replace physicians who have left.

Conducted by locum tenens staffing company CHG Healthcare, this annual survey found that locum tenens clinicians were used in 16.4% of physician employment searches and 8.1% of advanced practice provider (APP) searches. According to CHG, those are the highest rates of locums employment searches that the company has ever seen in its survey.

CHG’s 2020 survey, by comparison, found that respondents used locum physicians in 6.3% of physician searches.

CHG also found that of organizations using locums in 2024, 67% hired them to fill a scheduling hole while they looked for a permanent replacement. That number was down significantly from 82% in 2023.

That percentage is likely falling because health care organizations are using locums for other purposes. The CHG survey, for example, found that U.S. health care organizations that hire locums do so for the following reasons:

• Maternity/paternity coverage (42%)

• Vacation coverage (42%)

• Rising patient demand (35%)

• Supplement staff during peak periods (28%)

• Mitigate burnout/reduce staff workload (25%)

This year, four in five (80%) of facilities expect to continue or to expand their use of locums.

Physician attitudes about locum tenens

The CHG report also asked physicians about why they choose to work locums. According to the survey, 47% of respondents said supplementing their core income was their No. 1 reason.

Thirty percent of physicians in the survey said they work locum because the money is good, while 29% said they work locums to control their schedule. Another 26% do it to work while searching for a full-time position.

More than half of responding physicians in the CHG survey—58%—said they work locally, with 53% finding slots in neighboring cities or states and 23% working in neighboring regions of the country.

The data also indicate that the number of physicians working locums has grown steadily since 2020. About one-third of eligible U.S.-based physicians have had locums experience, while 8% of physicians in the U.S. are currently working locums.

Search projections rise in some specialties, not others

Projections about future locums demand expect searches to rise significantly for anesthesiology, with demand estimated to increase 55%. Searches are also expected to rise for gastroenterology (31%) and psychiatry (21%).

However, the number of searches in other specialties are projected to fall. Those include hospital medicine, with demand projected to be reduced by 4%. Demand is projected to fall even more for emergency medicine, with searches estimated to decrease by 8%. Even with lower projected demand, hospital medicine remains the third most requested specialty in physician locums searches.

You can find more information in CHG Healthcare’s report.

The post New report examines use of locum tenens physicians in U.S. health care appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

UHN surgeons curing rare lung condition CTEPH with world-class procedure

Edusehat — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:00:08 +0700

HN Summary

• UHN surgeons are curing a rare and potentially fatal lung condition, CTEPH, using one of the world’s most advanced surgical procedures — pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) — which removes chronic blood clots from even the smallest pulmonary vessels. UHN operates the largest and most specialized CTEPH program in Canada.

• Thanks to cutting-edge imaging and surgical expertise, UHN can treat cases deemed “inoperable” elsewhere, offering patients immediate and often life-changing improvement. The surgery, supported by an integrated team across thoracic surgery, transplant, cardiac care, radiology, anesthesia, perfusion and ICU, has extremely high success rates when performed early.

• Patient Patrick Himmelheber’s story illustrates the life-saving impact: after severe breathlessness and lung damage from undiagnosed CTEPH, he underwent PTE at UHN and was cured. The program is also advancing research into why some patients develop CTEPH and is training future surgeons with a world-first surgical simulator.

Patrick Himmelheber knew something was off when he struggled to catch his breath while playing hockey with friends.

As a healthy, 36-year-old man, he thought it was unusual. When changing his diet and exercise routine showed no improvements, he ended up quitting the team.

But it wasn’t until six months later, when Patrick was gasping for air after simply walking or talking that he decided to see his doctor.

“I told him: everything is great — work is great, life is great,” says Patrick. “But if I walk up a flight of stairs, I’m finished.”

They learned Patrick had major clotting in the blood vessels in his lungs connecting to his heart, preventing him from breathing properly — a rare and fatal condition called chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

He was referred to UHN’s thoracic surgery team, home of the largest CTEPH program in Canada, where he underwent a complex surgery to remove the blockages.

Today, Patrick has been cured of his condition.

“The surgery requires a lot of expertise from many areas,” says Dr. Marc de Perrot, a thoracic surgeon and program director of UHN’s Toronto CTEPH Program, who led Patrick’s care.

“If it’s not done properly, it carries a very high risk. But when done right, these patients are cured — pretty much forever.”

Watch: What is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension?

CTEPH develops when blood clots in the lungs fail to dissolve properly, leaving behind scar tissue that narrows or blocks the pulmonary arteries. This scarring increases pressure in the lungs and places significant strain on the heart, often leading to heart failure if left untreated.

Patients also tend to experience uncomfortable symptoms in that time that impact their quality of life, such as shortness of breath and chest pain.

Patrick underwent a pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE), a highly specialized procedure that removes persistent clots directly from pulmonary arteries. In the past, surgeons could only access and clear clotting from the main pulmonary arteries in the lungs, which can measure up to three centimetres wide.

Advances in imaging and surgical techniques now allow surgeons to remove clots from the much smaller and more delicate blood vessels deep within the lungs — some as narrow as one or two millimeters, where the clots often originate — making the procedure significantly more effective and potentially life saving.

UHN is one of the few centres in the world capable of doing this.

“Our surgical expertise has progressed over time and now we’re doing the most complex cases — patients who were deemed not surgical elsewhere,” says Dr. Laura Donahoe, a CTEPH surgeon and member of the CTEPH program since 2015.

The CTEPH program also brings together integrated transplant, cardiac, radiology, anesthesia, perfusion and ICU expertise, putting UHN at a unique advantage.

“There’s really nobody else in the country who could have that degree of expertise across such a broad number of disciplines, all of which are essential to making this surgery safe and successful,” says Dr. de Perrot.

CTEPH is often underdiagnosed as symptoms can be similar to other, more common conditions. CT pulmonary angiograms and ventilation perfusion scans are the imaging tests used to diagnose CTEPH.

If clotting goes unaddressed for prolonged periods of time, it can cause the arteries to stiffen, leading to irreversible damage that surgery may not be able to fix.

Patrick arrived at UHN in time for the procedure to be effective.

Before his surgery, Patrick was prescribed heparin, a type of blood thinner injected twice a day, to keep his condition under control.

He was later admitted to the emergency room with a stabbing pain in his chest — a symptom of lung necrosis from the lack of oxygen reaching his lungs.

“A little piece of my lung actually died off, and it was scratching the nerves in my chest,” says Patrick.

Patrick was referred to Dr. de Perrot and his team, who restored his blood flow and prevented future damage through the PTE procedure.

“We’re trying to raise awareness so the diagnosis is made early, before any of that damage can happen,” says Dr. de Perrot.

Today, Patrick is thriving. He recovered quickly and was discharged from the hospital seven days after his ten-hour surgery.

Watch: Patrick Himmelheber shares the story of his diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Donahoe says this is one of few surgeries where patients feel better almost immediately.

“These patients have been limited for so long,” says Dr. Donahoe. “It really transforms them. They go back to work, go back to normal life. It’s extremely gratifying.”

While the risk factors for acute blood clots are well known, the reasons why some people go on to develop CTEPH remain unclear.

“We’re trying to understand why some patients’ blood clots don’t resolve at the same level,” says Dr. de Perrot. He compares it to how some people develop bad scarring after getting a cut, while others do not.

“It’s the same process in the lungs. Why do patients heal with excellent scarring that is barely visible, versus patients who develop like a keloid or hypertrophic scar?”

So far, his research suggests that the healing process of blood clots in the lungs may produce a biomarker that ultimately leads to CTEPH.

UHN is also focused on training the next generation of surgeons.

Dr. de Perrot and his team have developed a surgical simulator to help trainees build the dexterity and precision required to perform it safely.

“It’s a very difficult procedure to teach and to learn,” he explains. “The simulator helps us provide tools to train surgeons in how to work inside the artery — where the field of vision is extremely narrow and the margin for error is small.”

The post UHN surgeons curing rare lung condition CTEPH with world-class procedure appeared first on Hospital News.

Hologic expands Genius digital pathology system with CE marking

Edusehat — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:20:11 +0700

Hologic expands Genius digital pathology system with CE marking

Hologic, 09 December 25/ in Product News

Hologic has announced expanded CE marking for its Genius Digital Diagnostics System in the European Union, enabling the platform to image and review both cell and tissue specimens. The approval represents a significant expansion from the system’s previous CE marking, which was limited to cell analysis applications such as cervical cancer screening.

Unified workflow for multiple specimen types

The enhanced capabilities introduce whole slide imaging functionality, allowing pathologists to use a single system for diverse diagnostic applications. For cervical cancer screening, the platform can now identify pre-cancerous lesions and cancer cells during initial screening whilst also enabling review of cervical tissue biopsies to confirm diagnosis. In breast health applications, the system supports tissue review from breast biopsies following mammogram abnormalities.

“Placing digital pathology at the centre of diagnostic workflows has the potential to transform the way we approach cancer diagnosis and prevention,” said Paul van Diest, Professor in the Department of Pathology at University Medical Centre Utrecht. “The ability to image and review more specimen types on a single system will help pathologists think beyond traditional boundaries and bring greater accuracy and efficiency to our work.”

Volumetric imaging technology

The Genius Digital Diagnostics System employs volumetric imaging technology that simultaneously captures 14 layers of patient specimens, converting them into a single two-dimensional view. Glass slides containing specimens are rapidly converted into high-resolution digital images, which are then transferred to the system’s image management server for secure storage and case management. Images can be reviewed locally or remotely.

The expansion includes additional software capabilities such as remote support, laboratory information system readiness, and new review tools. These features address operational challenges that laboratories face when managing multiple systems for different specimen types, which can increase costs, extend turnaround times, and create additional workload for laboratory staff.

Regulatory status and availability

The digital pathology solutions received CE marking in accordance with the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation, which is recognised by multiple countries globally. Commercialisation schedules will be announced on a per-country basis. Whole slide imaging is currently not available in the United States.

“Access to innovative technology in the laboratory can be a foundation for better patient care,” said Jennifer Schneiders, Ph.D., President of Diagnostic Solutions at Hologic. “Expanding our CE marking with digital pathology will help bring advanced technology to more laboratories across Europe and signals another incredible step in Hologic’s innovation pipeline focused on providing accurate and efficient results to support disease screening and diagnosis.”

For more information, visit: https://www.hologic.com/

Het bericht Hologic expands Genius digital pathology system with CE marking verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Philips launches helium-free 3T MRI platform

Edusehat — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:20:09 +0700

Philips launches helium-free 3T MRI platform

MRI, Philips, 09 December 25/ in Product News

Royal Philips has introduced BlueSeal Horizon, the world’s first helium-free 3.0T MRI platform, combining advanced artificial intelligence capabilities with sustainable magnet technology. The system was unveiled at RSNA 2025 in Chicago, representing what the company describes as a major scientific achievement in magnetic resonance imaging.

Eliminating helium dependency in high-field MRI

The new platform extends Philips’ helium-free technology to 3.0T systems, building on the success of its 1.5T BlueSeal MRI systems. Since 2018, more than 2,000 of these lower-field systems have been installed worldwide, saving over 6 million litres of liquid helium. The 3.0T system eliminates the need for helium refills and vent pipes, reducing installation complexity and operational risks.

“With BlueSeal Horizon we’re freeing MRI from dependence on a valuable resource the world can’t replace and bringing advanced diagnostic capabilities to people previously out of reach,” said Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, business leader for MR at Philips. “But more than that, BlueSeal Horizon is an entirely new 3.0T innovation platform that combines breakthroughs in hardware with AI-powered software, eliminating the trade-off between imaging speed and precision and improving outcomes for both practitioners and patients.”

AI-driven workflow optimisation

The BlueSeal Horizon platform integrates several AI-powered features designed to streamline clinical workflows. SmartPlanning now extends to cardiac imaging, automating planning steps that previously required multiple manual actions into a single click, achieving automated planning in as little as 30 seconds.

Real-time Scan Preview, powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform and Open Models, enables faster 3D image reconstruction, denoising, and artefact reduction. This allows radiologists to preview scans and adjust image quality and speed parameters during acquisition, optimising workflow efficiency.

Enhanced imaging performance

SmartSpeed Precise employs dual AI technology to enable scans up to three times faster whilst producing images up to 80% sharper compared to Philips SENSE/C-SENSE imaging. The system also features SmartReading, which integrates cloud-based AI reading and reporting tools directly on the MR system for neurology and oncology applications.

3.0T MRI systems represent the most advanced magnet technology in widespread clinical use, providing high-resolution imaging for research and complex clinical cases. These systems excel in imaging the brain, blood vessels, muscles, and joints, capturing intricate anatomical and functional details.

The helium-free design utilises 7 litres of helium permanently enclosed within the cryogenic circuit, maintaining the superconducting properties required for high-field imaging whilst eliminating the environmental and logistical challenges associated with helium refills.

For more information, visit: www.philips.com

Het bericht Philips launches helium-free 3T MRI platform verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

TÜV SÜD releases regulatory roadmap for MedTech start-ups

Edusehat — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:20:08 +0700

TÜV SÜD releases regulatory roadmap for MedTech start-ups

MedTech, startups, 09 December 25/ in E-News, MedTech

Medical technology start-ups face mounting pressure to navigate complex regulatory frameworks whilst maintaining innovation momentum, according to a newly published white paper from TÜV SÜD. The document, released today, provides structured guidance for young companies seeking to avoid common compliance pitfalls that can delay market entry by months.

The white paper, titled ‘What MedTech start-ups need to know’, draws on TÜV SÜD’s experience supporting numerous start-ups across diverse medical technology sectors, from digital health solutions and artificial intelligence-based diagnostics to traditional medical devices. As a leading testing, certification and training partner in the medical technology sector, TÜV SÜD has identified critical regulatory knowledge gaps that frequently undermine start-up success.

Seven essential topics for regulatory compliance

The document outlines seven fundamental areas that MedTech companies should address from development inception:

Intended use — How it defines the regulatory framework of a product and why imprecise wording leads to delays.
Classification according to MDR — Which rules apply in particular to software as a medical device. Digital and AI-based start-ups in particular benefit from specific information on the MDR classification of software.
Quality Management System (QMS) — Why ISO 13485 is crucial even in the early stages of development.
Design Control — How structured development and traceability ensure investor confidence and auditability.
Clinical evaluation — Why the Clinical Evaluation Report (CER) should be planned at an early stage.
Post-market surveillance and PMCF — How continuous learning and data feedback create regulatory stability.
Market access CE vs. FDA — What strategic differences need to be considered in international growth plans.

Integrating regulatory expertise with innovation

Prof Dr Max D Singh, expert in regulatory affairs and innovation for medical devices at OTH Regensburg and the white paper’s author, emphasised the interconnected nature of technological innovation and regulatory requirements. “Many start-ups underestimate how closely technological innovation and regulatory requirements are intertwined,” Singh stated. “Those who integrate regulatory expertise from the outset avoid delays and also gain the trust of investors and notified bodies.”

The document addresses a fundamental tension facing founders: balancing innovation speed with regulatory thoroughness. Whilst venture capital, time-to-market and scaling typically dominate strategic focus, inadequate compliance can delay market launch substantially or destabilise investor confidence.

Building competitive advantage through compliance

“Regulatory excellence is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for sustainable success,” Singh emphasised. “The new white paper aims to show start-up teams how they can strategically use regulatory requirements as a competitive advantage instead of seeing them as a brake on innovation.”

The white paper challenges the perception of regulatory requirements as obstacles to innovation, instead positioning compliance expertise as a strategic differentiator. This reframing reflects evolving perspectives within the medical technology sector, where regulatory maturity increasingly influences investment decisions and partnership opportunities.

Accessible resources for start-up teams

The white paper is available for free download at https://www.tuvsud.com/en/resource-centre/white-papers/what-medtech-start-ups-need-to-know .

TÜV SÜD additionally offers the ‘MedTech Start-up Innovator – TÜV’ course, currently available in German with an English version planned. The course provides practical, in-depth coverage of topics spanning initial concept development through clinical evaluation and CE certification, targeting start-up teams seeking to enhance regulatory maturity whilst avoiding common early-stage development errors.

The initiative reflects broader recognition within the medical technology sector that regulatory competence must be embedded within innovation processes from inception, rather than addressed as a subsequent compliance exercise. This integrated approach aims to reduce time-to-market whilst ensuring patient safety and product quality standards.

For more information, visit: https://www.tuvsud.com

Het bericht TÜV SÜD releases regulatory roadmap for MedTech start-ups verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Researchers find link between psychosocial stress and early signs of heart inflammation in women

Edusehat — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:05:04 +0700

MRI study found no similar association for male participants, suggesting stress has different biological impacts on men and women

Women who report high levels of psychosocial stress, such as from caregiving and lack of emotional support, show signs of early heart tissue changes associated with cardiovascular disease – an association not observed in men, a new study reveals.

The results support the notion that there are sex-specific ways in which stress affects cardiovascular health and that risk-assessment processes should take psychosocial factors and mental wellness into account, the researchers said.

“From an epidemiological point of view, we have known for about two decades that stress is an important risk factor in cardiovascular health for people born female. But with this research stream, we’re really aiming to understand how stress physiologically impacts the heart,” said Dr. Judy Luu, Assistant Professor at the Division of Clinical and Translational Research at the McGill Faculty of Medicine and principal investigator of the study.

The team, comprising researchers from McGill and Concordia universities, published a paper earlier this year linking early signs of heart inflammation and perceived social status in women.

MRI scans reveal signs of inflammation

In the current study, the researchers examined MRI heart scans of 219 adult participants (ages 43 to 65), around half of whom were female. The scans measured two markers (called T1 and T2) in the heart muscles, which are linked to signs of cardiac disease. In addition to demographic and basic physiological data, they also collected information such as perceived stress, responsibility for caregiving within the household and perceived emotional support.

The participants, who were part of the Courtois Cardiovascular Signature Program at McGill University Health Centre, were divided in two groups: individuals presenting at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (for example, diabetes, hypertension or smoking) but without actual heart disease, and healthy control subjects.

In both groups, the scans of female participants who reported high psychosocial stress revealed significantly higher values for one of the markers (T1) than did the scans of low-stress female participants. A significant difference in female participants was also observed for the second marker (T2), in the at-risk group only. In both cases, no significant difference was observed between high- and low-stress male participants.

Though the T1 and T2 values didn’t quite pass the clinical thresholds for abnormal values, said Luu, they were still at an elevated level that calls for further investigation. She added that down the road, higher values portend worse prognosis.

Biological roots

According to the professor, the sex differences observed are not only a social question, but also a biological question.

“Research points to the fact that there are biological differences in the way females physically handle stress,” said Luu.

The next phase of the research will focus on blood markers and other biological explanations, such as hormones, she said, adding that the team hopes the research can lead to better interventions to advance women’s heart health.

The study

“Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Psychosocial Stress and Myocardial Tissue Characteristics: A CMR Imaging Study” by Mayssa Moukarzel and al. was published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.

The post Researchers find link between psychosocial stress and early signs of heart inflammation in women appeared first on Hospital News.

Landmark stem cell trial: Genetic mismatch no longer a barrier to survival

Edusehat — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 23:10:05 +0700

Landmark stem cell trial: Genetic mismatch no longer a barrier to survival

stem cells, 06 December 25/ in E-News, Genetics

A multicentre trial has demonstrated that patients receiving stem cell transplants from unrelated donors with multiple genetic mismatches can achieve survival rates comparable to those with better-matched donors when using post-transplant cyclophosphamide prophylaxis.

The findings, presented at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting, could substantially expand donor availability for patients with blood cancers, particularly those from non-European backgrounds.

Expanding donor compatibility criteria

The ACCESS trial, sponsored by the US-based National Marrow Donor Program, enrolled 268 adults with blood cancers who received peripheral blood stem cell grafts from unrelated donors aged 35 or younger. Participants were divided into two groups: 85 patients with four to six HLA markers matched and 183 patients with seven of eight markers matched. The research team, including Dr Antonio Jimenez Jimenez from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, found that one-year overall survival reached 86% in the more mismatched group compared with 79% in the less mismatched group.

The significance of these results extends beyond survival figures. Currently, only approximately 29% of Black patients can identify a fully matched donor in the registry, compared with 89% of non-Hispanic white patients. By demonstrating acceptable outcomes with four to six of eight HLA matches, the study suggests that nearly 99% of patients could potentially access suitable donors through international registries.

GVHD rates remain manageable

Graft-versus-host disease represents a major concern in allogeneic transplantation, occurring when donor immune cells attack recipient tissues. The ACCESS trial monitored both acute and chronic GVHD rates across both cohorts. At six months post-transplant, grade II-IV acute GVHD occurred in 34% of patients with four to six matched markers and 39% of those with seven matched markers. Grade III-IV acute GVHD rates were 7% and 8% respectively. Moderate to severe chronic GVHD at one year affected 8% of the more mismatched group and 11% of the less mismatched group.

These comparable GVHD rates between groups suggest that post-transplant cyclophosphamide effectively controls alloreactive responses despite increased HLA disparity. The drug targets proliferating alloreactive T cells whilst sparing quiescent stem cells, thereby establishing tolerance whilst maintaining graft function.

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide enables broader matching

The protective regimen using post-transplant cyclophosphamide has transformed donor selection criteria. Dr Jimenez Jimenez noted: “Cyclophosphamide has changed the landscape of transplantation and donor utilization trends. It allows us to safely use donors who would have been considered unsuitable just a few years ago.”

One-year relapse incidence was 23% in the more mismatched group compared with 17% in patients receiving seven of eight matched grafts. Non-relapse mortality remained low at 8% and 14% respectively. Graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival was 55% for patients with four to six matches and 51% for those with seven matches.

Implications for clinical practice

The study’s findings permit clinicians to prioritise additional donor characteristics beyond HLA matching. Younger donor age, for instance, correlates with improved transplant outcomes. With expanded matching criteria, transplant centres can select optimal donors based on multiple factors rather than being constrained by stringent HLA requirements.

Notably, 61% of patients in the more mismatched group identified as other than non-Hispanic white, reflecting the trial’s success in addressing disparities in donor availability for diverse patient populations. The research builds upon previous work by Dr Jimenez Jimenez and colleagues, who demonstrated the feasibility of this strategy using bone marrow grafts in earlier multicentre trials.

Future directions

The ACCESS trial was not randomised, and the investigators acknowledge that further research is needed to optimise dosing strategies and extend these approaches to paediatric patients. Ongoing studies continue to refine post-transplant cyclophosphamide protocols across different conditioning regimens and graft sources.

The research is to be presented on 8 December 2025 at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in Orlando and was highlighted in a special press briefing on 6 December 2025.

Reference

Jimenez Jimenez, A., et al. (2025). Mismatching of unrelated donors beyond a single HLA-locus does not adversely impact outcomes at one year following transplantation: Results from the NMDP sponsored ACCESS study. To be presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, 8 December 2025.

Het bericht Landmark stem cell trial: Genetic mismatch no longer a barrier to survival verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Hospitalist-led consult service for OUD scores big benefits

Edusehat — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 02:45:05 +0700

Key takeaways:

• Hospitalized patients with OUD seen by a hospitalist-led consult service had much higher medication initiation rates than patients with OUD who weren’t referred.
• Hospitalists may not be comfortable prescribing OUD medications because of ongoing stigma or a lack of training.
• Patients benefit from strong support from social workers to maintain their treatment regimen as outpatients.

HOSPITALIZATION IS A KEY opportunity to initiate medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Because Duke University Hospital, a quaternary center in Durham, N.C., does not have an addiction medicine service, hospitalists there in 2019 stepped up to launch a consult service to implement evidence-based treatment for patients with OUD.

That service now fields about 40 new consults a month. Called the Project for Caring for patients with Opioid Misuse through Evidence-based Treatment (COMET), the service just published its first four years of outcomes data in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

According to that write-up, patients with OUD seen by the hospitalist-led service had much higher initiation rates of medications for OUD while hospitalized: 79% vs. only 42.7% for a concurrent group of hospitalized patients with OUD who were not seen by COMET (Most patients in the concurrent group likely had less acute medical needs than those referred to the service.) The percentage of patients receiving medications for OUD in the historic control group—those with OUD hospitalized at Duke in the three years before the service was launched—was 29.7%.

Patients seen by the service also had better inpatient and 30-day mortality rates as well as fewer readmissions. They did, however, have longer lengths of stay than concurrent controls.

“Some things should be standard practice for any hospitalist. Prescribing naloxone on discharge or distributing it is definitely one of those.”

Dana Clifton, MD
Duke University Hospital

According to lead author Dana Clifton, MD, a med-peds hospitalist who helped launch the service, that longer length of stay is likely due to clinicians making sure that patients are stable on their medication regimen and have a safe discharge plan. Part of a safe plan includes addressing this population’s high burden of unmet social needs.

Dr. Clifton notes that the study is one of the first to find evidence of a mortality benefit for patients with OUD seen by a hospitalist-led consult service. The service has also, she adds, “turned out to be a very rewarding part of my job as a hospitalist.”

While staffing the service “has been an unexpected turn in my career,” says Dr. Clifton, “it’s made me realize what a huge gap in care we had before the service existed.” While she knows most hospitalists are hesitant to begin treating OUD, “I want generalists to know that they can do this.” Dr. Clifton spoke to Today’s Hospitalist.

It’s well known that patients with OUD are frequently hospitalized and that medication-assisted treatment saves lives. So why do you think so few hospitalists initiate treatment?

I think it is primarily a lack of comfort and training in using medications for OUD. That goes back to medical schools and residency programs needing an increased focus on addiction medicine, although that landscape is starting to change.

I also think that both health systems and providers have ongoing stigma based on the false assumption that addiction is due to a moral failure or a lack of willpower. Some clinicians still don’t see opioid use disorder as they should: as a chronic disease like hypertension and diabetes.

And stigma prevents health systems from creating policies and guidelines to help providers, so they end up being less interested in caring for this population. But once you start caring for patients with OUD, you realize how rewarding the work can be.

Since you established this service, are more of your hospitalist colleagues who aren’t on the service more comfortable prescribing these medications themselves?

They do have a greater comfort level managing patients with OUD, and that’s not just physicians. Nurses, ancillary staff, pharmacists—they are all more comfortable with and knowledgeable about these medications.

It always warms my heart when hospitalist admitters or residents who admit patients recognize and treat opioid withdrawal by starting buprenorphine or methadone. We still get consulted on those patients to help titrate the medication and support patients’ post-discharge transition. But the service has changed our institution’s culture in a positive way.

How many hospitalists rotate through the service and on what type of schedule?

We have a pretty stable group of about 15 hospitalists. Some have left to pursue other interests, and new hospitalist providers have expressed interest in rounding on COMET, though we are currently fully staffed. A lot of us have been on the service for the full six years, so our retention rate is high.

Everyone on the service has to do a minimum of 10 consult shifts every six months to maintain competency. The shifts count of course toward each doctor’s annual clinical complement. We try to do at least a few days in a row to maintain continuity with patients— ideally closer to five days in a row.

When we launched the service, we were able to hire one dedicated social worker to help secure outpatient resources for patients and address their unmet social needs. We have since been able to hire an additional social worker, so the service now has two full-time.

What case did you make to your administration to green-light the service?

When we first brought up the idea more than eight years ago, our main argument was that we weren’t doing the right thing for these patients by not treating their opioid use disorder. Patients were being admitted with endocarditis or complex infections, which we treated with antibiotics. But we weren’t treating their OUD, which is the underlying disease process.

We also initially made the case that such a service might decrease patients’ length of stay. As we note in our paper, that didn’t happen. We thought we’d be able to partner with SNFs to get some patients who needed prolonged IV antibiotics out of the hospital sooner. But then covid hit, and that didn’t materialize.

We believe the improved quality of care that COMET provides with reduced mortality and readmission rates offset patients’ slightly longer length of stay.

But six years in, you have no pushback from administration?

None. We have full support for this service.

Your study mentions how the mortality benefit from your service wanes over 90 days post-discharge. That speaks to high recidivism and the fact that patients in this population are often lost to outpatient care. Have you advocated for more robust outpatient resources?

We have. Part of that is our increased social work support to try to address housing, transportation and other barriers to getting outpatient treatment.

We’ve also advocated to expand the number of primary care providers who prescribe buprenorphine. It’s challenging because we are a big referral center, so close to half our patients aren’t from our county or adjacent counties. Some of our patients can’t follow up within our own health system, which is why we need such robust social work support to connect patients to OUD care in their local communities.

The study mentions that COMET implemented a methadone protocol in 2020. You write that 72.6% of patients on your service received buprenorphine while another 19.8% were administered methadone. You also mention a growing need for methadone in the fentanyl era. Why is that?

We have heard anecdotally from patients that methadone is more effective in treating opioid cravings and opioid withdrawal. A Canadian study published in JAMA in 2024 supported what patients tell us—and demonstrated that patients with OUD on methadone continue in treatment longer than those on buprenorphine.

Hospitalists are more comfortable prescribing buprenorphine than methadone, in part because outpatient follow-up for buprenorphine for OUD is much easier. Any provider—including those in primary care—can prescribe it. Patients on methadone must go to an outpatient treatment program with often daily dosing, at least initially.

Methadone also has more drug-drug interactions and can affect the QTc interval, which can pose additional complexity for patients with multiple medical issues who are on a lot of medications. Still, we wanted to demonstrate that hospitalists can prescribe methadone to inpatients with OUD or opioid withdrawal. While we can’t prescribe it at discharge, hospitalists can start methadone in the hospital and connect patients to an outpatient treatment program to continue after discharge.

As for fentanyl, it’s more potent than heroin. We needed updated national policies and guidance reflecting that change to better treat OUD and opioid withdrawal.

Even in facilities where hospitalists don’t prescribe these medications, what should doctors do to mitigate patients’ risk?

Some things should be standard practice for any hospitalist. Prescribing naloxone on discharge or distributing it is definitely one of those. Even though it’s now sold over the counter, the cost can be prohibitive, so prescribing or distributing it removes that barrier.

Hospitalists should also know and tell patients about harm-reduction organizations in their area. Even if hospitalists can’t distribute items like fentanyl and xylazine test strips, it’s helpful to tell patients where they can get those and safe-injection supplies.

And I think hospitalists have a role in educating these patients in harm reduction. Although many patients with opioid use disorder could educate us on safe injection practices and overdose prevention, it still helps to talk patients through those to make sure they understand and utilize them. We discuss how they inject and what their risks of infection are from non-sterile or risky injection practices. We also talk in detail about overdose prevention, including not using alone or using the Never Use Alone hotline.

Hospitalists should also talk to patients about decreased tolerance after hospitalization and using test doses if patients are obtaining drugs from a different drug supply.

Since you launched this service, you’ve started taking consults for hospitalized patients who are pregnant. Any plans to expand the service further?

I’m always thinking about how to improve our service. We are currently exploring how to expand to other hospital sites within Duke Health, to find and train champions at those sites and figure out how to replicate our policies and protocols.

Because transitioning to outpatient care is such a challenge, we’d love to create a bridge clinic and have a group of outpatient provider partners to whom we can refer. I also envision some type of e-consult or virtual model where we could talk other providers through a challenging case—or even a straightforward one that may be challenging to others. That way, providers could become more comfortable initiating care on their own.

The post Hospitalist-led consult service for OUD scores big benefits appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

Are You From The 72% of Caregivers At Home Who Are Burnt Out? This Message Is For You….

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:15 +0700

If the 5.7 billion hours of unpaid care provided by Canadians annually were to suddenly cease, our healthcare system would collapse before noon. Yet, this essential volunteer workforce operates largely in the shadows, fueled by love but running on fumes.

On a recent episode of The Gritty Nurse, I sat down with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), to peel back the curtain on this invisible crisis. The reality she described is not just a healthcare issue; it is an economic and societal emergency.

In Ontario alone, over 4 million people act as caregivers—a number projected to swell to 6.5 million within five years. Nationally, one in four Canadians is currently supporting a loved one. These aren’t just statistics; they are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends. Many are in the “sandwich generation,” simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents, often while holding down full-time jobs.

However, the resilience of this volunteer workforce is cracking. According to OCO data discussed in our episode, a staggering 72% of caregivers report feeling burnt out to the point where they question their ability to continue. The financial toll is equally damning. Caregivers contribute an estimated $26 to $72 billion annually in unpaid value to the Canadian economy, yet they personally incur average out-of-pocket expenses of almost $8,000 per year.

The gaps in our system are widening. We rely on caregivers to bridge the distance between hospital and home, yet we offer them little infrastructure or support to sustain themselves. 43% of working caregivers have considered quitting their jobs due to the strain of balancing work and care. When we fail to support them, we lose valuable talent from our workforce and push dedicated individuals into poverty and mental distress.

So, how do we fix this?

First, we must recognize caregivers not as “visitors” in the healthcare system, but as essential partners in care. They hold the history, the context, and the continuity for patients. Second, we need robust public policy that includes direct financial support and a National Caregiving Strategy to standardize support across provinces.

Finally, employers must step up. Flexible work policies are no longer a perk; they are a necessity for recruitment and retention. As Amy noted, supporting caregivers isn’t just compassionate—it’s smart economics.

We will all likely be a caregiver or need one at some point in our lives. It is time we built a country that cares for the people who care for us.

Please like and subscribe to The Gritty Nurse Nurse Podcast on Apple and Youtube.

By Amie Archibald-Varley
The Gritty Nurse

The post Are You From The 72% of Caregivers At Home Who Are Burnt Out? This Message Is For You…. appeared first on Hospital News.

Reimagining hospital care for an aging population

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:13 +0700

HN Summary

• Mackenzie Health is transforming hospital care for older adults, who make up 70% of its inpatients, by investing in specialized seniors-care training, dedicated expertise and a coordinated Seniors Care Strategy to improve safety, consistency and outcomes.

• Targeted initiatives such as the ADAPT delirium-prevention model, EMR-integrated screening tools and the specialized Behavioural Acute Care for the Elderly (BACE) Unit are helping staff prevent complications, deliver personalized care and support seniors with complex medical and cognitive needs.

• Looking ahead, Mackenzie Health’s refreshed Seniors Care Strategy (2025–2028) focuses on mobility, patient and family engagement, community partnerships and embedding senior-friendly practices into organization-wide training—building a future-ready system that supports seniors with dignity, compassion and evidence-based care.

At Mackenzie Health, seniors make up 70 per cent of inpatients, a reflection of Canada’s aging population and the complex health needs that come with it. Older adults often face multiple chronic conditions, cognitive challenges and heightened risks of hospital-acquired complications. Without a specialized approach, these vulnerabilities can lead to longer hospital stays, poorer outcomes and greater strain on patients, caregivers and the health system.

In response, Mackenzie Health is leading a transformation in seniors care, one grounded in compassion, evidence and a long-term commitment to helping seniors stay safe, engaged and supported.

Through specialized training, data-driven improvements and collaboration, Mackenzie Health is taking purposeful steps to enhance care for older adults. These efforts reflect its strategic focus on innovation, safety and continuous learning, an approach that’s helping build a more senior-friendly health system for the future.

“Transforming seniors care isn’t just a clinical priority; it’s a core responsibility we owe to those we care for,” says Heather Stewart, Interim Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at Mackenzie Health. “Our goal is to create a system where every senior receives care that’s compassionate, consistent and tailored to their unique circumstances.”

Investing in expertise and education

This transformation began in 2023 with the creation of a dedicated seniors care specialist role to advance best practices in gerontology across the organization. From there, Mackenzie Health launched an organization-wide education campaign to equip nurses with the knowledge and tools to provide senior-friendly care every day.

The program offered two learning pathways: a six-hour foundational course, or a more in-depth “Senior Care Champion” program, both designed to develop nurses as role models and resources for their teams. The response was overwhelmingly positive: over one-third of nurses have completed specialized training, and 129 have become Senior Care Champions. This brings Mackenzie Health closer to its goal of having 30 per cent of staff on each unit serve in Champion roles, helping to embed a senior-friendly culture across the organization.

“We wanted every nurse to feel confident supporting seniors, not just in theory, but in real, practical ways,” says Peggy Richards, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Seniors Care. “That confidence translates directly into safer, more compassionate care.”

From education to system-wide improvement

Building on this early success, Mackenzie Health introduced its first Seniors Care Strategy in 2024 — a co-ordinated, evidence-based plan to ensure consistent, personalized and quality care for older adults. The strategy focuses on safety, resilience and continuous learning, principles that underpin Mackenzie Health’s broader commitment to high reliability and patient care excellence.

One of the strategy’s first priorities: preventing hospital acquired delirium.

Delirium is a sudden state of confusion or disorientation and is the third most common harmful event in hospitals and a major risk for seniors. Up to 64 per cent of hospitalized seniors are at risk of developing delirium, which can lead to longer stays, increased falls and cognitive decline.

To address this, Mackenzie Health developed the ADAPT Model for delirium prevention, a practical framework that helps nurses recognize and reduce risk factors early:

• Acknowledge

• Delirium

• Assess every shift

• Prevent where possible

• Treat if it develops

The ADAPT model encourages staff to focus on eight key areas, from promoting mobility and good sleep to ensuring proper nutrition, hydration and sensory engagement.

“By addressing these areas every day, we’re helping patients stay alert, active and engaged, and that has a measurable impact on recovery,” says Richards.

To make this work seamless, Mackenzie Health integrated a delirium checklist into its electronic medical record (EMR) system. The tool tracks sreenings, flags positive results and supports documentation – ensuring every patient receives timely, co-ordinated care.

A specialized approach for complex needs

Mackenzie Health’s commitment extends beyond education and strategy to the design of its care spaces. In early 2023, it opened the Behavioural Acute Care for the Elderly (BACE) Unit, designed for patients with both acute medical needs and cognitive challenges such as delirium or dementia.

The 12-bed unit combines medical and behavioural expertise in a calming, senior-friendly environment. Bright lighting, floral murals and thoughtfully designed spaces help reduce confusion and agitation, while a specialized interprofessional team, including a psycho-geriatrician, nurse practitioner and behavioural specialist, provides integrated, holistic care.

“The BACE Unit shows what’s possible when we bring together design, expertise and compassion,” says Stewart. “It’s helping patients recover faster and with greater comfort.”

Looking ahead: evolving care for an aging community

With one in four York Region residents projected to be 65 or older by 2051, Mackenzie Health is ensuring its approach continues to evolve. The organization’s refreshed Seniors Care Strategy (2025–2028) builds on staff feedback and patient experiences to deliver tangible, system-wide improvements.

Key initiatives include developing a new mobility program to prevent falls and support safe movement during hospitalization, co-developing a seniors care toolkit with patients and families to enhance their education and engagement, and working to standardize clinical referral processes and strengthen community partnerships to ensure continuity of care beyond hospital walls.

To reinforce this work, Mackenzie Health will also integrate senior-friendly principles into its onboarding and annual training programs and provide foundational education on senior-friendly practices for staff across all roles, not just clinical teams.

These efforts reflect a proactive, holistic strategy to reduce preventable harm, improve patient outcomes and build a culture where senior-friendly care is a shared responsibility.

“We’re not just responding to demographic change, we’re preparing for the future,” says Stewart. “By investing in senior-friendly care today, we’re building a health system that grows with our community and sets new standards for excellence.”

From specialized training to technology-enabled care, Mackenzie Health’s work reflects a long-term commitment: ensuring every senior is cared for with safety, dignity and compassion.

The post Reimagining hospital care for an aging population appeared first on Hospital News.

Patient comfort by design: Mobile diagnostics for Peyronie’s disease

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:12 +0700

Sexual health can be an uncomfortable topic of conversation for patients, some of whom may prefer more discrete options for sharing intimate details. In a first-of-its-kind study, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers have demonstrated the viability of the PenoMeter novel mobile option for diagnosing Peyronie’s disease.

Peyronie’s disease is characterised by penile curvature, pain and shortening during an erection due to an overgrowth of fibrous scar tissue in the lining of the erection chambers within the penis. Under current Canadian Urology Guidelines, the presence of the condition is assessed by a physician in-office either by inducing an erection or having a patient share images of their erection, with the present accuracy of the latter being low.

“Assessing Peyronie’s disease can be a fairly uncomfortable and time-consuming experience for patients,” shares VCHRI researcher and study co-author, Dr. Ryan Flannigan. “For an in-clinic assessment of an erection, a physician will administer an injectable medication to trigger it, measuring its curvature and rigidity. Sometimes, additional injections of medications are needed to resolve erection. In total, this process usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes.”

“The PenoMeter shows promise as a means to further standardise and streamline Peyronie’s disease diagnostic assessments.”

Developed by VCHRI researcher Dr. Faraz Hach, Flannigan and collaborators, the PenoMeter is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to support the accurate assessment of Peyronie’s disease. The algorithm was first trained on a series of images of Peyronie’s disease and healthy controls to differentiate between disease and normal characteristics.

Using a built-in reference of disease characteristics, the PenoMeter’s algorithm was fed 66 images of the erections of 22 study participants with Peyronie’s disease. Along with identifying the telltale signs of the disease, the AI algorithm also masked participants’ erections. “This added layer of anonymity can give patients greater peace of mind,” explains Hach.

This first iteration of the PenoMeter tested in Flannigan and Hach’s study predicted the curvature abnormalities associated with Peyronie’s disease with an accuracy of 86 per cent, comparable to the performance of three sub-specialist urologists who reviewed the same images. While differences in specialist assessments of penile curvature varied between 3.8 and 7.8 degrees, the PenoMeter’s measurements were highly consistent, representing zero degrees of difference between measurements over time.

“The PenoMeter’s built-in standardised set of parameters to characterise Peyronie’s disease can significantly reduce clinician biases and subjectivity in the assessment process, streamlining and advancing diagnostic standardisation for Peyronie’s disease,” says Flannigan.

Advanced technology offers greater accuracy and patient peace of mind

Peyronie’s disease is a benign yet psychologically and psychosocially burdensome condition affecting mostly males ages 45 to 60 years. Approximately nine per cent of Canadian males — over 1.8 million people — live with the condition. Of these, around 50 per cent will experience depression, with many individuals suffering in silence, shares Flannigan.

An added benefit of the PenoMeter is its potential to offset costs and free up clinical time for patient care. Although some clinical assessments to confirm the condition are covered by British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan, others are not — such as medication needed during the assessment, which can range anywhere from $200 to $300.

A subsequent iteration of the PenoMeter will likely integrate a mobile application that can establish a standardised way for patients to photograph their erections.

“This could look like floating crosshairs in a photo application on a mobile device within which to align the erection, and could incorporate functionality, such as offering clinicians the ability to rotate the three-dimensional renderings,” shares Hach. “Technologies like this can improve the consistency of the angles of the images uploaded to the PenoMeter, which will translate into more accurate assessments for clinicians to review when making treatment recommendations.”

“We are already in the midst of developing the next iteration of the PenoMeter, with plans underway to collaborate with other centres in the pursuit of additional clinical trials,” says Hach.

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Three lessons Canada can learn from Australia’s healthcare system

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:11 +0700

A recent international comparison of healthcare systems ranked Australia as the top performer — Canada was ranked seventh.

Emergency department closures. Long wait times for surgeries and specialist appointments. Millions of Canadians without a primary healthcare provider.

Healthcare systems across Canada are struggling to provide timely and equitable access to healthcare services – at a time when provincial governments are reining in spending in the midst of economic uncertainty.

Canada needs to find solutions that improve affordability, access and healthcare costs. A promising path is to look to other countries for innovative healthcare policies and practices, beginning with Australia.

Why look to Australia?

Australia shares many similarities with Canada. Both have universal and publicly funded healthcare systems, with responsibility for delivering healthcare resting primarily with Canadian provinces and Australian states.

Both countries are grappling with similar healthcare challenges – affordability, timely access and delivering services in vast rural areas and providing culturally appropriate healthcare for Indigenous populations.

Australia is seeing better results for its spending on healthcare. A recent international comparison of healthcare systems ranked Australia as the top performer. Canada was ranked seventh by the researchers.

Australia’s experiences offer insights for Canada. Here are three lessons that we can learn from them:

First, expanding access and improving health outcomes can happen without massive increases in public spending.

Canada is already one of the top healthcare spenders among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Public data show that health spending accounted for 11.2 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) compared with an average of 9.2 per cent for other OECD countries.

Despite spending a lot compared with other countries, provincial healthcare systems – faced with an aging population, more medical complexity and immigration-fueled population growth – are seeing long waits for services, overcrowded emergency rooms and an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals.

In contrast, Australia spends about 9.6 per cent of GDP on healthcare. Yet it is the top-ranked of 10 countries studied for equitable access and health outcomes. Meanwhile Canada places seventh in equity and fourth in outcomes.

Second, more private-sector involvement in healthcare is not a cure-all.

Provincial governments are increasingly turning to private and for-profit providers to deliver publicly funded healthcare services to address deficiencies in the public system. Some provinces are contracting out thousands of surgeries to for-profit clinics.

The cautionary tale of Australia’s experiences has shown that having dual private and for-profit healthcare does not guarantee more timely access to services.

In addition to Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system, the government allows Australians to purchase private healthcare insurance and access private or for-profit healthcare services, including hospital care.

Those with private coverage can choose to receive treatment as a public patient in a state’s public hospitals or be treated as a private patient in either a public hospital or at a private facility.

While proponents of this hybrid hospital system say it improves access to publicly funded healthcare by redirecting patients with the financial means to the private system – and freeing up space in public hospitals for those who cannot afford private insurance – there is no evidence that the private system has improved access to public hospital care or reduced wait times for elective surgery.

In fact, Australia’s private hospitals are facing considerable financial challenges due in part to rising costs and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dire financial situation in Australia’s private health systems has resulted in rising insurance premiums and higher copayments for Australians and the demise of some private hospitals.

Third, minimizing administrative burdens will foster a more efficient and effective healthcare system.

The Commonwealth report ranked Australia second in administrative efficiency while Canada placed fifth.

The report credits Australia’s good results to electronic claims processing and efforts to minimize burdens on physicians.

Governments in Canada can build on these lessons by fostering collaboration and communication with their counterparts in Australia.

Canada’s federal government should take the lead in co-ordinating and funding comparative analyses of the two countries’ healthcare systems – examining policies and practices that affect affordability, accessibility and equity – with provinces and territories providing data and expertise.

It should also fund joint health policy research with Australia and support personnel exchanges – enabling both countries to learn from each other.

The knowledge gleaned will only strengthen Canada’s healthcare systems.

It is time for governments to invest in collaboration and innovation to ensure that healthcare is affordable, accessible and equitable for all Canadians.

The post Three lessons Canada can learn from Australia’s healthcare system appeared first on Hospital News.

Physician responses to patient expectations affect their income

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:09 +0700

Physician responses to patient expectations can affect physician incomes and may help explain lower incomes for many women, racialized, and immigrant physicians, found a new study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Researchers from McMaster University aimed to understand persistent identity-related income differences among physicians practising in Canada. They conducted a qualitative study that included interviews with 55 Ontario family physicians.

“Pay disparities related to gender, race, and immigration status persist among Canadian physicians, even within specialties and after adjusting for hours worked,” says Dr. Meredith Vanstone, professor, Department of Family Medicine and Canada Research Chair in Ethical Complexity in Primary Care at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. “This is seen in family medicine, even though physicians are typically paid via standardized fee schedules. Our study demonstrates that physician responses to the expectations they perceive from patients may contribute to these pay gaps. They told us that patient expectations differ depending on their identities and the identities of the patients.”

“Physicians respond to perceived patient expectations by adjusting their practice and behaviour, including the way they interact, the length of an appointment, and the services they provide,” says Dr. Monika Dutt, PhD candidate at McMaster University and family physician. “These are decisions that may ultimately impact income.”

As more women and international medical graduates are practising medicine in Canada, income inequalities are important to understand and address, particularly as incomes for medical specialties with high proportions of women physicians have been declining relative to incomes in other specialties.

Key points:

• Physicians perceived that their identities and the identities of their patients influenced the expectations patients had of them. For example, patients expected women physicians to spend more time with them and to provide more emotional support. This additional time per visit can reduce the number of patient appointments and, thus, income.

• Study participants reported that patients often preferred physicians of the same gender for certain types of care, including pelvic exams, pregnancy, menopause, erectile dysfunction, and prostate exams. In Ontario, billing fees for intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and cervical cancer screening are low compared with fees for other services.

• Many patients preferred care from physicians from the same cultural or linguistic background. Generally viewed as positive by the physicians in the study, this could pose challenges if patients expected preferential care or services similar to those offered in their home country. As well, racialized physicians described sometimes needing to spend extra time educating patients or engaging in advocacy; this reduces time spent with other patients and affects income.

“Since providing longer, more comprehensive patient interactions limits the number of appointments or services that physicians can provide, women may experience financial disadvantages in compensation models that depend on roster size or patient volume,” the authors write.

To address pay disparities, the authors suggest that compensation models could adjust for extra time required for some types of care. The fee schedule should be examined to make sure that services associated with female anatomy (e.g., pelvic exams, IUD insertion) are not underpaid.

“Ontario family physicians are responsive to the expectations of their patients. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it is likely to result in satisfied patients whose needs are well met,” Dr. Vanstone emphasizes.

“These findings may be relevant to physician workforce planning and ensuring team-based care that accounts for physician backgrounds and skills to improve patient outcomes,” the authors conclude.

“Family physician pay inequality: a qualitative study exploring how physician responses to perceived patient expectations may explain gender, race, and immigration status pay differences” is published November.

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Lesser-known eating disorder just as severe as anorexia and bulimia, study finds

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:08 +0700

A diagnosis often viewed as less serious than anorexia and bulimia – and the most common eating disorder worldwide – can cause just as much harm, a new study has found.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is diagnosed when a person’s symptoms don’t fit neatly into the classical categories but are still clinically significant.

Researchers from McGill University and Douglas Research Centre compared clinical data from adults with OSFED to those with anorexia and bulimia. Across measures of depression, anxiety, well-being, and concerns about shape, weight and eating, they found people with OSFED were just as ill, and in some cases had more severe symptoms.

“It’s easy to think of OSFED as a ‘catch-all’ or ‘mild’ category,” said lead author Linda Booij, professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and head of research and academic development at the Douglas Eating Disorders Continuum and Research Centre. “Because it doesn’t present like the more well-known conditions, it can be overlooked,” she said.

The misconception can also lead people to avoid seeking help because they feel their condition isn’t serious enough, she added.

What makes OSFED different

Anorexia nervosa involves extreme restriction of food intake, driven by an intense fear of weight gain. Bulimia nervosa is marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviours such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives, which are harmful and ineffective for weight loss, the researchers explain.

“Someone with OSFED might meet all the criteria for anorexia nervosa, but their weight is not low enough to get a formal diagnosis,” explains Booij. “Another example could be someone who purges frequently but is not underweight and never binges.”

Up to one in nine young people are affected by OSFED, she said, adding awareness needs to grow within clinics and the broader public.

“We need to take OSFED seriously,” said Booij. “It’s important to do a thorough assessment and not automatically deprioritize or deny treatment to people because they don’t fit a traditional diagnosis. Some people with OSFED need the same level of care and attention.”

The study drew on data from 836 patients, mostly women, treated through the Douglas Eating Disorders Continuum, using questionnaires to assess mood, eating-disorder symptoms and overall wellbeing.

About the study

“Restrictive and Binge-Purge OSFED Variants: Clinical Features and Comparisons With Classical Eating Disorders” by Linda Booij, Emily Mizzi, Samantha Ginsberg and Howard Steiger was published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

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Fertility preservation for patients with cancer

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:10:06 +0700

In patients of reproductive age who have cancer, fertility preservation for potential children in the future should be a high priority. A practice article published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) describes the successful preservation of ovarian tissue in a young woman undergoing urgent chemotherapy and demonstrates a novel model of care for Canada.

“This case illustrates the complex challenges faced by young patients with cancer who desire biological children but require urgent treatment that threatens their reproductive potential,” writes Dr. Jennia Michaeli, a fertility specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health, and clinician–investigator and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, with coauthors. “Unfortunately, many life-saving interventions — including reproductive organ surgery, chemotherapy, and abdominopelvic radiation — increase the risk of infertility and reproductive endocrine dysfunction.”

The patient, located 380 km from Toronto, decided to undergo ovarian tissue preservation after being counselled on options, the risks of surgery, and steps in the procedure. The fertility team at Mount Sinai in Toronto coordinated care remotely with the patient’s local oncologist and gynecologist to ensure the tissue was removed surgically, then transported under continuous temperature control to a specialized embryology lab at Mount Sinai.

Despite Canadian guidelines endorsing fertility preservation as a standard of care for patients with cancer, patient distress around survival, a lack of physician knowledge of options, and limited capacity in the system pose barriers to wider adoption of the practice.

This patient’s case shows that implementing a centralized “hub-and-spoke” model could help open the doors to ovarian tissue cryopreservation for young patients with cancer across Canada.

“We successfully delivered specialized oncofertility services through coordinated care pathways that overcome geographical barriers, which serves as a proof of concept,” write the authors.

“The described model aims to reduce infertility and reproductive endocrine dysfunction, minimize the psychosocial impact of infertility, and enhance the quality of life for patients and their families by improving access and coordination of care.”

“Fertility preservation by ovarian tissue transportation and centralized cryobanking for a 20-year-old woman with Hodgkin lymphoma” was published November 17, 2025.

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GE HealthCare unveils Carestation 850 anaesthesia system

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:22 +0700

GE HealthCare unveils Carestation 850 anaesthesia system

/ in Product News

GE HealthCare has announced the Carestation 850, a next-generation anaesthesia delivery system designed to address the operational and clinical demands facing anaesthesia care teams. The system features an ergonomic design, customisable applications, and tools intended to support patient care from neonates to adults.

The Carestation 850 has received CE mark approval in Europe and Therapeutic Goods Administration approval in Australia and New Zealand. The system is currently awaiting FDA 510(k) clearance and is not yet available for sale in the United States.

Addressing workforce challenges in anaesthesia

The anaesthesia field faces significant workforce pressures, with an estimated 68% of anaesthesia professionals at high risk of burnout. The anesthesiologist shortage is projected to reach 12,500 by 2033, creating demand for more efficient care delivery solutions.

“In the dynamic operating environment, anaesthesia professionals are focused on safety whilst managing increasingly complex cases and changing patient needs,” said John Beard, MD, anaesthesiologist and chief medical officer of patient care solutions at GE HealthCare. “As anaesthesia care teams face new challenges, technology can help ease the burden and support safer and more effective care delivery.”

Clinical features and user interface

The Carestation 850 incorporates an intuitive widescreen display with an enhanced user interface designed to provide clear data visualisation. The system features a vaporisation platform with advanced alerting capabilities and the ability to refill whilst in use, intended to help minimise disruptions during procedures.

The system employs continuously optimised algorithms and adaptable technologies, with a space-conscious footprint designed for modern operating environments. It also includes tools and applications to support health systems’ sustainability objectives.

Development informed by customer feedback

“The unveiling of Carestation 850 reinforces our commitment to advancing care that can think one step ahead with its potential to evolve with the changing health systems’ needs through continuously optimised algorithms and adaptable technologies,” said Alla K. Woodson, general manager, anaesthesia and global services, GE HealthCare. “We listened to our customers, and with their help we created Carestation 850, a solution that has potential to transform the future of perioperative care and complement the expertise of clinicians in the operating room by delivering precision, sustainability and efficiency.”

The system represents the latest evolution of GE HealthCare’s Carestation portfolio, designed to adapt to the needs of each patient and support clinical decision-making in surgical and procedural settings.

For more information, visit: gehealthcare.com

Het bericht GE HealthCare unveils Carestation 850 anaesthesia system verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Non-invasive spinal stimulation restores stepping control in paraplegic patients

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:21 +0700

Non-invasive spinal stimulation restores stepping control in paraplegic patients

paraplegia, spinal stimulation, 03 December 25/ in E-News, MedTech, Neurology

Researchers in Japan have developed a breakthrough non-invasive closed-loop spinal stimulation system that enables individuals with paraplegia to regain control of leg stepping movements. The hand-controlled magnetic stimulation technique bypasses spinal cord lesions and strengthens preserved neural circuits, offering a surgical-free alternative for gait rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.

Schematic illustration of the noninvasive closed-loop spinal interface. Hand muscle activity is recorded by surface electrodes and converted into trigger pulses for magnetic stimulation applied over the lumbar spinal cord. This allows individuals with paraplegia to control stepping movements of their legs. © TMIMS

A research team led by Dr Yukio Nishimura at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science has demonstrated that individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) can regain volitional control of bilateral leg stepping through a novel non-invasive closed-loop spinal stimulation paradigm. The system translates hand muscle activity into magnetic stimulation pulses targeting the lumbar spinal motor circuits, effectively creating an artificial neural connection that bypasses the lesion site.

The findings, published in Brain on 26 November 2025, represent a significant advance in SCI rehabilitation by offering a completely non-invasive alternative to surgical electrode implantation techniques currently used for spinal stimulation therapies.

Restoring neural pathways without surgery

The innovative system addresses a fundamental challenge in SCI-related paraplegia: the disconnection between intact supraspinal systems and preserved lumbar spinal motor circuits below the injury level. By recording electromyographic (EMG) signals from the first dorsal interosseous hand muscle and converting these into trigger pulses for transcutaneous magnetic stimulation over the lumbar vertebrae, the researchers established what they term an “artificial neural connection” (ANC).

Ten participants with chronic SCI were enrolled in the study, including five who underwent longitudinal experimental protocols involving repeated sessions over several months. The cohort included individuals with complete and incomplete injuries at both thoracic and lumbar levels, classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS).

Precise control of stepping parameters

All participants achieved control over bilateral cyclic stepping through the ANC interface, regardless of lesion location or completeness of sensory and motor loss. The authors report in their paper: “Using hand muscle-controlled magnetic stimulation targeting the lumbar spinal motor circuits in the preserved lumber cord, individuals with chronic SCI achieved control of start–stop motion, step length and cadence of bilateral cyclic stepping in paralysed legs.”

The system enabled participants to initiate and terminate stepping movements, modulate step length by adjusting hand-gripping duration, and control stepping cadence. Cross-correlation analysis revealed alternating left-right leg coordination with phase differences approaching 180 degrees, characteristic of natural gait patterns.

Muscle activity recordings demonstrated asymmetric activation patterns in hip flexor and extensor muscle groups, with the predominant muscle activation corresponding to observed hip joint movements during stimulus-induced stepping. Importantly, catch-cycle experiments confirmed that stepping movements ceased when magnetic stimulation was withheld, demonstrating that the observed locomotor patterns resulted from spinal stimulation rather than passive mechanical responses.

Progressive improvements through repeated application

Longitudinal data from five participants who underwent multiple sessions over 8 to 40 weeks revealed progressive improvements in both stimulus-induced and voluntary stepping performance. Repeated ANC-controlled stepping trials within single sessions produced immediate enhancement of leg movement amplitudes and muscle responses, particularly in participants with thoracic SCI where lumbar circuits remained relatively intact.

The researchers observed that combining voluntary leg movement effort with ANC-controlled stimulation further enhanced stepping performance. “Combining voluntary gait effort with closed-loop stimulation further enhanced leg movements,” the authors state, suggesting summative effects of descending voluntary commands and spinal stimulation inputs on preserved lumbar motor circuits.

Crucially, stimulus-free voluntary stepping also improved over the course of repeated ANC sessions, though this effect was predominantly observed in participants with incomplete SCI who retained some descending pathway connectivity. Analysis of variance with generalised linear mixed-effects models demonstrated significantly greater improvement slopes in the incomplete SCI group compared with those with complete injuries.

Distinct mechanisms for different recovery pathways

The differential responses between participants with thoracic versus lumbar lesions, and between complete versus incomplete injuries, revealed important mechanistic insights. Improvements in ANC-controlled stepping were most pronounced in participants with thoracic SCI, suggesting that preservation of lumbar spinal motor circuits is critical for plasticity induced by repetitive stimulation.

Conversely, recovery of natural voluntary stepping without stimulation was observed primarily in participants with incomplete injuries, regardless of lesion level. The authors conclude: “Our findings indicate that the preserved lumbar spinal motor circuit plays a crucial role in improving stimulus-induced stepping, whereas the preserved descending pathway is required for improving stimulus-free stepping.”

Clinical implications and future directions

The non-invasive nature of this approach addresses a significant barrier to clinical translation of closed-loop spinal stimulation technologies. As the authors note: “This approach holds great promise for SCI-related gait rehabilitation because it has the potential to lead to functional recovery. Furthermore, this approach offers a viable alternative for individuals with contraindications to invasive procedures or those who do not consent to surgical treatments.”

The system’s intuitive control strategy, requiring only a single surface EMG channel and employing a straightforward linear algorithm, eliminates the need for complex decoder calibration whilst maintaining biomimetic activity-dependent stimulation patterns conducive to neural plasticity.

Whilst no participants achieved independent overground ambulation, one participant with incomplete thoracic SCI progressed to performing forward stepping whilst standing with full body weight support and long-limb orthoses after 17 sessions, demonstrating clinically meaningful functional gains.

Future work will need to establish optimal training parameters, including session frequency, duration and overall treatment periods, as well as investigating the approach’s efficacy for overground locomotion in ambulatory individuals with SCI.

Reference

Tazoe, T., Sasada, S., Murayama, T., et. al. (2025). Non-invasive closed-loop spinal stimulation restores leg stepping control in humans with paraplegia. Brain, awaf230. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awaf230

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Fujifilm launches cloud-based enterprise imaging platform

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:19 +0700

Fujifilm launches cloud-based enterprise imaging platform

/ in Product News

Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation has introduced Synapse One, a comprehensive enterprise imaging and informatics platform specifically designed for outpatient imaging centres in North America. The solution, unveiled at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2025 Conference, consolidates multiple clinical applications into a single cloud-based system to address operational inefficiencies facing outpatient facilities.

Integrated workflow architecture addresses cost pressures

The platform combines patient engagement portals, self-scheduling capabilities, radiology information systems (RIS), advanced scheduling, revenue cycle management (RCM) options, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), advanced 3D imaging, and physician portals within the Synapse platform. By hosting all informatics content on Amazon Web Services (AWS) secure public cloud, the system eliminates data centre expenses and reduces security management burdens for imaging centres.

Outpatient imaging facilities face mounting financial pressure from rising operational costs, declining reimbursement rates, and intensifying market competition. Synapse One addresses these challenges by consolidating multiple applications, thereby eliminating third-party integrations and support contracts whilst maintaining the functionality of Fujifilm’s Synapse Enterprise Imaging platform.

Operational efficiency focus drives development

“In an environment where radiologists are continuously asked to read more imaging, and imaging centres are looking for every edge to be more efficient and competitive, we saw a unique opportunity to combine our technologies into Synapse One,” said Bill Lacy, senior vice president of medical informatics global business at Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation. “We wanted to set a high bar with Synapse One and lower current operational spending, while at the same time, deliver a better technology solution and deliver it in a more secure cloud environment.”

Strategic technology investment

The reduced operational expenditure model aims to free capital for facilities to invest in artificial intelligence technologies, pre-authorisation tools, and other modernisation initiatives that may have previously been deferred due to budget constraints. By streamlining the technology stack, outpatient centres can redirect resources towards clinical innovation and patient care enhancement.

The solution targets the specific workflow requirements of outpatient imaging environments, distinguishing it from broader enterprise imaging platforms designed for hospital systems. Fujifilm demonstrated Synapse One at the RSNA Conference, held from 30 November to 3 December 2025.

Synapse One is currently available exclusively for users in North America.

For more information, visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/fha/en/synapse-one

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Novel first-in-class antibodies block inflammation pathway in autoimmune diseases

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:18 +0700

Novel first-in-class antibodies block inflammation pathway in autoimmune diseases

antibodies, autoimmune diseases, 04 December 25/ in E-News

Researchers at UMC Utrecht have developed two novel antibodies that specifically target the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI, offering a potential therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenia. The antibodies, designated C01 and C04, effectively block immune complex binding without triggering receptor activation, addressing a key limitation of previous anti-FcγRI therapeutics.

Prof. Jeanette Leusen, PhD (left) and colleagues at the Center for Translational Immunology (UMC Utrecht) © Ed van Rijswijk

Overcoming three decades of therapeutic challenges

For more than 30 years, the scientific community has struggled to develop effective antibodies against FcγRI (also known as CD64), a crucial receptor involved in immune responses. The receptor’s exceptionally high affinity for IgG antibodies made conventional approaches unsuccessful. An international research team led by Professor Jeanette Leusen at UMC Utrecht’s Centre for Translational Immunology has now achieved this long-sought breakthrough.

“I think we found the needle in the haystack, after searching over a decade and thanks to a true team effort,” explains Professor Leusen. “Each research partner contributed a critical piece, from antibody discovery and structure determination to patient sample testing and preclinical models. Only together could we bring this to fruition.”

The research, conducted by PhD candidate Tosca Holtrop and published in Nature Communications on 19 November 2025, represents a collaborative effort involving researchers from Kiel University, Leiden University Medical Centre, Utrecht University, and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg.

Innovative discovery methodology

The research team employed a novel combination of the UMAB unique immunisation method with advanced phage display antibody libraries. This approach allowed them to bypass traditional obstacles by excluding the Fc region of antibodies during the selection process. The result was the identification of two unique Fc-silent antibodies, C01 and C04, that bind exclusively via their Fab domains to FcγRI.

Crystal structure analysis revealed that C01 binds precisely within the IgG-binding site on extracellular domain 2 (EC2) of FcγRI, making simultaneous binding of IgG and the antibody impossible. This structural confirmation explains the antibodies’ exceptional blocking capacity.

Superior binding and blocking capacity

Quantitative binding studies demonstrated that both C01 and C04 possess higher affinity for FcγRI than human IgG itself. This superior binding enables them to efficiently displace existing IgG or pathogenic immune complexes, achieving up to 60% displacement and blocking up to 90% of new binding. The research authors note in their discussion: “C01 had the highest effective binding affinity for FcγRI, followed by C04, hIgG1, and 10.1, making C01 and C04 significantly better binders than hIgG.”

Critically, neither antibody triggered FcγRI activation—a crucial distinction from earlier anti-FcγRI antibodies that could inadvertently cause receptor clustering and cytokine release. This represents a significant safety advantage, as previous therapeutic attempts, such as with antibody H22 (MDX-33), were discontinued in clinical trials due to adverse inflammatory reactions.

Therapeutic validation in disease models

The therapeutic potential of C01 and C04 was validated through multiple disease-relevant models. In an in vitro immune thrombocytopenia model, both antibodies effectively inhibited the binding of opsonised platelets to immune cells from ITP patients. When tested in a preclinical in vivo ITP model using humanised immunodeficient mice, the antibodies significantly reduced IgG-dependent platelet depletion.

For rheumatoid arthritis applications, the antibodies demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting patient-derived autoantibody–immune complex binding to monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils from healthy donors. In experiments with activated neutrophils from healthy donors, C01 blocked between 52.8% and 68.7% of monoclonal ACPA-IC binding and 58.1% to 70.2% of patient-derived polyclonal ACPA-IC binding, depending on concentration. The effects showed clear dose dependency, with higher concentrations providing enhanced blocking.

Mechanism of action and structural insights

The crystal structure of the C01-FcγRI complex provided detailed mechanistic understanding. Of the 17 residues in the C01 epitope, 14 overlap with those involved in Fc binding, including key residues Phe146, His148, and Trp149. The authors explain: “C01 inhibits Fc binding to FcγRI by overlapping binding sites and steric hindrance.”

Importantly, structural analysis revealed that C01 binding induces conformational changes in FcγRI, partially collapsing the unique hydrophobic pocket critical for high-affinity IgG-Fc binding. This mechanism prevents multivalent immune complexes from bridging multiple FcγRI receptors and forming the high-avidity clusters necessary for inflammatory signalling.

Clinical development pathway

The antibodies have been patented by Utrecht Holdings, and efforts are underway to identify partners for clinical development. Next steps include affinity maturation to further enhance blocking and displacement capabilities, as well as humanisation of the initially mouse-derived antibodies to reduce immunogenicity for clinical use.

The research team notes that these antibodies “not only provide a unique tool for studying FcγRI biology, but also hold promise as therapeutic candidates in autoimmune and infectious diseases.” The therapeutic approach may offer particular benefit for rheumatoid arthritis patients experiencing ongoing pain despite anti-inflammatory therapy, as FcγRI has been implicated in both joint inflammation and pain sensation through expression on nociceptive neurons.

Reference

Holtrop, T., Brandsma, A. M., Feitsma, L. J., et. al. (2025). Preclinical assessment of two FcγRI-specific antibodies that competitively inhibit immune complex-FcγRI binding to suppress autoimmune responses. Nature Communications, 16, 10068. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65133-z

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Samsung unveils R20 ultrasound system with AI-powered imaging

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:16 +0700

Samsung unveils R20 ultrasound system with AI-powered imaging

Samsung, 04 December 25/ in Product News

Samsung Medison has introduced the R20 ultrasound system at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago, addressing growing clinical demands for enhanced diagnostic imaging in increasingly complex patient populations. The system combines advanced hardware architecture with artificial intelligence capabilities designed to support clinicians managing difficult-to-image patients whilst reducing operator strain.

Advanced imaging engine addresses clinical challenges

The R20 incorporates Samsung’s Advanced Imaging Engine, integrating sophisticated hardware with software beamforming technology to deliver improved image clarity and diagnostic accuracy. The system’s development responds to specific clinical pressures: rising obesity rates and chronic disease prevalence are contributing to higher rates of inconclusive ultrasound examinations, creating demand for systems with greater tissue penetration and diagnostic consistency.

“The R20 embodies our mission to elevate diagnostic imaging through purposeful innovation,” said Tracy Bury, Chief Commercial Officer of Samsung Healthcare in the USA and Vice President of Global Growth Initiatives. “Driven by close collaboration with clinicians, the R20’s technologies are designed as practical tools that make a real difference in how clinicians work and patients are cared for.”

AI integration and workflow automation

The platform features more than 12 AI-powered tools for real-time examination guidance, diagnostic assistance, workflow automation, and automated measurements. These capabilities aim to improve accuracy whilst reducing examination time, particularly valuable given current sonographer workforce shortages affecting healthcare systems globally.

Ergonomic validation meets clinical standards

Addressing musculoskeletal concerns prevalent among ultrasound operators, the R20 achieved independent validation against recognised ergonomic guidelines, meeting 100% of evaluated criteria. This focus on operator comfort responds to documented high rates of work-related pain amongst sonographers, which contribute to workforce attrition.

The R20 was unveiled on 30 November 2025 at RSNA’s annual meeting, marking its first presentation to the US market.

For more information, visit: https://samsunghealthcare.com/en

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Siemens Healthineers introduces Magnetom Free.XL MRI scanner at RSNA 2025

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:11 +0700

Siemens Healthineers introduces Magnetom Free.XL MRI scanner at RSNA 2025

Siemens Healthcare, 04 December 25/ in Product News

Siemens Healthineers has introduced the Magnetom Free.XL, a 0.55 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system engineered specifically for interventional radiology applications. The scanner features a 100cm flared bore opening and is designed to serve as the central component of an integrated interventional MRI suite developed in collaboration with Cook Medical.

Siemens Healthineers presents Magnetom Free.XL, a 0.55T (Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system designed to meet the complex demands of interventional radiology. Magnetom Free.XL is planned to operate with DryCool technology and to support the full spectrum of diagnostic imaging at 0.55T – even outside interventional slots.

Enhanced access for interventional procedures

The system’s extra-wide bore and optionally lifted magnet configuration are intended to establish new standards for operator access during procedures. Ergonomic studies suggest the design may improve endurance and reduce fatigue for interventionalists performing complex interventions. The 0.55T field strength helps improve visibility of interventional devices whilst reducing metal artefacts and minimising heat effects, which are critical factors in safe MR-guided interventions.

“Magnetom Free.XL is designed to unlock the full potential of MR in the interventional suite, expanding the imaging toolbox by matching the right modality to the right patient at the right time,” said Andreas Schneck, head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers.

Advanced imaging and guidance capabilities

The system incorporates myNeedle Companion software for three-dimensional path planning, skin entry-point marking, and real-time navigation during needle-based procedures. XL gradients and Deep Resolve artificial intelligence-powered image reconstruction technology enable high-resolution soft-tissue contrast and real-time imaging across clinical applications. This marks the first time cardiac MR imaging at 0.55T enters clinical routine.

An optionally lifted magnet and the extra-wide 100 cm flared bore opening of Magnetom Free.XL1 are designed to set a new standard for operator access; ergonomic studies suggest potential improvements in endurance and reduced fatigue for interventionalists during procedures.

Helium-independent design and diagnostic versatility

Magnetom Free.XL operates with DryCool technology, requiring only 0.7 litres of liquid helium over the device’s lifetime. This helium-independent design eliminates the need for a quench pipe, allowing more flexible installation in interventional suites. A complete coil portfolio, including form-adaptive contour and interventional coils, is planned to ensure workflow flexibility.

The system supports the full spectrum of diagnostic imaging at 0.55T outside interventional time slots, potentially maximising scanner utilisation. Professor Afshin Gangi from University Hospital Strasbourg commented: “Magnetom Free.XL is poised to become a cornerstone of personalised treatment, not only for interventions, but also in diagnostic scenarios, such as for paediatric, bariatric, claustrophobic or pregnant patients.”

Integrated suite solution

The complete iMRI suite combines Siemens Healthineers’ imaging innovation with Cook Medical’s expertise in interventional therapies and device design. The Nexaris Dockable Table is intended to enable patient transfer across diagnostic, intraoperative, and interventional settings. Free from ionising radiation, iMRI supports real-time imaging and safer workflows for both patients and clinical teams.

The product is under development and not commercially available. Future availability cannot be ensured. Siemens Healthineers presented the system at RSNA 2025 in Chicago.

For more information, visit: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/magnetic-resonance-imaging/high-v-mri/magnetom-free-xl

Het bericht Siemens Healthineers introduces Magnetom Free.XL MRI scanner at RSNA 2025 verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Paediatric study for Bayer’s investigational MRI contrast agent gadoquatrane in children meets primary and secondary endpoints

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:45:06 +0700

Paediatric study for Bayer’s investigational MRI contrast agent gadoquatrane in children meets primary and secondary endpoints

Bayer, gadoquatrane, MRI, 05 December 25/ in E-News, Imaging

Bayer has revealed results from the QUANTI Pediatric study, adding to the safety and efficacy data of the investigational low-dose MRI gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) gadoquatrane.

gadoquatrane

QUANTI Pediatric evaluated gadoquatrane in children with known or suspected disease undergoing contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a gadolinium dose of 0.04 mmol Gd/kg body weight, representing a dose reduction of 60 percent compared to the macrocyclic GBCAs dosed at 0.1 mmol Gd/kg body weight. The study met the primary and secondary endpoints, assessing the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of gadoquatrane. Similar pharmacokinetic behaviour was observed in the paediatric population, indicating that diagnostic performance of gadoquatrane in adults can also be applied to children. Details of QUANTI Pediatric were presented as late-breaking clinical trial data at this year’s annual congress of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) taking place in Chicago, USA, from November 30 to December 4, 2025.

QUANTI Pediatric is part of Bayer’s pivotal QUANTI clinical development program, which also encompassed two multinational Phase III studies in adults. Based on positive QUANTI data, including the paediatric study, Bayer has submitted applications for marketing authorization of gadoquatrane in markets around the world, such as Japan, the U.S., the EU, and China, with further markets to follow in the next months. If approved, gadoquatrane would become the lowest dose macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent available in the respective markets.

Contrast-enhanced MRI

“Contrast-enhanced MRI is increasingly used to assist in diagnosis and monitoring of certain conditions, from newborns to adulthood,” said Talissa Altes, MD, Professor and Chair of Radiology at the University of Missouri, USA. “MRI is particularly valuable in paediatric care due to its non-invasive nature: it supports for example the diagnosis and follow-up of potential tumours as well as various neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis in children. As MRI contrast agents commonly contain gadolinium, it can be especially relevant for patient groups that require multiple MRI exams over their lifetime, like paediatric patients, to have a low-dose contrast agent option to reduce lifetime exposure.”

An estimated 1.5 million contrast-enhanced MRIs are performed in children annually around the world – and this number is rising by 5% per year.

“Contrast-enhanced MRI serves as a crucial tool for disease detection and the ongoing condition management, including in children, and Bayer is committed to driving innovation in this important area,” said Dr. Konstanze Diefenbach, Head of Radiology Research & Development at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. “The QUANTI Pediatric results highlight gadoquatrane’s potential as a low-dose MRI contrast agent for children. A low dose is also in line with health authorities and scientific bodies which advise using the lowest dose required to obtain the needed clinical information. We look forward to ongoing collaborations with regulatory authorities around the world to make gadoquatrane accessible to patients and their healthcare providers as swiftly as possible.”

About QUANTI Pediatric and the Phase III development program QUANTI

QUANTI Pediatric was a multicentre, prospective, open-label study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of gadoquatrane in children from birth to under 18 years old. The observed pharmacokinetic behaviour of gadoquatrane in children was similar to that in adults. The safety profile was in line with previous findings on gadoquatrane and other macrocyclic GBCAs. Additionally, the study assessed diagnostic performance in the paediatric population. Results show that gadoquatrane improved visualization and other key parameters when compared to pre-contrast MRI scans.

The pivotal QUANTI clinical development program for gadoquatrane consisted of two large multinational, randomized, prospective double-blind, crossover Phase III studies – QUANTI CNS (Central Nervous System) and QUANTI OBR (Other Body Regions) – as well as the QUANTI Pediatric study. In total, 808 patients – including 93 children – in 15 countries participated in the program. The results of the QUANTI studies show that gadoquatrane met the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints of the studies assessing visualization parameters and lesion detection, while reducing the gadolinium dose by 60 percent compared to the macrocyclic GBCAs dosed at 0.1 mmol Gd/kg body weight. In all studies, the observed safety profile was generally consistent with previous data on gadoquatrane and other macrocyclic GBCAs. No new safety signals were observed.

Further study data are planned to be presented at upcoming scientific meetings.

About gadoquatrane

Gadoquatrane is Bayer’s investigational extracellular macrocyclic contrast agent for contrast enhancement in MRI. This low-dose gadolinium-based contrast agent features a distinct tetrameric structure with high stability and high relaxivity.

About Radiology at Bayer

Building on a century of expertise, Bayer is committed to innovative products and high- quality services in diagnostic imaging to enhance patient care. Its leading radiology portfolio features contrast agents and devices for precise administration across modalities including computed tomography (CT), X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). Bayer’s comprehensive offerings also include informatics solutions. In 2024, Bayer’s radiology products generated €2.1 billion in sales. Bayer continues to advance research and innovation in medical imaging, including the integration of AI.

For more information, visit: www.bayer.com

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Canadian doctors predict government actions will reduce access to health care

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:57 +0700

New data from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) show that Canadian physicians are sounding the alarm over government decisions threatening the health care system. The findings reveal doctors’ widespread concern about the impact on patient care, workforce stability and physician morale.

Recent government actions, such as Alberta’s Bill 26 and Quebec’s Bill 2, which interfere with doctors’ abilities to take care of their patients, have captured the attention of the medical community. With 84% of physicians actively following developments, nearly half (43%) say they do not feel trusted or respected by governments, a sentiment that undermines the profession’s sustainability.

They also believe Canadians’ access to care is at risk, with 80% saying recruitment and retention of physicians will suffer, and 66% anticipating a decline in patient care quality.

The results are from Physician Pulse, a new joint initiative from the CMA and Abacus Data surveying doctors across the country.

Doctors are already experiencing serious consequences for their patients. The system is showing the strain of government interference and the lack of action on known solutions. Many say the quality of Canadian health care will only get worse if we don’t act urgently on threats to recruitment, retention, and quality of care.

In Quebec and Alberta, where the effects are most pronounced, physicians warn that the consequences will be even more severe, putting additional pressure on already fragile healthcare systems. Shockingly, 76% of Alberta doctors and 80% of those in Quebec say they don’t feel trusted or respected by governments.

“The CMA is calling on governments to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to restore trust, strengthen care delivery, and ensure Canadians have access to high-quality healthcare,” said Dr. Margot Burnell, CMA President.

Read more about these Physician Pulse results on government interference in health care on the Abacus Data website.

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Despite Movember push, rates of incurable prostate cancer are rising as screening is abandoned

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:56 +0700

HN Summary:

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian men (beside non-melanoma skin cancers), accounting for 22 percent of all cancers.
Mirroring U.S. guidelines against PSA screening, uOttawa researchers find Canadian rates of incurable metastatic prostate cancer climbing and overall survival decreasing despite testing and treatment advances.
In the absence of organized screening programs, Canadian men need to self-advocate, have a primary care provider order their PSA, and in provinces with no access to screening, pay for their test.
As Movember shone a light on men’s prostate cancer, screening guidelines for the disease look widely antiquated as modern testing is shunned amid a reduction in the pace of decline of mortality rates.

While awareness comes from the November-long Movember campaign, the reality is another story. Canada’s status quo of reflecting U.S. screening recommendations against testing has found overall prostate cancer survival is dropping due to increased cases of metastatic prostate cancer.

A team of scientists led by Dr. Anna Wilkinson, an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa and a GP oncologist at The Ottawa Hospital, with Larry Ellison and Shary Zhang of Statistics Canada, uOttawa researchers Michael Ong, Scott Morgan, Rodney Breau, Christopher Morash, and the University of British Columbia’s Larry Goldenberg and Statistics Canada’s Larry Ellison and Shary Zhang analyzed nearly 40 years of data to examine prostate cancer trends in Canada.

They found that prostate cancer rates and mortality changed after the arrival of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, a blood test that can screen for prostate cancer and find cases earlier when they are more curable and treatments are less intensive. Prostate cancer mortality dropped by over 50% after screening started, with the biggest changes seen among men in their late 50s and 60s. But PSA testing was abandoned in 2012 over concerns of overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment.

“We are stuck in a rut where conversations about screening don’t take place because we continue to judge the utility of PSA screening based on outdated data and practices,” explains study lead Dr. Anna Wilkinson. “Meanwhile, contemporary screening has evolved, incorporating advances like MRI to reduce the need for biopsy, and active surveillance to reduce the need for treatment.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian men (beside non-melanoma skin cancers), accounting for 22 percent of all cancers. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in Canadian men behind only lung and colorectal cancers. Yet after the United States adopted recommendations against screening, the number of stage IV (metastatic/incurable) cancers increased among both younger and older men, rising by about 50% among men 50-74. While significant advances have been made in the treatment of metastatic disease, the rising incidence of stage IV cancers comes at a high personal cost and represents a substantial financial burden for the health care system.

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) has never recommended PSA as a screening tool despite Canadian specialty societies suggesting it for those in good health with a long-life expectancy.

In the absence of organized screening programs, Canadian men need to self-advocate, have a primary care provider order their PSA, and in provinces with no access to screening, pay for their test.

“There are no guardrails to ensure PSA testing occurs at the right ages and frequencies and only those men who can self-advocate, who have a provider, and can afford the test can access it,” adds Wilkinson. “The silence surrounding this issue drives inequity and inappropriate use and leads to poor health outcomes.”

Instead, we should be considering “contemporary smart screening with a priority placed on optimizing benefits and reducing harms for patients undergoing testing”, states Dr. Chris Morash.

The study ‘Canadian Prostate Cancer Trends in the Context of PSA Screening Guideline Changes’ was published in Current Oncology on December 1, 2025. DOI:10.3390/curroncol32120669.

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Advanced surgical tissue flap monitoring for early intervention

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:52 +0700

HN Summary

• VCHRI researchers have developed a breakthrough implantable Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTT-NIRS) sensor that provides real-time monitoring of blood flow and oxygenation in transplanted tissue flaps, enabling earlier detection of vascular compromise after complex head and neck reconstructive surgeries.

• The continuous, objective monitoring offered by FTT-NIRS significantly outperforms traditional visual checks, with early study results showing flap-saving rates of about 85%, compared to 48% with clinical exams alone. The system alerts care teams instantly when circulation drops, allowing rapid intervention that can prevent flap loss and avoid additional surgeries.

• The technology’s potential reaches far beyond head and neck reconstruction, with future applications envisioned in organ transplant monitoring, trauma cases, and broader vascular surgery settings. Researchers are now developing a wireless version to enhance ease of use and integration into clinical workflows.

A new implantable tissue monitoring technology could be a gamechanger for complex head and neck reconstructive surgery, as well as other surgeries. Developed by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers Drs. Babak Shadgan and Donald Anderson, the microvascular free tissue transfer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTT-NIRS) sensor system could reduce the number of revision surgeries needed for invasive skin flap transplants.

“Our technology is a custom, miniaturised version of an advanced Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS),” Shadgan explains. “It can monitor real-time tissue hemodynamics — circulation within tissues in the form of tissue pulsations — and the level of tissue oxygenation, alerting care teams should these systems become compromised.”

“Vascular surgeries could greatly benefit from a sensor like this,” adds Anderson, who has performed microvascular free graft surgery for 41 years.

Shadgan and Anderson’s research is looking specifically at the application of the FTT-NIRS sensor and emitter probes in free flap head and neck surgery involving skin tissue sourced from another part of the patient’s body. Complex surgical procedures like this can be required for patients with head or neck cancer or other conditions that require the removal of skin, muscle and potentially bone from the head or neck.

Donor flap tissue taken from the patient must contain arterial and venous connection points to hook up to the arteries and veins at the implant site. Compromised or lost transplanted tissue blood flow often stems from a blocked artery or vein in the graft, such as from a blood clot. Flap emergencies from vascular compromises like this are rare, occurring around four per cent of the time, but have a significant impact on patients and health care providers.

“The critical determinant of flap survival often lies in the immediate postoperative period,” Shadgan explains. “During this vulnerable window, vascular compromise, if not promptly detected, can lead to irreversible flap loss within a few hours, necessitating reoperation and exposing patients to serious complications.”

Attached by wires to a nearby computer, the FTT-NIRS system monitors tissue vital signs for up to 72 hours post-surgery, covering a period in which the risk of graft failure is highest.

Once placed over or implanted within the surgical site, the waterproof FTT-NIRS probes emit near-infrared light — up to two centimetres into tissues — using small, optical sensors that monitor flap hemodynamics and oxygenation. The degree of near-infrared light absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin — an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells — supplies the FTT-NIRS algorithm with the necessary data to determine whether tissue oxygenation is too low or tissue circulation is compromised.

Objective, accurate and real-time monitoring of high-risk tissues

Without FTT-NIRS, visual tissue monitoring is conducted at regular intervals by hospital staff. If tissue compromise is suspected, specialised clinicians are called on to determine whether urgent surgical intervention is needed.

“We can get a call in the middle of the night because the tissue flap has lost blood flow,” Anderson shares. “When that happens, immediate action is necessary to save the flap. If the tissues die, a revision surgery is essential, but many factors can impede it, including operating room or donor tissue availability.”

“Free flap head and neck surgeries can take anywhere from four to eight hours,” adds Anderson. “This is to say nothing about the impact having to undergo another surgical procedure on the head or neck can have on patients and treatment outcomes.”

The FTT-NIRS sensor provides continuous, objective data, reducing hospital staff time spent checking tissues using subjective and less precise measures, such as tissue colour and capillary refill time. Whenever tissue compromise is detected, the FTT-NIRS sensor sends an alert to care providers for rapid assessment and intervention.

The researchers have so far found that the FTT-NIRS technology was able to save tissue flaps approximately 85 per cent of the time compared to an average of 48 per cent of the time with a clinical exam alone. In one instance, the FTT-NIRS sensor detected a sustained 15-minute decline in flap blood oxygenation consistent with an obstruction.

“Prompted by the FTT-NIRS warning signal, the clinical team visited the 79-year-old study participant who had inadvertently fallen asleep in a position that compressed the flap blood flow,” shares Shadgan. “Following repositioning and supportive care, blood circulation was restored, saving the flap.”

With these promising results, the research team is pursuing additional research and upgrades to the technology, including a wireless version to better support ease of use in clinical environments.

“Because of its implantability and waterproofing, this type of sensor could have applications in organ transplant monitoring and in other cases involving, for example, the monitoring of tissues damaged from trauma following a car accident,” says Anderson. “We have a few more adjustments to make, but we are getting very close.”

The research team also includes Dr. Oleksandr Butskiy, a head and neck surgeon and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at UBC, and Amir Rad, a PhD student in the School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC.

The post Advanced surgical tissue flap monitoring for early intervention appeared first on Hospital News.

GE HealthCare unveils photon-counting CT with Deep Silicon detector

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:58:31 +0700

GE HealthCare unveils photon-counting CT with Deep Silicon detector

/ in Product News

GE HealthCare has submitted a 510(k) application to the US FDA for Photonova Spectra, a photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) system featuring the company’s proprietary Deep Silicon detector technology. The system offers 8-bin energy resolution and aims to deliver enhanced spectral and spatial imaging across multiple clinical specialties.

Direct photon detection enables enhanced tissue characterisation

Unlike conventional CT systems that convert X-rays into light before measurement, photon-counting CT directly counts individual X-ray photons and measures their energy levels. The Deep Silicon detector design uses the semiconductor’s structural consistency and purity to enable precise photon energy measurement, supporting improved contrast resolution and material characterisation capabilities.

“Photon counting CT is a fundamentally different approach to imaging. It can be thought of as particle physics in action,” said Dr Giuseppe Toia, Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “Being involved in developing and testing the Deep Silicon detector has allowed us to assess how the technology can be applied to address common issues such as improving spatial resolution and attaining accurate CT numbers.”

System design targets multiple clinical applications

The system’s clinical design goals span neurology, oncology, musculoskeletal imaging, thoracic imaging and cardiology. Technical specifications include wide detector coverage and 0.23-second rotation speed to support rapid acquisition and motion-free imaging. The system’s architecture aims to distinguish between materials including iodine, calcium and fat through enhanced energy separation capabilities.

Peter Arduini, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE HealthCare, stated: “Built to give healthcare teams the clarity and confidence they need, this system aims to redefine decision-making and care delivery – meeting today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities.”

Accelerated computing integration supports data processing

Photonova Spectra incorporates NVIDIA’s accelerated computing technology to process the increased data volumes generated by photon-counting acquisition. According to GE HealthCare, the system harnesses up to 50 times more data than conventional CT systems when compared to the Revolution Apex Elite platform.

“By working on the technology’s development and pursuing opportunities to pair GE HealthCare’s Deep Silicon architecture with NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform in the future, we aim to unlock the full potential of spectral imaging – turning massive volumes of data into actionable insights,” said Kimberly Powell, Vice President of Healthcare at NVIDIA.

The system features universal full-fidelity scanning protocols designed to reduce exam-specific setup requirements whilst enabling automated reconstruction of ultra-high-resolution spectral images. The CT ONE operator environment includes automated features such as Auto Positioning to support workflow consistency.

Regulatory status: Photonova Spectra is 510(k) pending with the US FDA. It is not yet CE marked.

For more information, visit: gehealthcare.com

Het bericht GE HealthCare unveils photon-counting CT with Deep Silicon detector verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

GE HealthCare enhances Venue ultrasound with AI nerve block tool

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:58:29 +0700

GE HealthCare enhances Venue ultrasound with AI nerve block tool

/ in Product News

GE HealthCare has introduced significant enhancements to its Venue family of point-of-care ultrasound systems, centred on a new AI-enabled feature designed to improve peripheral nerve block procedures in anaesthesiology and pain management settings.

AI tool achieves high anatomical accuracy

The flagship addition, Nerveblox, automatically labels anatomical landmarks in ultrasound images with 97% anatomical structure identification accuracy. The AI-enabled tool supports 12 of the most common regional anaesthesia procedures, providing colour-coded visualisation of target areas in under one second.

“Nerveblox immediately impressed me. It provides a clear, colourful image of the target area in less than a second for multiple nerve blocks,” said Dr Olivier Choquet from Montpellier University Hospital in France. “I tested it with different approaches, and its performance should be excellent in helping the practitioner locate key anatomical structures before inserting the needle.”

The enhancement extends across the entire Venue portfolio, including Venue, Venue Go, Venue Fit, and Venue Sprint systems, addressing the growing use of ultrasound guidance in anaesthesia procedures where precision and patient safety are paramount.

Expanded imaging capabilities for diverse clinical settings

Beyond anaesthesia applications, the updated systems incorporate several AI-enabled and digital tools spanning multiple clinical domains. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound enables dynamic bedside evaluation of abdominal injuries and lesions, whilst Auto Bladder Volume simplifies urinary bladder volume measurement from two views, reducing procedural steps. The latter feature is now available on the wireless Vscan Air CL probe compatible with Venue family systems.

For cardiac assessments, Automated Function Imaging provides objective analysis of myocardial strain across heart chambers, complementing the existing Caption Guidance AI-enabled software that offers turn-by-turn, on-screen guidance for capturing diagnostic-quality cardiac ultrasound images.

Point-of-care ultrasound evolution continues

“Our ultrasound portfolio is continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of clinicians, and we’re committed to driving innovation that makes our solutions more versatile, adaptable, and impactful,” said Karley Yoder, CEO of Comprehensive Care Ultrasound, Advanced Visualisation Solutions at GE HealthCare. “With the latest Venue family systems, we’re proud to add new tools that enhance the use of POCUS in anaesthesiology and pain management and enhance other tools and features that empower clinicians across all experience levels to deliver confident care anytime, anywhere.”

The enhanced systems are designed to support faster clinical decision-making using real-time imaging across emergency, critical care, anaesthesia, and other clinical settings, where ultrasound guidance increasingly informs both diagnostic and procedural interventions.

The latest Venue family ultrasound systems are US FDA cleared and CE marked for the European Union, with availability in other markets where regulatory approval has been granted.

For more information, visit: https://www.gehealthcare.com/products/ultrasound/venue-family/venue-family-innovation

Het bericht GE HealthCare enhances Venue ultrasound with AI nerve block tool verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

Novel manganese-based MOF offers safer alternative to gadolinium MRI contrast

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:58:27 +0700

Novel manganese-based MOF offers safer alternative to gadolinium MRI contrast

conrast agent, MRI, 05 December 25/ in E-News, Imaging

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel manganese-based contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging that demonstrates superior performance to current gadolinium-based agents whilst offering improved biocompatibility and reduced environmental concerns. The material, designated BVR-19, represents the first application of metal-organic framework technology incorporating the amino acid L-cystine for medical imaging applications.

Metal-organic framework design addresses gadolinium limitations

Scientists led by Kyriakos Stylianou at OSU’s Materials Discovery Laboratory have designed BVR-19 as a direct response to long-standing concerns surrounding gadolinium-based contrast agents. Gadolinium, a rare earth element that has dominated MRI contrast imaging for nearly four decades, presents multiple challenges including patient toxicity risks, environmental persistence, and supply chain vulnerabilities linked to concentrated rare earth reserves in China.

The novel manganese-based metal-organic framework exploits the natural abundance of manganese in the Earth’s crust and its established role as an essential trace element in human metabolism. “BVR-19 represents a paradigm shift in MRI contrast agent design,” said Stylianou, who directs the laboratory. “We’re replacing toxic metals with abundant, biocompatible ones, without compromising performance.”

Enhanced imaging performance with improved safety profile

Testing of BVR-19 has demonstrated the material’s capacity to produce brighter, clearer images at lower doses compared with commercially available gadolinium-based agents. The synthesis process occurs in water at room temperature without requiring toxic solvents or harsh conditions, aligning with green chemistry principles.

The incorporation of L-cystine, a naturally occurring biocompatible amino acid, marks the first instance of this amino acid being utilised in a manganese-based metal-organic framework for imaging applications. This design choice contributes to the material’s favourable biocompatibility profile whilst maintaining the nanoscale porous structure characteristic of MOF materials.

Clinical and environmental implications

Current gadolinium-based contrast agents present documented retention issues, with the metal persisting in patient tissues for months or years even in individuals with normal kidney function. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding uncertainty around long-term consequences, requiring patient education before administration.

Environmental concerns centre on gadolinium’s resistance to degradation in wastewater treatment facilities, with long-term ecotoxicological effects remaining poorly characterised. BVR-19’s design addresses both patient safety and environmental sustainability concerns inherent to current contrast agent technology.

Market context and collaborative development

The global MRI contrast agent industry currently holds an estimated value exceeding $1.5 billion, with projected growth of $750 million over the next five years driven by increasing demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures.

The research, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry B on 6 November 2025, involved doctoral student Jacob Lessard and undergraduate Dylan Pyle as first authors, with additional contributions from postdoctoral fellow Andrzej Gladysiak, doctoral student Emmanuel Musa, and undergraduate Jeff Bowen. The collaboration extended across disciplines, including toxicology expertise from Robyn Tanguay, Lisa Truong, and Siva Kolluri of OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, and contributions from Cory Wyatt at Oregon Health & Science University.

Oregon State University has filed a patent application covering BVR-19’s structure and related materials for biomedical imaging applications.

Reference

Lessard, J. M., Pyle, D., Gladysiak, A., et. al. (2025). Aqueous-stable Mn(ii)-MOF nanoparticles with high r1 relaxivity and biocompatibility: A novel T1 MRI contrast agent. Journal of Materials Chemistry B. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TB01711D

Het bericht Novel manganese-based MOF offers safer alternative to gadolinium MRI contrast verscheen eerst op International Hospital.

How do hospitalist groups cover nights?

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:54:30 +0700

WHEN IT COMES to covering nights, nearly two-thirds of hospitalist groups rely on nocturnists.

In our latest Today’s Hospitalist Compensation & Career Survey, 61.6% of adult hospitalists said their groups use nocturnists to cover nights, eclipsing any other strategy. Just under one-quarter told us their groups use primarily nocturnists with hospitalists rotating to cover some shifts, while close to 17% said their groups rotate hospitalists to fill nights.

Among adult groups, nocturnists were most popular with national hospitalist management companies (used by 69.9%) and universities/medical schools (69.2%). Nocturnists were the least used by multispecialty/primary care groups (48.8%).

Our survey found that night work for pediatric hospitalists is a little tougher, with only 18.2% of pediatric groups reporting that they use nocturnists. Pediatric hospitalists told us that 65.9% of their groups rotate hospitalists to cover nights. Another 20.5% said their group used residents.

Here are some other differences in how hospitalist groups are covering nights.

Academic vs. nonacademic night coverage

Nonacademic groups are slightly more likely to use nocturnists (65.2% use them) than their academic counterparts (58.6%). Academic groups, on the other hand, are slightly more likely to use APPs to cover nights (16.2%) than nonacademic groups (11.3%). Academic groups are also a bit more likely to use moonlighters (12.1%) than nonacademic groups (7.7%).

How do hospitalist groups cover nights?

Nocturnists: 61.6%

Primarily nocturnists/hospitalists rotating some shifts: 22.0%

Hospitalists rotate: 16.8%

APPs: 14.2%

Moonlighters: 9.1%

Residents: 7.3%

On-call coverage/off-site physician: 6.7%

Telemedicine: 3.1%

None of these: 1.1%

Don’t cover nights: 0.7%

Rotating hospitalists to cover nights

Rotating hospitalists to cover nights is most popular among multispecialty/primary care groups, where it’s used by 27.9%. It’s least popular among local hospitalist groups (2.0%). By geographic region, rotating hospitalists is most common among groups in the Mountain region (27.3%) and least common in the South (10.1%).

How many hospitalist groups use nocturnists (by region)?

Northeast: 70.6%

South: 71.2%

Midwest: 46.8%

Mountain: 42.4%

Southwest: 63.6%

Pacific: 60.8%

APPs and night work

APPs are the least popular among national hospitalist management companies (used by 8.2%) and the most among groups at universities/medical schools (21.2%). By geography, APPs are most popular in the South (18.7%) and least popular in the Pacific region (3.9%).

How many hospitalists use nocturnists (by group type)?

Nat. hosp. mgmt. group: 69.9%

University/med. school: 69.2%

Hospital/hospital corp.: 62.0%

Local hosp. group: 52.9%

Multispecialty/PCP group: 48.8%

VIEW DATA ON HOSPITALIST PAY from both the 2024 and the 2023 Today’s Hospitalist Compensation & Career Surveys. Our annual surveys examine how hospitalist compensation is affected by factors such as the type of patients hospitalists treat, the number of shifts they work, the number of patients they see per shift and more.

The post How do hospitalist groups cover nights? appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

How hospitalists view treating serious mental illness, SUD

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:54:28 +0700

A BIG MAJORITY of hospitalists say they have the primary responsibility for treating the physical health of patients hospitalized with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. But many fewer—just over half—say they have adequate resources to do so.

The most recent Today’s Hospitalist survey asked hospitalists four questions about their treatment of patients with both conditions. Just under 80% (78.4%) said they have the primary responsibility for treating physical health problems of inpatients with serious mental illness. Only 55.1%, however, said they have enough resources.

It was a similar situation with patients with substance use disorder. While 88% of adult hospitalists said they are responsible for treating those patients’ physical health issues, only 59.6% said they had enough resources to get the job done.

Here are some other differences that emerged in the data when we asked hospitalists about how they care for inpatients with serious mental illness and substance use disorder.

Pediatric hospitalists

More pediatric hospitalists said they have the primary responsibility for caring for hospitalized patients with serious mental illness: 89.2% (compared to 78.4% of adult hospitalists). But fewer pediatric hospitalists reported being primarily responsible for caring for inpatients with substance use disorders: 78.4% (compared to 88% of adult hospitalists).

The number of pediatric hospitalists who said they have adequate resources to treat both types of patients in the hospital was lower than for adult hospitalists. Only 43.2% said they’re equipped to treat patients with serious mental illness (compared to 55.1% of adult hospitalists), while 37.8% agreed they had the resources to treat substance use disorder patients. That’s compared to 59.6% of adult hospitalists.

National hospitalist management companies

Some differences surfaced when we compared responses from hospitalists working for different types of groups. Physicians in national hospitalist management companies were a little less likely to report being primarily responsible for the care of patients with both serious mental illness and substance use disorder.

About two-thirds of hospitalists (66.7%) in this group said they had primary responsibility for the care of patients with serious mental health illness, compared to 78.4% of all adult hospitalists. And 72.5% of physicians working in national hospitalist management companies said they were primarily responsible for patients with substance use disorder, compared to 88% of all adult hospitalists.

When asked if they had adequate resources to treat both patient groups, the responses of hospitalists working at national management companies more or less matched those of all adult hospitalists.

Four questions about hospitalists and mental health illness/substance abuse disorder

1. Hospitalists have the primary responsibility to treat physical health conditions among patients with serious mental illness.
• Agree: 78.4%
• Disagree: 21.6%

2. Hospitalists have the primary responsibility to treat physical health conditions among patients with substance use disorders.
• Agree: 88.0%
• Disagree: 12.0%

3. I have adequate resources to treat physical health conditions among hospitalized patients with serious mental illness.
• Agree: 55.1%
• Disagree: 44.9%

4. I have adequate resources to treat physical health conditions among hospitalized patients with substance use disorders.
• Agree: 59.6%
• Disagree: 40.4%

The post How hospitalists view treating serious mental illness, SUD appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

How do hospitalist groups cover open positions?

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:54:27 +0700

WHEN IT COMES to covering open positions, most hospitalist groups rely on a tried-and-true method: asking doctors already on staff to work extra shifts.

According to our most recent survey, 76.3% of adult hospitalists said their groups turn to physicians already on payroll when they need to cover open shifts. The second most common strategy—one used by 43.6% of groups—was locums. Moonlighters were the third most commonly-used solution, being deployed by 41.1% of groups.

Other strategies to fill holes in hospitalist group schedules included hiring per-diem physicians (30.1%), leaving shifts uncovered (24.2%) and bringing in APPs (15.2%).

Among pediatric hospitalists, the most popular strategy to fill open positions was turning to existing staff: 68.2% of pediatric groups said they relied on their own doctors. Leaving shifts uncovered was less popular among pediatric groups (11.4%, compared to 24.2% for adult groups).

Among hospitalists treating adults, academic groups were less likely to use locums (29.0% vs. the overall average of 43.6%) or to leave shifts uncovered (17.2% vs. 24.2%).

Leaving open shifts

Hospitalists working for hospitals and for universities/medical schools were the ones most likely to say their groups leave shifts open. Among doctors employed by hospitals, 27.6% said their groups did so while 26.9% of those employed by universities/medical schools reported the same.

That percentage was lower for local hospitalist groups, multispecialty/primary care clinics and national hospitalist management companies: About 15% of hospitalists working within these three types of groups said they left open positions uncovered.

Finally, hospitalists who work for universities and medical schools said their groups were less likely to use locums (19.2% vs. 43.6%), per-diem doctors (15.4% vs. 30.1%) and APPs (7.7% vs. 15.2%).

How does your group cover open positions?

• Locums: 43.6%

• Moonlighters: 41.1%

• Per-diem MDs: 30.1%

• Existing MDs work extra shifts: 76.3%

• APPs: 15.2%

• Leave shifts uncovered: 24.2%

The post How do hospitalist groups cover open positions? appeared first on Today's Hospitalist.

SLG Hospitals, Ajeenkya DY Patil Healthcare partner to launch 800-bed multi-speciality hospital in Hyderabad

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:52:55 +0700

SLG Hospitals and Ajeenkya DY Patil Healthcare have entered into a strategic management agreement to jointly operate a cutting-edge, 800-bed multi-speciality hospital in Nizampet, Hyderabad.

This collaboration combines the trusted clinical expertise and infrastructure of SLG Hospitals with the innovation-driven legacy of Ajeenkya DY Patil Healthcare. The hospital will place special emphasis on critical and emergency care, cardiac sciences, and oncology, including radiation oncology, addressing urgent healthcare needs in the region and reducing the patient load on existing hospitals. The facility will be developed in phases, with advanced healthcare services introduced progressively as each stage becomes operational.

The strategic management agreement is being advised by UK-based Optimus Investments.

By building capacity in a high-growth corridor, the hospital aims to strengthen Hyderabad’s position as a leading healthcare hub while supporting medical equity and patient confidence through transparent and affordable services.

P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre launches Geriatric Clinic

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:52:53 +0700

On the occasion of World Senior Citizen’s Day 2025, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre inaugurated a dedicated Geriatric Clinic. The clinic was inaugurated by Gautam Khanna, Chief Executive Officer; Usha S. Raheja, Trustee; Joy Chakraborty, Chief Operating Officer; and Dr. Sanjay Agarwala, Director of Professional Services. Led by Dr. Aarthi Kannan, a USA-trained Clinical Fellow in Geriatric Medicine from Stanford University, the clinic will focus on healthy ageing, chronic disease management, and preventive care for seniors.

According to the United Nations Population Division, India’s elderly population will double by 2050, with more than 20 per cent of the population belonging to the 60-plus age group. This shift in demographics brings a distinct set of health concerns like managing multiple chronic conditions, preventing falls, mobility issues, cognitive decline and the need for comprehensive care across specialities. These challenges require a coordinated and holistic approach tailored specifically for older adults.

To address these needs, the Geriatric Clinic will offer preventive and curative guidance for seniors, including those who are otherwise healthy, on how to continue ageing well even while managing co-morbidities. The hospital has also introduced specially designed senior citizen health packages with access to geriatric consultants, along with home visit services in select areas.

Speaking on the launch, Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “As India ages, the healthcare system must evolve to meet the distinct needs of seniors. Our Geriatric Clinic is envisioned as a dedicated clinic where compassion, expertise and preventive care come together. ”

The clinic will offer complete health evaluation and medical management, memory and cognitive assessment, polypharmacy/multiple medication management, fall prevention, bone and muscle health, gait and balance disorders, continence management, nutrition guidance and emotional well-being support. The clinic will also guide the elderly towards advanced care planning and support family members and caregivers with crucial education, information and resources to help care for their loved ones.

Dr Aarthi Kannan, Consultant – Geriatric Care, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, said, “We believe that ageing well is not just about treating illness but about wellness, helping older adults maintain independence, strength, vitality and a meaningful quality of life. Our Geriatric Clinic offers seniors and their families the assurance of feeling supported, understood and cared for throughout their ageing journey. ”

Clinician-centered design: Why the future of digital health depends on the people who use it

Edusehat — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:52:49 +0700

After all the billions poured into digitising healthcare, one thing keeps coming back to bite: the very systems built to make clinicians’ lives easier often end up making them harder. From the constant alert pings to the never-ending documentation, these tools have quietly become one of the biggest sources of burnout, safety lapses, and turnover.

Technology was meant to save time and elevate care. Instead, it’s doing the opposite; and it’s no wonder care teams are hesitant to embrace yet another “solution.”

For years, organizations have treated this as a people problem, assuming better training or culture change would fix adoption. But if you peel back the layers, it isn’t culture that’s broken. It’s design.

Burnout as a design failure

Most health systems invest in technology to boost efficiency or unlock new capabilities. What they miss is the human endpoint – the clinician who has to deliver care while juggling those digital demands.

When tools interrupt clinical reasoning instead of supporting it, they drain energy, focus, and morale. It’s not just anecdotal. In the U.S., most physicians now spend more time wrestling with electronic health records (EHRs) than speaking with patients.

Design, however, can change that story. Studies on ambient documentation tools – AI systems that listen to consultations and automatically draft notes – show burnout rates falling from 51 per cent to 29 per cent, with many clinicians reporting they actually enjoyed their work again.

It’s not that people resist technology or lack digital skills. It’s that most systems are built around clinicians, not with them. That’s a design failure.

And part of it comes down to what we choose to measure. Many programs still celebrate uptime or adoption rates – numbers that say little about real user experience. The shift now needs to be toward what truly matters: screen time, documentation load, and cognitive strain.

When organisations start treating those as design metrics rather than operational afterthoughts, accountability moves from human endurance to system intelligence.

The shift to clinician-centered design

Too many health-tech projects still see clinicians as end-users to be trained after the fact. Clinician-centered design turns that model on its head by asking a more fundamental question: How can digital systems fit the way clinicians actually think, act, and collaborate?

This approach positions clinicians as co-authors from day one. It’s not just a procedural tweak – it’s a cultural reset. IT and innovation leaders must start viewing clinicians as design partners, not workflow “subjects.”

When this happens, something interesting unfolds. Clinicians move from being passive recipients of technology to active architects of it. That shift shows up in three ways:

Agency: The system feels like their tool, not an imposed one.
Trust: They’re far more likely to use and advocate for tools they helped create.
Sustainability: Engagement doesn’t stop at launch; ownership drives ongoing improvement.

Some health systems have taken this further by creating clinician design councils or innovation labs, where doctors, nurses, and engineers collaborate in real settings. Kaiser Permanente is a strong example – its digital teams use human-centered design (HCD) principles to shape tools that genuinely improve day-to-day usability and outcomes.

This kind of shift isn’t small. It means bringing clinicians into the design vocabulary, clarifying roles like designer, clinician-designer, and facilitator, and reconciling design time with clinical workloads. The effort pays off, though.

From a leadership standpoint, the benefits are clear:

Clinical excellence. Tools that mirror how clinicians think lead to better decisions and fewer mistakes.
Workforce sustainability. When technology respects clinicians’ time, morale improves and attrition slows.
Digital transformation. Without clinician buy-in, even the best systems fail to deliver meaningful ROI.

Participatory design as the path forward

If clinician-centered design is the philosophy, participatory design is the playbook. One proven method, Experience Based Co-Design (EBCD) – first developed in the U.K. and now used globally – brings together staff and service users to redesign processes based on lived experience.

While EBCD initially focused on patient experience, its principles fit perfectly for clinicians. In health IT, studies consistently show that when users and designers collaborate in workshops or simulations, systems map far better to real-world workflows.

Participatory design replaces top-down rollouts with an ongoing conversation. It turns clinicians from critics into champions and ensures that technology reflects the realities of care delivery, not just vendor assumptions.

Unfortunately, these methods are still underused. Many organisations default to vendor-driven development or advisory boards that get looped in too late. The better approach? Embed clinicians directly inside design teams and make design continuous, not a one-time requirement phase. That’s how innovation becomes part of the organisation’s DNA.

Four action steps for CXOs

To make clinician-centered design real, leaders need more than intent – they need structure. Here’s where to start:

Build clinician design teams early. Bring together clinicians, designers, IT, and operations before contracts are signed. No system should launch without clinical sign-off on design readiness.
Reward co-design outcomes. Bake KPIs like screen-time reduction and documentation efficiency into vendor governance. Every tool should reduce cognitive load, not add to it.
Raise design literacy. Train CMOs, CNIOs, and senior clinicians in HCD principles so they can ask, “How does this fit into a clinician’s day?” – the question that truly determines success.
Measure what matters. Go beyond user satisfaction. Track workflow friction, alert fatigue, and clinician turnover, and link improvements directly to design decisions.

Design as competitive advantage

As healthcare accelerates into the AI era, the winners won’t be those with the most advanced algorithms but those who design with clinicians instead of for them.

Every digital strategy is, at its core, a design strategy and every design decision signals who the system was built to serve.

The next frontier of digital health won’t be about piling on more AI or automation. It’ll be about smarter design governance – building technology that enhances human capability instead of draining it.

Health systems that embrace clinician-centered design aren’t just implementing new tools. They’re rebuilding the future of care around the people who make care possible.