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Objective: To examine the current trends and practices across disciplines for feeding infants with cleft palate with or without cleft lip and to describe provider training within this area Design: Prospective survey Setting: ACPA approved cleft palate teams and healthcare providers in the United States and Canada Participants: Interdisciplinary providers that regularly provide feeding services to infants with cleft palate Intervention: 50-item survey designed and distributed electronically via the ACPA Main Outcome Measures: Information on provider demographics and practice patterns Results: 76 respondents included providers in North America that have either currently or previously served on a cleft palate team. The majority of respondents were in speech-language pathology (49%) or nursing (38%) disciplines, worked in an outpatient setting (70%), and received no information (68%) regarding cleft palate feeding in their academic training. While specific practice patterns were relatively consistent across the respondent cohort, provider characteristics were significantly associated with squeezing the Haberman (p =.013) and likelihood of collaboration with other providers when counseling parents/caregivers (p =.039). Conclusions: While provider characteristics varied, there were similar practice patterns observed across disciplines. Future research is needed explore training related to feeding knowledge as well as practice patterns in locations with a lower patient volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Endometriosis Working Group developed a national survey to evaluate current practice patterns associated with imaging endometriosis using advanced pelvic ultrasound and MRI to inform forthcoming clinical practice guidelines for endometriosis imaging. Methods: The anonymous survey consisted of 36 questions and was distributed electronically to CAR members. The survey contained a mix of multiple choice, Likert scale and open-ended questions intended to collect information about training and certification, current practices and protocols associated with imaging endometriosis, opportunities for quality improvement and continuing professional development. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Results: Canadian radiologists were surveyed about their experience with imaging endometriosis. A total of 89 responses were obtained, mostly from Ontario and Quebec. Most respondents were community radiologists, and almost 33% were in their first five years of practice. Approximately 38% of respondents reported that they or their institution performed advanced pelvic ultrasound for endometriosis, with most having done so for less than 5 years, and most having received training during residency or fellowship. 70% of respondents stated they currently interpret pelvic endometriosis MRI, with most having 1-5 years of experience. Conclusion: Many radiologists in Canada do not perform dedicated imaging for endometriosis. This may be due to a lack of understanding of the benefits and limited access to training. However, dedicated imaging can improve patient outcomes and decrease repeated surgeries. The results highlight the importance of developing guidelines for these imaging techniques and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to endometriosis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Electronic medical record (EMR) prescription data may identify high antibiotic prescribers in primary care. However, practitioners doubt that population differences between providers and delayed antibiotic prescriptions are adequately accounted for in EMR-derived prescription rates. This study assessed the validity of using EMR prescription data to produce antibiotic prescription rates, accounting for these factors. Methods: The study was a secondary analysis of antimicrobial prescriptions collected from 4 primary care clinics from 2015 to 2017. For adults with selected respiratory and urinary infections, EMR diagnostic codes, prescription data, clinical diagnoses and demographics were abstracted. Overall and delayed prescription rates were produced for EMR diagnostic codes, clinical diagnoses, by clinic, and types of infection. Direct standardization was used to adjust for case mix differences by clinic. High antibiotic prescribers, above the 75th percentile for prescriptions, were compared with low antibiotic prescribers. Results: Of 3108 EMR visits, there were 2577 (85.4%) eligible visits with a clinical diagnosis and prescription information. Overall antibiotic prescription rates were similar utilizing EMR records (31.6%) or clinical diagnoses (32.6%, P =.40). When delayed prescriptions were removed, prescribing rates were lower (22.4%, P <.01). EMR data overestimated prescribing rates for conditions where antibiotics are usually not indicated (17.7% EMR vs 7.6% clinical diagnoses, P <.001). High antibiotic prescribers saw more cases where antibiotics are usually indicated (23.4%) compared to low prescribers (16.8%; P =.001). Conclusions: Electronic medical record prescribing rates are similar to those using clinical diagnoses overall, but overestimate prescribing by clinicians for conditions usually not needing antibiotics. EMR prescription rates do not account for delayed antibiotic prescriptions or differences in infection case-mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although regulation of pharmaceutical promotion in Canada is covered under the Food & Drugs Act and Regulations, in practice it is regulated by two codes, one a code administered by the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board and a second one controlled by Innovative Medicines Canada, the lobby organization for the large majority of the Canadian and foreign-owned pharmaceutical companies operating in Canada. This study examines complaints about code violations between 2012 and 2021 and puts those complaints and their outcomes into the context of the stringency of the codes, their governance, monitoring, penalties for violations, and compliance by companies. It combines the findings from this analysis with international experience with industry-run codes and concludes that overall, the Canadian codes are ineffective in controlling promotion. Finally, it offers recommendations for how regulation can be improved and how doctors' reliance on information from pharmaceutical companies can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexual health issues associated with cancer can significantly impact patients' psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life. These issues are frequently medication-related, placing pharmacists in an opportune position to manage sexual health concerns in patients with cancer. Currently, no literature exists exploring pharmacists' practices related to the management of sexual health in oncology patients. Methods: An anonymous, descriptive, cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted to elicit pharmacists' views and practices regarding managing sexual health in oncology patients. Pharmacists practicing in Canada who provide care to adult malignant hematology or oncology patients were eligible to participate. The survey was disseminated through the Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology and through informal oncology pharmacy practitioner networks. Results: Of the 102 pharmacists who participated, 96 completed the survey in its entirety. Most respondents were female, practiced in Alberta, and primarily saw oncology patients in outpatient cancer facilities. Although 85% of participants felt pharmacists should be involved in giving patients an opportunity to discuss sexual health, only 8% reported managing sexual health in at least 50% of their oncology patients. The most commonly agreed upon barriers to this were presence of family members and friends at appointments, lack of knowledge or training, limited time, and the belief that sexual health is not applicable to all oncology patients. Conclusions: This study explored pharmacists' views and practices regarding managing sexual health in patients with cancer. Several barriers were identified, which may aid in future development of resources to assist pharmacists in routinely addressing sexual health in oncology patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pegaspargase can cause anti-asparaginase antibody formation, which can decrease its effectiveness without causing any clinically apparent reaction (silent inactivation). When a patient has silent inactivation, a switch to Erwinia anti-asparaginase is warranted, but there is currently a global shortage of Erwinia. The only way to identify silent inactivation is to measure an asparaginase level. However, routine asparaginase level monitoring is not currently standard of care at all Canadian centers. This study aims to identify variations in practice regarding asparaginase level monitoring and Erwinia use. Methods: A 21-item survey was developed using OPINIO software and distributed to all Pediatric Hematology–Oncologists in Canada from February to October 2020. Results: Respondents represented 15 hospitals across each region of Canada (response rate = 52%). Only 39.2% of respondents reported routinely measuring asparaginase levels, yet 53% of respondents have modified therapy from pegaspargase to Erwinia in up to half of their patients. The most common reason for not measuring asparaginase levels was not knowing how to use levels clinically (25.5%). There was variation in the timing of levels and their target. Conclusions: We identified substantial variation in asparaginase activity monitoring practices across Canada. Therefore, future research should aim to develop a national practice guideline on asparaginase activity monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A local health authority in Canada implemented its own Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) which provide guidelines to clinicians to utilize when treating infectious diseases such as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Objectives: The primary objective is to describe antibiotic usage patterns at the community hospital's emergency department (ED) and to analyze the patterns in relation to ASP goals of reducing risk of infections, adverse drug events and antibiotic resistance, and to identify potential areas of improvement. Methods: This retrospective chart review included 156 adult patients with a diagnosis of CAP admitted to a community hospital ED from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016. Results: 50.6% patients were prescribed moxifloxacin across all severity of CAP patients. Low and moderate severity CAP patients were most often prescribed antibiotic duration > 7 days. In low, moderate and high severity CAP patients who were treated using ceftriaxone, 100%, 88.9% and 66.6% patients were treated with ceftriaxone 2000 mg daily respectively. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing patterns suggest fluoroquinolones were frequently being over-prescribed, ceftriaxone dosages were often too high, and duration of antibiotics for low and moderate severity CAP were too long. More efforts are needed to promote appropriate antibiotic usage and optimize patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prescription opioid abuse has become a major issue across the world and especially in North America. Canada has the second highest number of opioid prescriptions per capita in the world, second only to the United States, with numbers continuing to rise in recent years. Surgeons play a critical role in this discussion as they are responsible for the management of post-operative pain in their patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the opioid prescribing practices of Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons in Canada and determine factors that may influence these practices. Methods: The online survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Questions surveyed the respondents' demographics and opioid prescribing practices for common pediatric and adult elective surgeries. Results: The survey was sent to 670 surgeons and trainees and 121 responses were received (18%). There was representation across all subspecialties with a mix of community and academic surgeons. The most commonly prescribed opioid was Codeine/Acetaminophen, 48.2% (n = 53), in the adult population, and Morphine, 47.1% (n = 41), in the pediatric population. The median total oral morphine equivalents prescribed across all adult surgeries was 123.75 mg (24.75 doses). The surgery with the highest oral morphine equivalents prescribed was tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy for both adult and pediatric patients, with a median of 150 mg (30 doses) for adults and 4.5 mg/kg (23 doses) for pediatrics. Gender, training years, year in residency, or reported level of conservatism did not predict the dose prescribed to either adult or pediatric patients. Due to the relatively low response rate, the generalizability of these results is unclear. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a wide variability in opioid prescriptions across procedures and within each individual procedure. This variability reflects the lack of guidelines available for post-operative opioid prescribing and suggests that some Otolaryngologists may be prescribing higher doses of opioids than required. Opportunities for improving patient safety and resource stewardship regarding optimal prescribing practices should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease but is suboptimally managed. Pharmacists are accessible primary care professionals and with expanded scopes of practice (including prescribing), could identify and manage patients with dyslipidemia. We sought to evaluate the effect of pharmacist prescribing of dyslipidemia medications on the proportion of participants achieving target LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 14 community pharmacies in Alberta, Canada. We enrolled adults with uncontrolled dyslipidemia as defined by the 2009 Canadian Dyslipidemia Guidelines. Intervention was pharmacist-directed dyslipidemia care, including assessment of cardiovascular risk, review of LDL-c, prescribing of medications, health behaviour interventions and follow-up every 6 weeks for 6 months. Usual care patients received their lipid results and a pamphlet on cardiovascular disease and usual care from their physician and pharmacist. Primary outcome was the proportion of participants achieving their target LDL-c (<2 mmol/L or ≥50% reduction) at 6 months between groups. Results: We enrolled 99 patients with a mean (SD) age of 63 (13) years, 49% male and baseline LDL-c of 3.37 mmol/L (0.98). Proportion of patients achieving LDL-c target was 43% intervention versus 18% control (p = 0.007). Adjusted odds of achieving target LDL-c were 3.3 times higher for the intervention group (p = 0.031), who also achieved greater reduction in LDL-c (1.12 mmol/L, SE = 0.112) versus control (0.42 mmol/L, SE = 0.109), for an adjusted mean difference of 0.546 mmol/L (SE = 0.157), p < 0.001. Conclusion: Pharmacist prescribing resulted in >3-fold more patients achieving target LDL-c levels. This could have major public health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Canadian Rhinologic workforce and future needs are not well defined. The objective of this study was to define the current demographics and practice patterns of the Canadian Rhinologic workforce. Outcomes from this study can be used to perform rhinologic workforce needs assessments. Methods: A national survey was administered to all Canadian otolaryngologists who were identified to have a clinical practice composed of >50% rhinology. Results: 42 surgeons participated in the survey (65% response rate). The mean age was 46 (SD 10.1) years and the average age of planned retirement was 66 (SD 4.0). Eighty three percent of respondents had completed a rhinology fellowship and 17% practiced exclusively rhinology. Thirty three percent hold advanced degrees. Forty two percent of surgeons felt their access to operative time was insufficient. Six percent of surgeons reported not having access to image guided surgery. Fourteen percent felt that there were too many practicing rhinologists in Canada while 17% believed there were too few practicing rhinologists. Seventeen percent have advised their residents to pursue other fields due to a perceived lack of future jobs. Overall, 66% of respondents were satisfied with their income, and 83% were satisfied with their careers. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that there is a perceived mismatch between the current supply of Rhinology labor and the capacity to treat patients in a timely manner. Outcomes from this study will begin to improve Rhinologic workforce planning in Canada and reduce the gap between patient demand and access to high quality care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children’s musculoskeletal (MSK) injury pain remains poorly managed. This survey of pediatric emergency physicians and orthopedic surgeons assessed analgesia administration practices and discharge advice for children with acute MSK pain; 683 responses were received. Ibuprofen was the most commonly reported analgesic used in the emergency department (52%) and at discharge (68%). Most (85%) reported using oral opioids in the previous 6 months. Codeine use was the most commonly reported opioid used in the emergency department (38%) and at home (51%). For equal levels of pain, younger children received less opioids than older children. Younger physicians and recent graduates chose acetaminophen and codeine more than older and more experienced colleagues, who preferred ibuprofen and non-codeine containing opioid compounds (P < .001 and .006, respectively). Orthopedic surgeons reported less ibuprofen use than pediatric emergency physicians (P < .001). Choice of analgesic agents is heterogeneous among physicians and is influenced by pain severity, child’s age, and physician characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]