More than 40,000 Ontarians were newly started on high-dose prescription opioids in 2016
TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - More than 40,000 Ontarians were newly started on high doses of prescription opioids (over 90 mg of morphine per day, or the equivalent dose of a different opioid) in 2016. This is despite evidence that those who receive prescription opioids at higher than recommended doses are several times more likely to overdose compared to those on lower doses.
In addition, according to Starting on Opioids, a new report by Health Quality Ontario, the provincial advisor on health care quality, 1.3 million people overall were started on opioids in 2016 – at any dosage. This is a slight decrease of about 25,000 new starts, or 2%, from 2013.
"At current rates of decrease, it would take Ontario more than a decade to reach the same prescribed opioid consumption rates as other economically similar countries such as Australia and the U.K.," says Dr. Joshua Tepper, President and CEO of Health Quality Ontario. "We are hopeful the intervention of initiatives currently underway in Ontario to change opioid prescribing practices will bring the rate down much faster."
The report also shows that of the 1.3 million Ontarians started on opioids at any dosage, nearly 325,000 were started with a prescription for more than 7 days. Evidence tells us that initial prescriptions for more than 7 days of opioids have been associated with a higher risk of long-term use.
Starts of opioids, as defined in the report, are prescriptions for people who have not filled an opioid prescription in at least six months.
"We encourage prescribers and patients to consider if there are non-opioid therapies that might be useful, before prescribing opioids," says Dr. Tepper. "If opioids are the best option, the current standards and guidelines encourage the lowest possible dose and a short duration."
For acute pain, a duration of 3 days or less is often recommended, according to expert opinion. And for starting on opioids for chronic pain, standards and guidelines say it's preferable not to exceed a dose of 50 mg of morphine or equivalents per day, and to initiate opioids only after other therapies have been tried.
"It should be emphasized that chronic pain is very difficult to manage. For example, patients may not be able to afford non-opioid therapies, such as physiotherapy," says Dr. Tepper. "And given the overdose crisis, which is increasingly related to non-prescription heroin and fentanyl, it is also very important for prescribers to not suddenly discontinue prescription opioids so patients don't turn to street sources."
To reduce the risk of addiction and opioid poisoning, there are some encouraging initiatives underway across the province to improve the prescribing of opioids.
In recognition of troubling trends in opioid prescribing and increasing opioid-related deaths, in 2016, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care launched a comprehensive strategy to address opioid-related harms, with a focus on modernizing opioid prescribing and monitoring, improving access to pain treatment, and enhancing addictions supports and harm reduction.
At the request of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Quality Ontario, in collaboration with patients, health care providers, caregivers, and organizations across the province, is in the final stages of developing three quality standards, that outline for clinicians and patients what high-quality care looks like. Two are about opioid prescribing for acute pain (short-term) and chronic pain (long-term), with a third outlining how to identify and treat people with opioid use disorder.
These standards of care will be put into action through coordinated efforts with a number of health care organizations who are providing customized data, tools and supports to physicians for appropriate prescribing.
Other initiatives are underway to prevent opioid addiction and overdose. To name a few, there are various hospitals designing programs to help with the post-discharge period for patients who have had major surgery to better manage their pain, and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario produced a guideline for the province's dentists and dental specialists. And, Ontario is expanding Rapid Access Clinics across the province to help people with hip, knee and lower back pain access the right treatment faster, including non-opioid treatments.
To provide a personal perspective of the issues raised by the data, the Health Quality Ontario report also features stories from patients and health care professionals.
Related findings:
Canadians are the second-largest per-capita users of prescription opioids after the U.S. at over 34,000 daily doses per million in 2013-2015, according to the Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2016.
About 44,000 health care professionals in Ontario prescribed opioids in 2016.
Together, family doctors, surgeons, and dentists represented 86% of all new-start opioid prescriptions in 2016.
In 2016, 865 people in Ontario died from opioid toxicity, up from 366 in 2003. Although many deaths involved opioids that were obtained from street sources, opioid-related deaths have also been shown to be concentrated among patients who are prescribed opioids more often, according to Public Health Ontario.
Opioid related emergency department visits more than doubled to 4,427 in 2016 from 1,858 in 2003: Public Health Ontario.
Health Quality Ontario is the provincial advisor on the quality of health care. With the goal of excellent care for all Ontarians, Health Quality Ontario reports to the public on how the system is performing, develops standards for what quality care looks like, evaluates the effectiveness of health care technologies and services, and promotes quality improvement aimed at sustainable positive change. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.
SOURCE Health Quality Ontario
Donation and Transplant in Ontario Makes Headway in Last 10 Years
TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Since 2008, the number of deceased organ donors in Ontario has nearly doubled, increasing by 98 per cent.
Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN), Ontario's government agency responsible for organ and tissue donation and transplantation, released its 2017 results today and reviews its progress over the past 10 years (January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2017).
TGLN has applied a number of leading practices that have contributed to its success over the last decade, including: implementing routine notification at 69 hospital corporations, which requires hospitals to refer all potential donation cases to TGLN, and appointing 58 donation physicians that work alongside the hospitals' executive and operational staff and TGLN to ensure donation is part of quality end-of-life care.
Ontario is a leader in donation
In 2017, there were 347 deceased organ donors compared to 175 in 2008.
TGLN's leading practices have included the application of donation after circulatory death (DCD), which, in conjunction with other advanced efforts, has been a significant contributor to the growth of deceased organ donors in Ontario.
There are two types of donation after death: donation after neurological death (NDD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD). DCD is an option when a patient has a severe neurological injury, with no chance for recovery, and the decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment has been made. The first DCD case in modern Canadian history was performed in Ontario in 2006. In the last 10 years, DCD has increased by 260 per cent and today, approximately 1 in 3 organ donors are a result of DCD.
Similarly, as a result of the expansion of routine notification from 21 hospitals in 2011 to 69 hospital corporations today, the number of tissue donors has climbed considerably, growing 102 per cent from 1,061 in 2008 to 2,141 in 2017.
One tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to 75 people: eyes can restore sight; skin can help burn patients; bone can be used for joint replacements; heart valves can help patients with congenital heart disease; and tendons and ligaments can help people walk and run.
Transplant performance results give people hope
Largely due to the rise in deceased donation, the number of organ transplants in Ontario has increased by 46 per cent in the last 10 years (1,268 in 2017 compared to 867 in 2008). However, despite the increase in both donation and transplant, the need for transplant continues to outweigh the number of organs available for transplant.
"We all, as Ontarians, deserve to feel great pride in the advancements in our province's donation and transplant system," said Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO, Trillium Gift of Life Network. "More and more medical conditions are being treated by organ transplant; more and more lives are being saved; we have an internationally renowned system. But as long as there are people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, there is much more to be done. Together, with our committed hospital partners, we are continuously working to make improvements to ensure that there are no missed opportunities for donation."
A culture of donation in Ontario
In 2008, only 16 per cent of eligible Ontarians were registered. Today, 32 per cent (nearly four million Ontarians) have registered their consent to organ and tissue donation. Over the last ten years, the number of registered organ and tissue donors have grown by 126 per cent.
"Ontario's success in organ donation and transplant is only possible because of the incredible donors and their families who make the generous and difficult decision to give the gift of life," said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long Term Care. "Because of their gift, over 1,200 people were given a second chance at life in 2017. Register today at www.BeADonor.ca and give hope to the 1,500 people waiting."
Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation for transplantation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.
SOURCE Trillium Gift of Life Network
Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist enables better care for patients - right at home in eastern Ontario
OTTAWA, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - A select group of complex-care patients in eastern Ontario will be cared for using new technology right in their own homes. Today, William Charnetski, the Chief Health Innovation Strategist for Ontario (OCHIS), is kicking off the deployment of aTouchAway by Aetonix Systems, in the Arnprior Region & West Ottawa (AROW) and Upper Canada (UC) Health Links.
This project is one of 15 that received funding in the first round of Ontario's $20-million Health Technologies Fund (HTF). Administered on behalf of OCHIS by Ontario Centres of Excellence, the HTF is part of the OCHIS mandate to strengthen Ontario's health innovation ecosystem.
"The Health Technologies Fund is already having an impact in the health system because of the collaborations it has created between health service providers, health technology innovators and patients," says William Charnetski, Ontario's Chief Health Innovation Strategist. "We are finding new ways to solve our greatest challenges by harnessing the power of innovation to provide better care while creating jobs in Ontario."
The AROW and UC Health Links are partnering with both private and public organizations to deploy the innovative telehealth technology developed by Aetonix. aTouchAway is a communication platform designed for seniors and others with complex healthcare needs. It connects all of their healthcare providers and caregivers, including family members, on one secure, easy-to-use digital platform. Members of a patient's circle of care can see, speak with, assess and support the patient directly through a tablet or smartphone application. aTouchAway provides one-touch secure video conferencing and treatment / care plan information-sharing.
In Ontario, five per cent of patients account for two-thirds of all healthcare costs.1 These are most often patients with multiple, complex conditions. There are 90 Health Links across Ontario that are providing a new service delivery model focused on coordinated care planning. Care coordinators work with each patient to develop individualized care plans. When the hospital, family doctors, community organizations, informal caregivers and others work as a team, patients receive better, more coordinated care.
"Health Links have allowed me to create, and enjoy, a new life," notes one AROW Health Link client. "Everyone has been fantastic and I now have someone who looks after me where it's most comfortable – my home. My care coordinator is my ambassador."
The AROW and Upper Canada Health Links connect patients with more than 50 agencies, including hospitals, primary care teams and community service agencies. "Enhanced connectivity will significantly improve the flexibility and capacity of our Care Coordinators. They can work with the care team to address each patient's unique healthcare goals," says Cholly Boland, CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital, which is the lead partner for the Upper Canada Health Link.
"Minister Hoskins is committed to integrated, accessible care closer to home and this is a great example of what is possible. Health Links focus on the most complex and vulnerable patients and this type of coordinated care will support them right in their own homes," adds Eric Hanna, President & CEO of Arnprior Regional Health, which is a lead partner for the AROW Health Link.
The program is further enabled through financial and in-kind contributions by partners, including: Samsung Canada, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI). The Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (WIHV) is also leading the evaluation to see how effective the tool is at improving access to care for patients with complex needs. Total funding for the program is $1.2 million.
"Aetonix is so proud to be working with these health and technology partners to innovate in home healthcare and help Ontarians receive better care at home," explains Michel Paquet, CEO and Founder at Aetonix. "We are offering Ontario's Health Links a truly unique solution that will improve patient outcomes and experiences, while enabling efficiency." Based in Ottawa, Aetonix is an Ontario-born virtual home care technology company whose mission is to revolutionize how families, healthcare professionals and caregivers connect a patient's circle of care.
PARTNER VOICES
"We're pleased to be among the group of partners selected to implement the Aetonix aTouchAway solution, an innovative model that will empower health care providers to bring coordinated care into the homes of patients. As an organization committed to the development of solutions that will improve healthcare delivery for patients, we are excited to witness the positive impact this model will have on Ontarians living with chronic and complex conditions." - Richard Mole, President and CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
"Samsung is proud to partner with Aetonix on this milestone achievement in healthcare technology. Together with the Aetonix aTouchAway application, our innovative mobile solutions are keeping healthcare practitioners and patients more connected and impacting patient care across Canada." - Paul Brannen, Executive Vice President, Mobile Solutions at Samsung Canada
"WIHV is committed to finding new ways of keeping seniors and all patients with complex care needs closer to home. We're excited to evaluate the aTouchAway solution to look at the potential it has to help patients and the healthcare system overcome some of the biggest barriers to care and create better outcomes for everyone." - Dr. Sacha Bhatia, WIHV Foundation Director, The WCH Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care
Ontario gets its first Anatomage Table as CMCC enhances its anatomy program
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College integrates 3-D virtual dissection into anatomy curriculum
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) is now the first health care education institution in Ontario to enhance its learning environment with the acquisition of the Anatomage Table, an advanced digital anatomy visualization system. The table, one of only four in Canada – is a life-sized virtual dissection table preloaded with male and female digital bodies in addition to 300 pathology cases built on animal and human models and will become an integral part CMCC's foundational anatomy program that includes cadaver work and a minimum of 329 hours of study within the 4,200-hour Doctor of Chiropractic program.
The Anatomage Table 5 will be integrated into the full curriculum beginning this fall. It includes three full body cadavers completely annotated and dissectible using special digital tools. It makes use of high quality graphics and flexibility of display, while touch screen manipulation of the models allows the user to remove select layers of tissue to highlight specific systems and allows for repeated dissection and rotation of the body. A pen tool allows an instructor to make further annotations and highlight areas, while the images can be projected onto a screen and saved onto a USB drive.
"It's a powerful clinical tool," says Dr. David Wickes, President of CMCC. "It doesn't diminish the importance of cadavers for understanding the nuances of the human body or the ability to view real tissues in 3D, but with its technical capabilities, serves to augment traditional dissection and is extremely versatile for our students and instructors, allowing integration with microanatomy, histology X-ray, CT and MRI images."
"From an educational perspective, this is an exciting technology in line with adult learning principles that will provide another viewpoint in the study of anatomy," says Dr. Scott Dunham, Director of Curriculum and Faculty Development," It has the potential for expansion into other areas of study, such as diagnostic imaging."
CMCC is one of 10 institutes of higher learning in Ontario with its own cadaver lab, which it has maintained since it opened in 1945. The anatomy program remains a vital part of the chiropractic program in ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the body and its intricate systems.
CMCC's body donation program is provincially controlled by the Chief Coroner's Office and regulated by the Anatomy Act of Ontario.
About CMCC
The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College is recognized for creating leaders in spinal health. With graduates practicing in 37 countries and faculty who are leaders in their fields, CMCC delivers world class chiropractic education, research, and patient care. The campus features modern teaching and laboratory space, including new simulation and biomechanics laboratories, and is extended across Toronto through its network of community based interprofessional clinics. CMCC offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. For more information, visit www.cmcc.ca or follow us on Twitter and Facebook and Linkedin.
SOURCE Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Experiences reflect unique DNA of Ontario travel destinations
Stratford, Bayfield and Elora & Fergus think outside the box to engage visitors
STRATFORD, Ont. (June 23, 2017) – Picture rappelling down a sheer rock wall to get to your table for a delicious dinner served on a beach beside a gorgeous winding river.
How about taking in a one-of-a-kind concert from world-class musicians playing a bell about the size of a transport truck that replicates the sound of a carillon?
Or maybe you’re the artsy type and want to get inspired by a stunning landscape — how about painting a sunset from a breathtaking perch on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron?
These are just a few of the incredible experiences visitors can enjoy this summer while exploring the tourism hotspot of southwestern Ontario, whether it’s on a day-trip from the Greater Toronto Area or a longer family vacation.
The communities of Stratford, Bayfield and Elora & Fergus have joined with the region’s tourism organization — RTO4 — as well as their local tourism partners to develop more than two dozen new activities designed to engage travellers and highlight the special qualities and attractions that make each of the three destinations unique.
“Today’s visitors are seeking out unique experiences that they want to share – often in real-time – with friends and family,” says David Peacock, RTO4 Chief Executive Officer. “The new experiences supported by the animation fund highlight each community’s unique assets and invite the visitor to participate in telling the story.”
Stratford, picturesque home to the world-renowned Stratford Festival, is hosting 15 new events and activities that capture its growing reputation as a cultural resort town. A small sample of the experiences include:
The Stratford Summer Music Carillon, organized by Stratford Summer Music. World-class carillon performers will play 14 free concerts from Aug. 5-13 on a massive musical bell.
Ladies of the CNR, a full-length play presented by the Stratford Perth Museum and Martingale Vintage. The play will be performed at city hall from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, featuring an interactive photobooth and newly curated CN exhibit.
Food for Thought Festival, hosted in collaboration by the Stratford Chefs’ School and the Stratford Writers Festival, Oct. 27-29. The festival creates literary and culinary experiences where food is matched to an author’s readings. There will also be workshops, such as how to write a cookbook and the art of food photography.
About an hour’s drive from the GTA, tourism operators in Elora & Fergus have created several experiences to celebrate the town’s heritage and idyllic natural setting. Among them are:
River is Calling, an experience hosted by the Elora Centre for the Arts that celebrates the natural beauty of the Grand River through two exhibits during June, July and August, a paddle painting workshop and will end with a collaboration with Riverfest which will see Brad Coppingcarry his mosaic canoe to the Grand River where he will paddle it, take it out of the water and suspend it above the Riverfest stage for an evening concert on Aug. 19.
Twilight at Templin Gardens, a free musical event at the historical Templin Gardens on Wednesday evenings through July and August, featuring a live musical performance with local artists performing and storytelling about their lives in Elora and Fergus. The finale of the evening will be a Piper piping down the sun on the candle lit Templin Garden Stairs built in 1920.
Festival Faire, a free family-friendly event to be held on July 8. The new event celebrates Canada's 150th anniversary, showcasing Elora and Fergus’ festivals and events, natural beauty, rich heritage, rural foundations, artists, artisans, entertainers, merchants, and local food and drink.
On the sandy shores of Lake Huron, about an hour’s drive of Stratford, visitors can discover the beautiful beach town of Bayfield. Several new activities developed this summer showcase the trendy town’s artistic side, as well as its incredible waterfront setting and marine heritage. Among them are:
Paint the Sunset, a way to celebrate the creativity of Bayfield, as well as its world-class sunsets, this experience will offer five activations throughout the summer providing the supplies and instructions for people to paint their own sunset keepsake. Four of the events will be painting on panels or rocks, and the fifth will be edible cookie painting.
Try #SUPRUNYOGA, a unique one-day event focusing on trying new activities, connecting to nature and growing a sense of a connected shoreline community. This event will also include local food vendors, product market and an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest stand-up paddleboard yoga session.
Projects in all three communities were developed through RTO4’s Destination Animation Fund. The initiative offers business operators matching funds to create new or enhanced tourism offerings that showcase the destination’s agreed-upon core DNA. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences through social networks.
The initiative was first launched in 2016, providing $30,000 in matching funds for 10 projects in Stratford. Based on the success of its inaugural run, RTO4 and its tourism partners doubled the size of the fund to $60,000 in 2017 and expanded it to more communities to create experiences that reach an even wider audience. More information is available at www.animationfund.ca
About RTO4:
RTO4, one of 13 regional tourism offices established by the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport in the province of Ontario, provides leadership and support to a flourishing tourism economy in Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington. RTO4 has been called the “petri dish of tourism development in North America” by the Canadian Tourism Commission, specifically because of its innovative, analytical and non-traditional approach to growing tourism and economic development.
Experiences reflect unique DNA of Ontario travel destinations
Stratford, Bayfield and Elora & Fergus think outside the box to engage visitors
STRATFORD, Ont. (June 12, 2017) – Picture rappelling down a sheer rock wall to get to your table for a delicious dinner served on a beach beside a gorgeous winding river.
How about taking in a one-of-a-kind concert from world-class musicians playing a bell about the size of a transport truck that replicates the sound of a carillon?
Or maybe you’re the artsy type and want to get inspired by a stunning landscape — how about painting a sunset from a breathtaking perch on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron?
These are just a few of the incredible experiences visitors can enjoy this summer while exploring the tourism hotspot of southwestern Ontario, whether it’s on a day-trip from the Greater Toronto Area or a longer family vacation.
The communities of Stratford, Bayfield and Elora & Fergus have joined with the region’s tourism organization — RTO4 — as well as their local tourism partners to develop more than two dozen new activities designed to engage travellers and highlight the special qualities and attractions that make each of the three destinations unique.
“Today’s visitors are seeking out unique experiences that they want to share – often in real-time – with friends and family,” says David Peacock, RTO4 Chief Executive Officer. “The new experiences supported by the animation fund highlight each community’s unique assets and invite the visitor to participate in telling the story.”
Stratford, picturesque home to the world-renowned Stratford Festival, is hosting 15 new events and activities that capture its growing reputation as a cultural resort town. A small sample of the experiences include:
The Stratford Summer Music Carillon, organized by Stratford Summer Music. World-class carillon performers will play 14 free concerts from Aug. 5-13 on a massive musical bell.
Ladies of the CNR, a full-length play presented by the Stratford Perth Museum and Martingale Vintage. The play will be performed at city hall from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, featuring an interactive photobooth and newly curated CN exhibit.
Food for Thought Festival, hosted in collaboration by the Stratford Chefs’ School and the Stratford Writers Festival, Oct. 27-29. The festival creates literary and culinary experiences where food is matched to an author’s readings. There will also be workshops, such as how to write a cookbook and the art of food photography.
About an hour’s drive from the GTA, tourism operators in Elora & Fergus have created several experiences to celebrate the town’s heritage and idyllic natural setting. Among them are:
River is Calling, an experience hosted by the Elora Centre for the Arts that celebrates the natural beauty of the Grand River through two exhibits during June, July and August, a paddle painting workshop and will end with a collaboration with Riverfest which will see Brad Coppingcarry his mosaic canoe to the Grand River where he will paddle it, take it out of the water and suspend it above the Riverfest stage for an evening concert on Aug. 19.
Twilight at Templin Gardens, a free musical event at the historical Templin Gardens on Wednesday evenings through July and August, featuring a live musical performance with local artists performing and storytelling about their lives in Elora and Fergus. The finale of the evening will be a Piper piping down the sun on the candle lit Templin Garden Stairs built in 1920.
Festival Faire, a free family-friendly event to be held on July 8. The new event celebrates Canada's 150th anniversary, showcasing Elora and Fergus’ festivals and events, natural beauty, rich heritage, rural foundations, artists, artisans, entertainers, merchants, and local food and drink.
On the sandy shores of Lake Huron, about an hour’s drive of Stratford, visitors can discover the beautiful beach town of Bayfield. Several new activities developed this summer showcase the trendy town’s artistic side, as well as its incredible waterfront setting and marine heritage. Among them are:
Paint the Sunset, a way to celebrate the creativity of Bayfield, as well as its world-class sunsets, this experience will offer five activations throughout the summer providing the supplies and instructions for people to paint their own sunset keepsake. Four of the events will be painting on panels or rocks, and the fifth will be edible cookie painting.
Try #SUPRUNYOGA, a unique one-day event focusing on trying new activities, connecting to nature and growing a sense of a connected shoreline community. This event will also include local food vendors, product market and an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest stand-up paddleboard yoga session.
Projects in all three communities were developed through RTO4’s Destination Animation Fund. The initiative offers business operators matching funds to create new or enhanced tourism offerings that showcase the destination’s agreed-upon core DNA. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences through social networks.
The initiative was first launched in 2016, providing $30,000 in matching funds for 10 projects in Stratford. Based on the success of its inaugural run, RTO4 and its tourism partners doubled the size of the fund to $60,000 in 2017 and expanded it to more communities to create experiences that reach an even wider audience. More information is available at www.animationfund.ca
About RTO4:
RTO4, one of 13 regional tourism offices established by the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport in the province of Ontario, provides leadership and support to a flourishing tourism economy in Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington. RTO4 has been called the “petri dish of tourism development in North America” by the Canadian Tourism Commission, specifically because of its innovative, analytical and non-traditional approach to growing tourism and economic development.
Organ donation in Ontario increased by 30% in 2016
Trillium Gift of Life Network is proud to announce a third consecutive record year for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Ontario. In 2016, deceased organ donation increased by 30 per cent, leading to more lives saved.
Last year (January 1 – December 31, 2016) 351 deceased organ donors and 256 living organ donors gave the gift of life to a record 1,302 transplant recipients. More families than ever before consented to organ donation, with a 40 per cent increase over 2015, marking a growing trend in families to choose donation for their loved one. Nearly 2,400 tissue donors enhanced the lives of thousands through the gift of eyes, bone, skin, and heart valves. In the past decade (2007 – 2016), tissue donation has increased by 161 per cent in Ontario.
Trillium Gift of Life Network has applied a number of internationally-accepted best practices over the past several years, leading to the increase in donation and transplantation. Highlights include:
implementing routine notification at 70 designated hospitals, requiring hospitals to refer all potential donation cases to Trillium Gift of Life Network;
appointing 58 donation physicians that work in-hospital to educate hospital staff about donation and facilitate implementation of donation policies;
providing ongoing training to organ and tissue donation coordinators who care for families throughout the donation process; and
increasing organ and tissue donor registration rates across Ontario communities.
"As we celebrate the successes of Ontario's donation and transplantation system let us remember the heroic donors and compassionate families who shared the gift of life," said Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO of Trillium Gift of Life Network.
"Ontario remains committed to working with the Trillium Gift of Life Network to ensure that we increase the number of life-saving transplants and reduce wait times for patients requiring transplants. We have made great progress, and today more Ontarians are registered donors than ever before, but there is still more that we can do. We must continue to discuss the importance of organ donation in Ontario and encourage donors to discuss their wishes with their families and formally register at www.BeADonor.ca," said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long Term Care.
In 2016, nearly 285,000 people joined the growing list of 3.7 million Ontarians who continue to offer hope to the 1,500 patients waiting for an organ transplant by registering their consent for donation. Currently, 30 per cent of eligible Ontarians have registered their decision to donate.
Trillium Gift of Life Network is a not-for-profit agency of the Government of Ontario responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating and supporting organ and tissue donation for transplantation across Ontario and improving the system so that more lives can be saved.
SOURCE Trillium Gift of Life Network
Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls on Government to implement a Health Cabinet with oversight for provincial health-related spending
Managing innovation requires cross-functional action from government
Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the report, Care in Our Control: Managing Innovation in Ontario's Multi-Payer Health Care System. The report examines why Ontario struggles to capture value for money spent, particularly on health innovations like pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The report recommends a new approach to this challenge by calling on the provincial government to create a Health Cabinet, to break down silos between Ministries in order to improve the way Ontario is investing in health care.
As medical devices and pharmaceuticals become more sophisticated, patient quality of life has the opportunity to greatly improve. However, government continues to struggle to afford new innovations that are entering the market with increasing rapidity. In order to adopt innovation while ensuring the province's system is fiscally sustainable, the government must better understand the value that innovation can bring across the system, to other public services, and to the health and wellness of Ontarians.
"Innovation is not being materialized. Across Canada, there are over 4,000 new medical devices licensed every year and not enough of them are getting to Ontario patients," said Allan O'Dette, President and CEO of the OCC. "Government needs to reform how the value of innovation is being assessed so that the lowest cost option is not the default, in doing so, we're not putting patients first."
Effectively integrating innovative treatments into the current health care system requires collaborative budget decision-making, and an understanding that spending in one area could result in savings in another. In Ontario, being able to measure the value of health care spending in this way means breaking down budget "silos" that exist between government Ministries. Currently, the system lacks structures that allow for the value of innovative treatments to be considered across multiple budgets.
"The formation of a Health Cabinet would help individual ministries understand how decisions within the health care system can impact other public services, and vice versa," added O'Dette. "Ontario is a source of great health innovation, and having a conduit between the ministries responsible for health, social services, research, and economic development would improve our ability to use those innovations for the benefit of all Ontarians.
The OCC's report argues that a Health Cabinet should also facilitate improved public/private relationships by including stakeholders from industry, research and academia. This would help government take advantage of the knowledge and capacity of experts in the health sector while creating a forum for collaboration and partnership across government Ministries that is dedicated to improving patient outcomes, including a specific focus on the challenges of our aging population.
SOURCE Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Wait times down in emergency, but still long for some patients
Population growth and aging strain capacity of Ontario's emergency departments
TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - People are seeing doctors more quickly when they arrive in Ontario's emergency departments (EDs) and overall their visits are shorter. This is despite an ever-increasing flow of patients who are becoming collectively older and sicker. Most Ontario residents are also satisfied with the care they receive in emergency.
But emergency departments are under a great deal of pressure. While progress has been made in overall performance, an emergency department could be strained by a bad flu season, or if a hospital nearby has to temporarily close its emergency department.
Those are the findings of Under Pressure: Emergency Department Performance in Ontario, a report released today by Health Quality Ontario, the provincial advisor on health care quality.
The good news includes a 10% drop over the last seven years in the maximum amount of time nine out of 10 patients spent in the ED – to 7.8 hours from 8.7 hours. There was also more than a 16% decrease in the maximum amount of time nine out of 10 patients waited in the emergency department to see a doctor – to 3 hours from 3.6.
However, the data also show that urban residents spend longer in the emergency department and wait longer to see a doctor in emergency than people living in rural areas. As well, many of the sickest patients in the province – those who need to be admitted to hospital – have to wait a long time in the emergency department for a bed in an inpatient ward. This is often because patients who should be receiving more appropriate care in other settings such as long term care remain in hospital. This is called alternate level of care and can impact the ability of hospital to move patients from the EDs to an inpatient ward.
"Patients may spend hours and sometimes even days lying on stretchers in emergency examination rooms or hallways," said Dr. Joshua Tepper, President and CEO of Health Quality Ontario.
Overcrowding can lead to poor quality of care, increased distress, illness and mortality among patients, and increased risk of medical errors by overworked staff. Under Pressure finds these stressors and others are likely to continue to affect emergency departments for many years to come as the province's population both grows in size and ages overall.
The report shows growth in emergency department visits is outpacing population growth. Over the past seven years, the number of annual visits to Ontario's emergency departments increased 13.4% – more than double the 6.2% increase in the province's population.
Patients are also sicker overall. Visits by more seriously ill or "high-acuity" patients who were not admitted to hospital increased by 44.1%, and visits by patients who were admitted rose 17.5%.
Some of this increase in patient acuity can be attributed to a rise in visits by older patients, who tend to require more complex care. There was a 29.1% increase in visits by people aged 65 and over.
The report also outlines some of the programs and strategies that have been implemented to relieve the pressure on emergency departments in the province. These include the Emergency Room Wait Time Strategylaunched in 2008, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Patients First action plan, and Health Quality Ontario's Emergency Department Return Visit Quality Program.
"Even with the demographic challenges the province is facing, the concerted efforts made by government, hospitals and others to improve the performance of Ontario's emergency departments have brought many positive changes," said Dr. Tepper. "But it's clear that much work still needs to be done to make emergency departments work better for all patients."
OTHER KEY REPORT FINDINGS:
More emergency visits are meeting overall provincial targets for length of stay and wait to see a doctor. Between 2008/09 and 2014/15:
The proportion of visits completed within the four-hour target for non-admitted low-acuity patients increased to 89.9% from 84.6%, and the proportion of visits completed within the eight-hour target for high-acuity patients and admitted patients taken together as a group rose to 85.7% from 79.8%
The majority of people in Ontario appear to be satisfied with the emergency care they receive. In a 2014/15 patient experience survey:
72.6% of respondents reported receiving excellent, very good or good care, with the other 27.4% rating their care as fair or poor
Some admitted patients spend a long time in emergency. In 2014/15:
The maximum amount of time nine out of 10 admitted patients spent in emergency – was 29.4 hours
Some patients who are more seriously ill wait longer to see a doctor than less seriously ill patients. In 2014/15:
The maximum amount of time nine out 10 patients waited in emergency to see a doctor was 3.1 hours for admitted patients and 3.2 hours for high-acuity discharged patients, compared to 2.7 hours for low-acuity discharged patients
Urban residents spend more time in emergency and wait longer to see a doctor. In 2014/15:
The maximum amount of time nine out of 10 urban residents spent in emergency was 8.3 hours, compared to 5.6 hours for rural residents
The maximum amount of time nine out of 10 urban residents waited in emergency to see a doctor was 3.1 hours overall for all acuity levels, and 2.6 hours for rural residents
Many patients visit the emergency department for less serious health issues. In 2013:
47% of adult Ontarians reported going to emergency for a condition they thought could have been treated by their primary care provider, if that doctor, nurse practitioner or other provider had been available. This rate was higher for Ontario than for its socioeconomically similar international counterparts, with Switzerland coming in at 36% and France lowest at 24%.
Health Quality Ontario (HQO) is the provincial advisor on the quality of health care. HQO reports to the public on the quality of the health care system, evaluates the effectiveness of new health care technologies and services, and supports quality improvement throughout the system. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.
In its annual review of Ontario's health system, Health Quality Ontario reveals a new perspective on quality care for all
Alicia Bell - Fitness Trainer with exercise band.
Health Quality Ontario is offering those who live in the province the broadest portrayal of quality health care, to date.
In this 10th publication, the yearly report offers those who work within the health system and those who use it the most comprehensive overview of two key matters: Measuring Up 2016 looks at both how the health system is performing, and also looks at the health of those living in Ontario.
"To broaden the lens on health care quality, Health Quality Ontario worked with experts and patients across the system to incorporate new areas to monitor and measure," says President and CEO, Dr. Joshua Tepper. "The significance of this latest report lies in this newfound perspective. Areas in need of attention emerge clearly, allowing the system to better focus its efforts."
A new chapter on palliative care, as an example, reveals one such area in need as the population ages: Nearly two-thirds of those who received palliative care died in hospital despite the fact most would prefer to die at home. This is indicative of a larger issue involving available and appropriate care at home or elsewhere in the community.
Applying a broader health equity lens to many areas throughout the report – another new addition – has, too, allowed for a fuller picture of quality care in the province. Health equity can be understood as all people being able to reach their full health potential – meaning some will need more help than others. It's not the equal dividing of resources so that everyone gets the same; rather, it's an approach whereby factors like income, race, language, geographic location, and disability don't impede health.
This report, however, reveals gaps in equitable care, and therefore, gaps in a key aspect of health care quality: People who live in the north west region of the province do not have the same access to care than those living in the GTA; people who've been hospitalized for a mental illness or addiction continue to struggle disproportionately with transitioning from one part of the system to another; people who live in poor neighbourhoods are much less likely to have prescription medication insurance - the same is true for people with low levels of education and those who've recently immigrated.
"With these areas under the spotlight, there is reason to be hopeful," adds Dr. Tepper. "Health Quality Ontario finds an unmistakable trend as it tracks progress. This annual review finds a relationship between health quality and concerted efforts, often including a combination of policy changes and public health interventions."
A notable example can be found in population health: Smoking rates have decreased significantly in recent years. This is due in part to combined efforts involving changes in policy, changes in regulations, and public health interventions. Other examples include cancer care, cardiac health, and emergency department care.
While certain areas are showing results because of concerted efforts, those in need of similar attention are now starting to be enabled by the Ministry and subsequently implemented by the health system.
Quick facts:
From Measuring Up 2016: Key areas in need of attention:
Smooth out the transitions: Ontario can do better as patients transition from one place of care to another.
a. Less than one-third (30.2%) of patients hospitalized for a mental illness or addiction saw a doctor within seven days after discharge in 2014/15. This rate has not changed in the past five years.
b. Nearly two-thirds (62.7%) of patients who received palliative care had an unplanned emergency department visit in their last month of life. Although some unplanned visits may be unavoidable and appropriate, this can be a sign that people are not receiving enough supports at home or elsewhere in the community.
Improve access to care: People in Ontario still lack timely access to their regular primary care provider.
a. Ontario continues to lag behind, in terms of patients getting timely access to primary care, when compared to other developed countries. In 2015, less than half (43.6%) of people aged 16 or older were able to get appointments with their primary care provider (or another primary care provider in their office) the same day or next day when they were sick or had a health concern. This remains unchanged over two years and is the worst rate compared with people in 10 other Commonwealth countries.1
b. In 2014/15, 85% of the adult complex home care patients (aged 19 and older) who received personal support service received it within the five-day target, however there was substantial variation between regions. The aim is that all these patients receive the service within target.
Reduce inequities: While Ontario's overall numbers look good in many areas, we continue to see unacceptable variation by geography and population groups.
a. Less than one-quarter (23.8%) of adults in the north west region of the province (covering the district of Thunder Bay over to the Manitoba border) were able to see their primary care provider on the same day or next day when they were sick, compared with more than half (53.0%) of adults in the central west region (covering the Greater Toronto Area).
b. Nearly nine out of 10 (85.7%) people aged 12 to 64 living in the richest neighbourhoods had prescription medication insurance, compared with fewer than six out of 10 (56.0%) people living in the poorest neighbourhoods. The ability to afford medication is an important aspect of care, especially among people with multiple chronic conditions.
About Measuring Up:
Measuring Up centres on a set of performance measures called the Common Quality Agenda, as a barometer for two things: The performance of Ontario's health care system, and the health of those who live in Ontario.
Based on these performance measures, work is underway in many parts of the health system to improve care and outcomes, in addition to how to better measure them. For example, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Patients First action plan is initiating changes to the system to address the key areas of primary care and home care.
Health Quality Ontario (HQO) is the provincial advisor on the quality of health care. HQO reports to the public on the quality of the health care system, evaluates the effectiveness of new health care technologies and services, and supports quality improvement throughout the system. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.
1 Health Quality Ontario. Measuring Up 2015: A yearly report on how Ontario's health system is performing. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario; 2015.
Image with caption: "2016 marks the 10-year anniversary of Health Quality Ontario’s yearly report on the performance of Ontario’s health system and offers the broadest portrayal of health care quality to date. (CNW Group/Health Quality Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161013_C4697_PHOTO_EN_794561.jpg
SOURCE Health Quality Ontario
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