CMA’s Forum on General and Family Practice Issues and College of Family Physicians of Canada -Canadi
Red flags include, but are not limited to, severe or progressive neurological deficits or when serious underlying conditions such as osteomyelitis are suspected. Imaging of the lower spine before six weeks does not improve outcomes.
Canadian Society of Internal Medicine -Canadian Medical Association - University of Toronto
Routine preoperative tests for low risk surgeries results in unnecessary delays, potential distress for patients and significant cost for the health care system. Numerous studies and guidelines outline lack of evidence for benefit in routine preoperative testing (e.g., chest X-ray, echocardiogram) in low risk surgical patients. Economic analyses suggest significant potential cost savings from implementation of guidelines.
Canadian Society of Internal Medicine -Canadian Medical Association - University of Toronto
Repetitive inpatient blood testing occurs frequently and is associated with adverse consequences for the hospitalized patient such as iatrogenic anemia, and pain. A Canadian study showed significant hemoglobin reductions as a result of phlebotomy. Given that anemia in hospital patients is associated with increased length of stay, readmission rates and transfusion requirements, reducing unnecessary testing may improve outcomes. Studies support the safe reduction of repetitive laboratory testing ...
Canadian Society of Internal Medicine -Canadian Medical Association - University of Toronto
Indications for blood transfusion depend on clinical assessment and are also guided by the etiology of the anemia. No single laboratory measurement or physiologic parameter can predict the need for blood transfusion. Transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in high-risk hospitalized inpatients. Adverse events range from mild to severe, including allergic reactions, acute hemolytic reactions, anaphylaxis, transfusion related acute lung injury, transfusion associated ...
Canadian Society of Internal Medicine -Canadian Medical Association - University of Toronto
Use of urinary catheters without an acceptable indication of use increases the likelihood of infection leading to greater morbidity and health care costs. Catheter-associated bacteriuria often leads to inappropriate antimicrobial use and secondary complications including emergence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms and infection with clostridium difficile. A previous study showed that physicians are often unaware of urinary catheterization among their patients. Use of urinary catheters has ...