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Aims: To estimate the rate of non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) dosing that is lower‐ and higher‐than‐recommended and to describe the reasons for NOAC dose discordance with Health Canada prescribing information. Methods: The OPTIMAL AF Programme was an observational cohort quality assessment initiative in which primary and specialty care physicians in eight provinces provided a snapshot of their anticoagulated non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients through either an electronic medical record (EMR) system or standardised, paper‐based data collection methods. Results: Data on 1681 NVAF patients receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention was provided by 102 physicians. A NOAC was prescribed in 1379 patients (8%). The standard recommended dose was prescribed in 849 (76%) and reduced dose in 264 (24%). Concordance of the reduced dose with Health Canada prescribing information occurred in 154 patients (58%). The standard dose was concordant in 805 (95%). The main reasons for the use of discordant reduced doses were age of 80 years or more, elevated creatinine, prior bleeding or dose recommended by specialist. Discussion and Conclusion: The vast majority of Canadian patients meeting the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) guideline recommendations for OAC to decrease AF‐related stroke risk were receiving product monograph‐concordant NOAC dosing (85%). Nonetheless, this highlights the fact that an important proportion of patients were prescribed doses that are discordant and opportunities remain to improve NOAC dosing to optimise stroke prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2017 update of The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for the Secondary Prevention of Stroke is a collection of current evidence-based recommendations intended for use by clinicians across a wide range of settings. The goal is to provide guidance for the prevention of ischemic stroke recurrence through the identification and management of modifiable vascular risk factors. Recommendations include those related to diagnostic testing, diet and lifestyle, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiac conditions. Notable changes in this sixth edition include the development of core elements for delivering secondary stroke prevention services, the addition of a section on cervical artery dissection, new recommendations regarding the management of patent foramen ovale, and the removal of the recommendations on management of sleep apnea. The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations include a range of supporting materials such as implementation resources to facilitate the adoption of evidence to practice, and related performance measures to enable monitoring of uptake and effectiveness of the recommendations. The guidelines further emphasize the need for a systems approach to stroke care, involving an interprofessional team, with access to specialists regardless of patient location, and the need to overcome geographic barriers to ensure equity in access within a universal health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder is an often chronic and recurring illness. Left untreated, major depressive disorder may result in progressive alterations in brain morphometry and circuit function. Recent findings, however, suggest that pharmacotherapy may halt and possibly reverse those effects. These findings, together with evidence that a delay in treatment is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, underscore the urgency of rapidly treating depression to full recovery. Early optimized treatment, using measurement-based care and customizing treatment to the individual patient, may afford the best possible outcomes for each patient. The aim of this article is to present recommendations for using a patient-centered approach to rapidly provide optimal pharmacological treatment to patients with major depressive disorder. Offering major depressive disorder treatment determined by individual patient characteristics (e.g., predominant symptoms, medical history, comorbidities), patient preferences and expectations, and, critically, their own definition of wellness provides the best opportunity for full functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many primary care physicians are wary about using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Factors such as comorbidities, concomitant medications, and alcohol misuse increase concerns over bleeding risk, especially in elderly and frail patients with AF. This article discusses strategies to minimize the risk of major bleeding events in patients with AF who may benefit from oral anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention. The potential benefits of the DOACs compared with vitamin K antagonists, in terms of a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage, are discussed, together with the identification of reversible risk factors for bleeding and correct dose selection of the DOACs based on a patient's characteristics and concomitant medications. Current bleeding management strategies, including the new reversal agents for the DOACs and the prevention of bleeding during preoperative anticoagulation treatment, in addition to health care resource use associated with anticoagulation treatment and bleeding, are also discussed. Implementing a structured approach at an individual patient level will minimize the overall risk of bleeding and should increase physician confidence in using the DOACs for stroke prevention in their patients with nonvalvular AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Incidental pulmonary nodules (IPN) are common radiologic findings, yet management of IPNs is inconsistent across Canada. This study aims to improve IPN management based on multidisciplinary expert consensus and provides recommendations to overcome patient and system-level barriers. Methods: A modified Delphi consensus technique was conducted. Multidisciplinary experts with extensive experience in lung nodule management in Canada were recruited to participate in the panel. A survey was administered in 3 rounds, using a 5-point Likert scale to determine the level of agreement (1 = extremely agree, 5 = extremely disagree). Results: Eleven experts agreed to participate in the panel; 10 completed all 3 rounds. Consensus was achieved for 183/217 (84.3%) statements. Panellists agreed that radiology reports should include a standardized summary of findings and follow-up recommendations for all nodule sizes (ie, <6, 6-8, and >8 mm). There was strong consensus regarding the importance of an automated system for patient follow-up and that leadership support for organizational change at the administrative level is of utmost importance in improving IPN management. There was no consensus on the need for standardized national referral pathways, development of new guidelines, or establishing a uniform picture archiving and communication system. Conclusion: Canadian IPN experts agree that improved IPN management should include standardized radiology reporting of IPNs, standardized and automated follow-up of patients with IPNs, guideline adherence and implementation, and leadership support for organizational change. Future research should focus on the implementation and long-term effectiveness of these recommendations in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide family physicians with an up-to-date, practical overview of the diagnosis and management of overactive bladder (OAB) alone or with bladder outlet obstruction., Main Message: OAB is urinary urgency with or without incontinence, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia, in the absence of urinary tract infection and can affect both men and women. Men often have co-existing OAB associated with bladder outlet obstruction, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. OAB can interfere with sleep, social activities, and sexual encounters, and it increases the risk of falls., Conclusion: Many patients with OAB seek initial evaluation and treatment from their family physicians. Optimal management of OAB by family physicians will improve patients' quality of life. More severe cases or 'red flags' uncovered while making the diagnosis, might warrant referral to a urologist.