CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Practice Guideline Guideline
Periodic health examination, 1996 update: 1. Prenatal screening for and diagnosis of Down syndrome. Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination.
To make recommendations to physicians providing prenatal care on (1) whether prenatal screening for and diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS) is advisable and (2) alternative screening and diagnosis manoeuvres. ⋯ These guidelines were developed and endorsed by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination, which is funded by Health Canada and the National Health Research and Development Program.
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To examine the effect of the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on patterns of practice (number of cholecystectomy procedures, case-mix and length of hospital stay) and patient outcomes in Ontario. ⋯ LC has had a substantial effect on the number of cholecystectomy procedures performed, the type of patient having the gallbladder removed and the length of hospital stay. Death rates are unchanged, but the odds of readmission and in-hospital complications are both increased. Future research should be directed toward determining the reasons for the overall increase in rates, developing methods to reduce bile duct injuries and identifying other relevant outcomes, such as patient satisfaction with the procedure.
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The Fraser Institute, a conservative think tank based in Vancouver, has called for the establishment of a parallel private health care sector to relieve pressure on the public system, encourage the development of medical technology, stimulate the economy and create jobs. The proposal includes establishment of competition by separating the roles of purchaser and provider of health care, and the creation of a medical premium account for each Canadian that would be funded by government but apportioned by the patient.
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In 1994 the Ontario government passed one of the world's toughest packages of antitobacco legislation. The Tobacco Control Act places restrictions on who can sell tobacco products, provides for severe penalties for retailers who sell to minors, bans smoking in many public places and severely restricts the use of designated smoking areas in others. The province has had antismoking legislation before, but enforcement was lax; this time enforcement of the law, particularly as it concerns retailers who sell to minors, has been given priority Brenda Gibson asks if these tough new measures are working.