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Results for “Canadian Health Information Network”

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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A Canadian comparison of data sources for coronary artery bypass surgery outcome "report cards".

BACKGROUND: Prior comparisons of administrative versus clinical data for creating coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery outcome "report cards" are all from the United States and yield inconsistent conclusions regarding the validity of administrative data report cards. In this study, we compared 2 CABG surgery outcome report cards for Ontario, Canada: one derived from clinical data from the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario and one derived from administrative data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. METHODS: Data from 4 fiscal years, 1992-93 through 1995-96, were used. The Canadian Institute for Health Information report card was derived from administrative data only. The Cardiac Care Network report card drew on prospectively collected clinical information that included variables such as left ventricular ejection fraction but also required linkages to the Canadian Institute for Health Information data for ascertainment of selected comorbidities and in-hospital mortality rates. Logistic regression models were used to calculate risk-adjusted death rates for each of the 9 hospitals performing CABG surgery in Ontario. RESULTS: The risk-adjusted death rates were quite similar between data sources for 7 of the 9 hospitals. For 2 hospitals, rather large absolute differences in adjusted death rates of 0.58% and 0.64% were seen between report cards. There was a strong correlation between data sources for risk-adjusted hospital death rates (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.927, P <.001) and for rankings of adjusted hospital death rates (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.828, P =.02). CONCLUSION: These results from Ontario, Canada, reveal general similarities between administrative and clinical data report cards for CABG surgery. However, clinical data are likely needed if individual hospitals are to be publicly scrutinized in outcome report cards.

Adult↗

The health impact of childhood trauma: an interdisciplinary review, 1997-2003.

Research has shown a strong relationship between childhood trauma and psychological difficulties in later life; more recent research has indicated that the long-term effects are even greater for physical illness. These long-term effects have highlighted Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a possible mediator variable. The illnesses identified include, but are not limited to, eating disorders, substance abuse, phobias, multiple personality disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Childhood trauma is an area of interdisciplinary interest; therefore, a variety of disciplines have been carrying out research in this area. This article is an integrative review of the literature over the last five years across disciplines, including nursing, medicine, psychology, education, social services, and government agencies. The review searched for themes, common constructs, and definitions, plus gaps in the present literature that need to be addressed. Particular attention was paid to measurement tools, and the importance of post traumatic stress disorder. Databases included were Medline, Proquest, Canadian Health Network (CHN), Canadian Business and Current Affairs (CBCA) Education, Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) Plus, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), American Psychological Association Database Information (PsychINFO), and Cochrance.

Child↗

Reflections on an arranged marriage between bioinformatics and health informatics.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the discussions of two workshops held during 2001 by two Canadian organisations, HEALNet, a Network of Centres of Excellence for research in health information applications, and Genome Canada, a national research funding agency for genomics and proteomics, in collaboration with the Institute of Genetics of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, to examine strategic research development in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics respectively. METHODS: Invited workshops with structured debate. Concept analysis of preparative material and debates. RESULTS: A predominantly common set of concepts was discerned from both workshops. Analysis of published definitions showed an inability to distinguish a definition that would suggest that health informatics and bioinformatics are separate disciplines. In both workshops there was evidence of deep concerns of identity, the lack of clear structures to support research funding as well as uncertainty in distinguishing between service and research. CONCLUSIONS: Many deep issues currently inhibit the recognition and funding of research in health and bioinformatics in Canada and elsewhere. Some of these issues are common to both health and bioinformatics. The overlap in prevailing definitions, research concerns and methodological content in the respective domains suggest that common research needs should be better identified and reinforced for the benefit of both.

Biomedical Research↗

Issues influencing development of the Canadian Cardiovascular Information Network.

The 1995 Consensus Conference of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society on "Indications for and Access to Revascularization" recommended that Canadian centres with invasive cardiovascular facilities should participate in a national observational database that monitors the selection of patients, as well as evaluate outcomes. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Health Canada with IBM as a partner, initiated a process to identify factors influencing the development of the Canadian Cardiovascular Information Network. IBM's "Business Discovery Methodology" was adapted for health care. Structured interviews with representatives of health organizations, cardiovascular databases and research institutes were conducted across Canada, followed by a workshop to identify goals, issues and challenges. Participants identified goals for a cardiovascular database (eg, evidence-based decision-making), project related issues (eg, respecting the integrity of existing databases) and health care related issues (eg, cardiac waiting lists). Challenges included initial mistrust between representatives of provincial cardiovascular databases and national agencies, and a lack of sustained funding. A Project Team was formed to address 'cardiac waiting lists'. Analysis of Alberta and Ontario data identified differences in definitions, such as when the waiting time for bypass surgery began, that impeded detailed comparisons. Development of a centralized national database was not feasible at this time for political, technical and financial reasons. However, provincial cardiovascular database representatives agreed to work together and to share aggregate data and analyses. A first step toward developing a national surveillance system for cardiovascular services will be achieving consensus about standardizing data definitions. This process will require sustained funding.

Canada↗

Competencies for health management practice: a practitioner's perspective.

The current health care environment will require executive leadership with a new set of management competencies to effectively lead and manage the various components of a restructured health care delivery system. The traditional management skills of planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and staffing resources will remain relevant, but the true measure of professional success will be the development of conceptual skills. This means the ability to look at the health care enterprise as a whole, and recognize how changes in the environment shape your strategic mission, goals, and objectives. The successful health care leader will have a demonstrated ability to apply these conceptual skills to the development of information systems and integrated networks that position their organization to accept capitated risks. This paper examines the United States and Canadian health care systems from the perspective of both the more traditional hospital and the emerging medical care organizations. New importance of the team approach to leadership and management and all that entails is stressed.

Canada↗

The electronic health record: a leap forward in patient safety.

In his review of patient safety issues in the Canadian healthcare system, Dr. Matthew Morgan states that "coordinated national EHR initiatives will cost less, save lives and prevent harm when compared to the status quo." Canada Health Infoway is spearheading this initiative in Canada. Infoway's No. 1 guiding principle for investment is that projects undertaken must "enhance the quality of patient care, healthcare services and patient safety." They must also support the development and adoption of pan-Canadian interoperable EHR solutions. Infoway is working in seven major areas to improve electronic access to accurate and timely health information in order to reduce errors, facilitate accurate diagnoses and speed treatment. These areas include the building blocks of the EHR: infostructure, registries, digital imaging systems, and drug and laboratory information systems. Infoway is also developing and expanding telehealth networks to increase the scope of the Canadian healthcare system. Infoway was recently mandated to develop a public health surveillance system for infectious diseases to give healthcare providers a tool for tracking and managing disease outbreaks in the Canadian population. These systems will improve safety, quality, accessibility, cost-efficiency and the sustainability of the healthcare system. Patient safety is a cornerstone of Infoway's activities.

Canada↗

Administrative data accurately identified intensive care unit admissions in Ontario.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of Ontario administrative health data for identifying intensive care unit (ICU) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records from the Critical Care Research Network patient registry (CCR-Net) were linked to the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) database and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) database. The CCR-Net was considered the criterion standard for assessing the accuracy of different OHIP or CIHI codes for identifying ICU admission. RESULTS: The highest positive predictive value (PPV) for ICU admission (91%) was obtained using a CIHI special care unit (SCU) code, but its sensitivity was poor (26%). A strategy based on a combination of CIHI SCU codes yielded a lower PPV (84%) but a higher sensitivity (92%). A strategy based purely on OHIP claims yielded further reductions in PPV (73%), gains in specificity (99%), and moderate sensitivity (56%). The highest sensitivity (100%) was obtained using a combination of CIHI and OHIP codes in exchange for poor PPV (32%). CONCLUSIONS: Administrative databases can be used to identify ICU patients, but no single strategy simultaneously provided high sensitivity, specificity, and PPV. Researchers should consider the study purpose when selecting a strategy for health services research on ICU patients.

Databases as Topic↗

An overview of the electronic health and safety services of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

This article describes the electronic information services of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). The aim of CCOHS is to promote a healthier and safer workplace. CCOHS' key ways of achieving this are its CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) service, CCINFOdisc, and its on-line computer network called, CCINFOline. CCOHS' electronic services contain some 50 databases with bibliographic and factual information from CCOHS and major organizations in other countries, such as NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) in the U.S., the International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS) in Switzerland, and the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS) in France. In addition, the CD-ROM service includes The Chemical Advisor disc of regulatory and advisory lists for chemicals from the U.S. and other countries; full-text discs, such as CANADIAN HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION and two interactive, multimedia education and training products on the safe use of chemicals, and on preventing repetitive motion injuries. These services, available at an affordable price, are delivered worldwide and currently have thousands of organizations as subscribers in about 50 countries. Founded by the Government of Canada in 1978, CCOHS is the national resource in occupational health and safety information. In addition to the electronic service, other services offered are an inquiry service, which is free in Canada, and a publications service.

CD-ROM↗

Telepediatrics in Canada: an overview.

Telehealth in Canada is undergoing phenomenal growth owing to recent federal and provincial funding to implement the use of information and communication technologies to improve access to health care for all Canadians. This funding has been a significant factor in establishing telehealth networks in the 10 provinces and 3 territories, thus increasing access to specialty and subspecialty care from urban tertiary care centers. Every province and territory in Canada is now part of a functioning telehealth network. For tertiary pediatric centers, this offers new opportunities for providing support and outreach services to children in remote and northern communities. This article provides a broad overview of development of telepediatrics in Canada.

Canada↗

Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. Canadian HIV Trials Network Antiretroviral Working Group.

OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for health care providers and their HIV-positive patients on the clinical use of antiretroviral agents for HIV infection. OPTIONS: Recommendations published in 1996 by an international panel. OUTCOMES: Improvement in clinical outcomes or in surrogate markers of disease activity. EVIDENCE AND VALUES: The Canadian HIV Trials Network held a workshop on Oct. 19-20, 1996, to develop Canadian guidelines that incorporate information from recent basic and clinical research. RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendations for the use of antiretroviral drugs in HIV infection are provided for initial therapy, continuing therapy, primary infection, vertical transmission, pediatric therapy and postexposure prophylaxis. VALIDATION: The guidelines are based on consensus of the participants attending the workshop: Canadian investigators, clinicians and invited representatives from the community, government and the pharmaceutical industry. They are subject to review and updating as new information on clinical benefits is published. SPONSORS: The workshop was organized by the National Centre of the Canadian HIV Trials Network. Unrestricted educational grants were provided by 8 pharmaceutical companies. Additional support was provided from the National AIDS Strategy of Health Canada.

Adult↗

Partnering in oncogenetic research--the INHERIT BRCAs experience: opportunities and challenges.

Today it is common to conduct research in collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines and institutions. The INterdisciplinary HEalth Research International Team on BReast CAncer susceptibility (INHERIT BRCAs), involves Canadian and international experts from diverse fields working with health service providers, patients and collaborators from the World Health Organization and other European networks. Evidence-based information and knowledge transfer drive our efforts to advance genomic research to understand the genetic basis of cancer susceptibility and treatment response. Several goals reveal the interdisciplinary team approach: (a) to estimate the prevalence and penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and their deleterious impact upon different populations; (b) to pinpoint novel breast cancer susceptibility loci; (c) to assess the efficacy of clinical interventions; (d) to address changes in quality of life and health-related behaviour from the decision to undergo genetics testing and during follow-up; (e) to evaluate legal, social and ethical implications; and, finally; (f) to promote professional and public education by facilitating the transfer of research findings to clinical practice and informing policy makers. The lessons learned by the INHERIT research team and future challenges are presented.

Breast Neoplasms↗

The need for a coherent curriculum and supported infrastructure in health informatics education--the HEALNet experience. Health Evidence Application and Linkage Network.

The Canadian National Centres of Excellence Network, Health Evidence Application and Linkage Network (HEALNet) is a network linking universities, the private sector and other public sector organisations in supporting research and fostering commercial opportunities. Its aim is to develop high quality health care decision support methodologies and tools that support the transfer of research evidence into practice. The HEALNet education program aims to support the training of highly qualified personnel as well as the development of educational approaches so that health personnel can better exploit such methodologies and decision support tools given the new opportunities of information technology. There is a need to draw from the different types of expertise within HEALNet to provide an integrated curriculum. At the same time, there is a concern regarding the lack of a coherent infrastructure in health informatics in many Canadian medical schools.

Canada↗