What's HealthcareQuarterly.com all about.

What's HealthcarePolicy.net all about.

What's Longwoods.com about? Here's one way to look at it.

Medtronic: Advanced Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Now Available in Canada

Medtronic Launches Activa(R) DBS Devices in Canada to Treat Disabling Motor Symptoms and Allow Tailored Programming BRAMPTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 16, 2010) - Editors Note: There are 2 photos associated with this Press Release. Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) announces the market launch of Activa(R) RC (Rechargeable Cell) and Activa(R) PC (Primary Cell) neurostimulators, the most innovative deep brain stimulation therapy (DBS) to help patients with neurodegenerative disorders to control their symptoms. The first Canadian implantation of the new device took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia by Dr. Ivar Mendez, Head of the Division of Neurosurgery, and his team. Activa RC and Activa PC are the next generation devices added to Medtronic's DBS therapy portfolio. The Activa RC and Activa PC offers innovative new programming tools, smaller size neurostimulators and a rechargeable neurostimulator lasting up to nine (9) years between battery replacement surgery. The new patient programmer will enable patients the freedom to choose different programs to suit their diverse activities. As a result, patients suffering from involuntary movements caused by conditions like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and primary dystonia can now have more control of disabling motor symptoms. Patients are able to adjust their therapy within the parameters chosen by their physician, allowing increased movement control. Patients will also benefit from greater comfort because the new devices are up to 50 percent smaller in size than previous versions. "The new DBS device allows patients to recharge the batteries of their device without the need of a surgical intervention. This new system is likely to have a significant beneficial impact on patients that require high levels of energy to control their symptoms," said Dr. Mendez. "These types of technological advances improve our ability to treat our patients and provide them with longer and sustained relief." Over 233,000(1)(2) patients in Canada suffer from neurodegenerative disorders which can cause disability and impaired functioning.(3)(4) Medtronic DBS therapy brings powerful, long-term improvements to motor functions and quality of life in patients with primary dystonia(5) and essential tremor(6) and is the most efficacious therapy to enhance quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease.(7) Medtronic DBS therapy is fully reversible and has a favourable safety profile.(8) In addition to patient benefits, the use of Medtronic DBS therapy has also been shown to provide major savings to our healthcare system. For instance, by reducing the medication required by patients with Parkinson's disease following DBS, and minimising the need for follow up visits for patients with dystonia once optimal therapeutic settings have been determined, research has shown significant savings in cost and time.(9) About DBS Through mild electrical stimulation, DBS therapy blocks signals within the brain that are responsible for debilitating motor symptoms, such as stiffness, slowness of movement and shaking. These electrical pulses are delivered through the extension and lead to symptom-specific brain areas called globus pallidus internus (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN) or ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (Vim). With Activa RC, patients can recharge their stimulator in the comfort of their home with a wearable charging system that connects to the neurostimulator, ensuring maximum recharging while the patient goes about their daily activities, and use a patient programmer to monitor when the battery requires charging. For the first time these devices also store records related to the benefits or side effects associated with various programming parameters which will allow programming to be easily and carefully optimized over time based on individual patient response. About Medtronic Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com) (NYSE:MDT), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. About Medtronic of Canada Ltd. Medtronic of Canada sells, services, and distributes Medtronic products in Canada: medical devices used in cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, spinal and neurosurgery, and ear, nose and throat surgery. Medtronic of Canada employs over 420 Canadians, it is headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, has an Operations Centre in Mississauga and regional offices in Vancouver and Montreal and an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation catheter manufacturing facility - Medtronic CryoCath - in the Montreal metropolitan area. About the Queen Elizabeth II Health Centre Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the QEII is the largest adult academic health sciences centre in Atlantic Canada. If you need to be referred for specialized care, and you're an adult from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick, you will likely come to the QEII. Working closely with health care providers in the community, other local hospitals and health care education programs, the QEII also provides general hospital services for the residents of Capital Health. Louis ED, Ottman R, Hauser WA. How common is the most common adult movement disorder? Estimates the prevalence of essential tremor throughout the world. Mov Disord 1988;13:803-808.     1.  Parkinson Society Canada www.parkinson.ca/atf/cf/%7B9ebd08a9-7886-4b2d-     a1c4-a131e7096bf8%7D/Research%20Highlights%202008%20-%20En.pdf. Accessed     November 24, 2009. 2.  Bain PG, Findley LJ, Thompson PD, Gresty MA, Rothwell JC, Harding AE, et     al. "A study of hereditary essential tremor." Brain 1994; 117:805-824. 3.  Zesiewicz, TA et al. Practice Parameter: Therapies for essential tremor.     American Academy of Neurology. June 2005. 4.  Vidailhet M, Vercueil L, Houeto JL, Krystkowiak P, Lagrange C, et al.     Bilateral, pallidal, deep-brain stimulation in primary generalised     dystonia: a prospective 3 year follow-up study. Lancet Neurol. 2007; 6:     223-229. 5.  Rehncrona S et al. Long-term efficacy of thalamic deep brain stimulation     for tremor: double blind assessments. Mov Disord. 2003; 18: 163-170 6.  Martinez-Martin P, Deuschl G. Effect of medical and surgical     interventions on health-related quality of life in Parkinson's disease.     Mov Disord. 2007; 22(6): 757-765. 7.  Voges et al, Thirty days complication rate following surgery performed     for Deep Brain Stimulation. Mov Disorders 2007; 22(10):1486-9. 8.  Fraix V et al. Clinical and economic results of bilateral subthalamic     nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol Neurosug     Psychiatry. 2006; 77(4):443-9. To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20100216-Activa_RC_2LG.jpg. http://www.marketwire.com/library/20100216-ActivaManLG.jpg.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Medtronic, Inc. Melicent Lavers Sailly PR & Communications (905) 460-3653 Melicent.lavers@medtronic.com www.medtronic.com INDUSTRY: Medical and Healthcare - Hospitals, Facilities and Providers, Medical and Healthcare - Healthcare, Medical and Healthcare - Medical Devices

Royal College calls for federal investments to support stable, specialty workforce to meet growing health demands

Ottawa, November 3, 2009 - The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is calling on the federal government to make investments in human capital, research and electronic health records to support Canada's recovery from recession.

"Canada needs a stable, seamless and responsive health care system to ensure that its workers and citizens remain healthy so our economy can keep moving toward recovery," Dr. Andrew Padmos, Royal College CEO, told members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance on November 2 during pre-budget hearings.

A responsive health care system includes access to quality, diagnostic services in pathology and laboratory medicine; a focus on public health and pandemic preparedness; investments in chronic disease management; and the provision of services to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal Peoples.

Stable, high performing and sufficient specialty medical workforce is needed

"In 2008, the Health Council of Canada warned of health workforce burnout and continued public frustration with wait times, and the Standing Committee on Health said that Canada may be on the brink of a health human resources crisis. We appeal to the federal government to honour its 2008 election commitment to invest in new residency spots in teaching hospitals, which are desperately needed," said Danielle Fréchette, Director of Health Policy and Governance Support for the Royal College.

Research is fundamental to good health

"The Royal College shares concerns with citizens and Canadians that cuts to Canada's three granting councils are compromising Canada's ability to recruit and retain leading physiicans, scholars and scientists, whose discoveries help to ensure evidence-based quality care. Research investments have tangible benefits to our economy," stated Dr. Padmos.

Electronic medical records (EMR) are needed to maximize patient safety and service delivery efficiency.

"Specialty medicine is dependent on the exchange of patient data between all health practitioners. Canada lags behind other countries in the adoption of EMRs. There is need to ensure that we accelerate EMRs in order to maximize patient safety and the efficiency of our services," observed Mrs. Fréchette.

"While the economy has recently been top of mind, health care remains an urgent priority for many Canadians. Federal leadership is important to maintaining the high quality standards of patient care, to upholding equitable and timely access to health care services and ensuring patient safety," Dr. Padmos concluded.

The Royal College pre-budget brief is available at: rcpsc.medical.org/publicpolicy/brief_hoc_august09_e.pdf. For More Information Contact :
Karen McCarthy
Director, Communications and External Relations
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Telephone: (613) 260-4178
kmccarthy@royalcollege.ca

Canadian nursing organizations are recognized for their contribution to nursing excellence at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)

Toronto, November 3, 2009 - Canadian nursing organizations are recognized for their contribution to nursing excellence at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) biennial conference in Indianapolis.The Practice Academe Innovation Collaboration award was presented to representatives of Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), the 21 Best Practice Spotlight organizations (BPSOs) and the joint RNAO/University of Ottawa (UO) Nursing Best Practice Research Unit (NBPRU). The inaugural award recognizes the significance and value of collaborative efforts between nursing practice and academia to improve the health of people internationally.

This exciting collaboration started 10 years ago when RNAO began leading the development, dissemination and evaluation of best practice guidelines (BPGs) to improve patient care.“What was once a dream is now a full fledge program serving nurses, their patients and service organizations,” said Doris Grinspun, RNAO’s executive director adding, “the association is thrilled to be recognized with such a prestigious award by STTI”.

As part of the program the NBPR Unit was established by the RNAO and the University of Ottawa to assess the impact of these guidelines on nursing practice, clinical and organizational outcomes. “Our collaboration is solid and meaningful” said NBPRU co-chair Barbara Davies adding, “together, we are advancing nursing knowledge and research in the area of best practice guidelines.” Irmajean Bajnok, director of the International Affairs and Best Practice Program stresses the importance of the BPSO’s as they are “critical partners of this collaborative. It is nurses and hospitals that bring these guidelines to life at the patient bedside. By using the guidelines they generate real impact on patient outcomes.”

To date this partnership has resulted in the development of 40 guidelines (clinical and healthy work environment), and others which are under development. They are available at no cost on the RNAO website. Many of the guidelines have been translated to French and other languages.Other implementation strategies include a network of over three thousand nurses from over 600 health care organizations who champion the implementation of best practice guidelines. The website also contains numerous toolkits, e-learning modules and PDA versions of the guidelines which are accessible to nurses from around the world.

The 21 BPSO’s are located in Ontario and include, Hôpital Charles LeMoyne, Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Niagara Health System, Royal Victoria Hospital, Saint Elizabeth Health Care University Health Network, VON Canada,West Park Healthcare Centre, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Community Care Access Centre HNHB, Extendicare York, Hamilton Health Sciences, The Hospitial for Sick Children, Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre , Niagara Region Public Health Department, The Ottawa Hospital , St. Joseph's Health Care, London, St. Joseph's Health Care, Hamilton. These BPSO’s continue as active members of the RNAO/BPSO/ UofOttawa collaborative.

RNAO’s ambitious Best Practice Guidelines Program, funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, was launched in 1999 to provide the best available evidence for patient care across a wide spectrum of health-care areas. The 40 guidelines developed to date are a substantive contribution towards building excellence in Ontario’s health-care system. They are available to nurses, other health care professionals and organizations across Canada and abroad. To learn more about RNAO’s Nursing Best Guidelines Program or to view these resources, please visit www.rnao.org/bestpractices.

The NBPRU is a unique collaboration between researchers and educators at the University of Ottawa and the RNAO. The Unit strives to bring the best knowledge to nursing and healthcare to enhance practice and improve health and system outcomes. The University of Ottawa is one of the largest nursing schools in Canada with 1500 students currently registered in several programs in English and French (BScN, Post-RN, Nurse-Practitioner, MScN, PhD). The School of Nursing has a PhD program in Nursing which was launched in the fall 2004. The NBPRU will contribute to the scholarship development in all programs and will help distinguish the University of Ottawa as a leading center in nursing research in Canada. For More Information Contact :
Suriya Veerappan
Media Relations Coordinator
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario
Work phone: 416-907-7956
Cell: 647-504-4008
Toll-free: 1-800-268-7199 ext.253
sveerappan@rnao.org

CLINICARE Achieves CMS v3.0 Certification in Ontario

CALGARY, October 27, 2009 – CLINICARE Corporation, Canada’s leading provider of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Practice Management Applications (PMA), is pleased to announce that it has passed conformance testing requirements set forth by OntarioMD and is “CMS Specification 3.0 Certified” as of August 2009 for local installs to physicians in Ontario.  Eligible physicians who purchase CLINICARE may receive funding under the Physician IT Program.
 

A Clinical Management System (CMS) is a software application that combines the clinical and administrative aspects of practice management into an integrated electronic record. The CMS encompasses and manages many aspects of practice management and patient care - from appointment scheduling and billing to clinical encounter notes, medications, test results and a cumulative patient profile. Standards for CMS solutions have been developed through the Physician IT Program to ensure that the solutions adopted by physicians meet or exceed specific functionality and performance standards.[1]

According to Karim Kanji, President of CLINICARE, “Our continued commitment to the EMR market is reflected in the investments we have made in Ontario and other Provinces.  We are excited to be CMS 3.0 compliant and look forward to expanding upon our very successful client base in the Province moving forward”

CLINICARE has already established itself as a national leader in providing electronic health solutions based around its EMR software, interface development, and is at the forefront of electronic prescription deployment.  CLINICARE will be working with OntarioMD on an ongoing basis to provide the functionality needed to participate in initiatives that may be considered in the future such as MOHLTC General Requirements (additional Chronic Disease Management Programs, Allied Health Professional Access and Reporting, Family Health Team Program delivery evaluations, E-Prescribing etc.), eHealth System Interfaces (OMD Hospital Report and other standardized Interfaces, Disease Registries, Drug Information Systems, Public Health Reporting Systems, Standardized Reporting Interfaces) and Client Registration for Family Practitioners as well as for Specialists.

To find out more about CLINICARE, visit us at www.clinicare.com or contact our Sales and Marketing department at 1-800-563-0579.

About CLINICARE

CLINICARE Corporation (www.clinicare.com) has specialized in software development for the ambulatory physician market since 1984.  CLINICARE is Canada’s leading provider of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Practice Management Applications (PMA).  CLINICARE’s EMR has been rated as one of the Top 3 EMRs in North America for the past 6 consecutive years by the prestigious IT consulting firm - KLAS Enterprises.  CLINICARE has also been recognized in recent years by the Canadian Health Informatics Association by being bestowed the “Company of the Year”, “Corporate Citizen of the Year” and “Healthcare Transformation of the Year” Awards.  CLINICARE is the only vendor to have received this recognition.  CLINICARE has branch offices in the United States and Canada, with its Head Office in Calgary, Alberta.

About OntarioMD

More information can be found at: https://www.ontariomd.ca

OntarioMD also has a Transition Support Program (TSP) to assist physicians in their acquisition, implementation and adoption of a CMS solution. For more information, please go to the TSP section under the CMS/EMR Services menu