Dr. Kelly Luu
May 23, 2018
The power of storytelling in clinical encounters
Evidence shows that the strategy which physicians frequently employ, educating and training, is only the first step in the process of behavioural change. By helping patients shift their narratives about themselves, we can strengthen their ability to have sustained behavioural change. read more...
Dr. Andrew Howard, Tyler Schwaiger, Dr. Noah Silverberg, and Dr. Will Panenka
May 2, 2018
Concussion management: time to give “brain rest” a rest
Rest might increase symptoms and recovery time following concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. Inactivity has been associated with physical deconditioning, social isolation, discouragement about recovery, and reactive anxiety and depression. Early mobilization and graded exercise programs can reduce post-concussive symptoms and recovery time. read more...
Dr. Vanessa Brcic and Dr. Devon Christie
April 18, 2018
Trauma as a determinant of health
What changed our practice was a fundamental recognition of trauma as a determinant of health, and furthermore, that PTSD is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to trauma. Much lies under the surface for our patients. read more...
Dr. Leslie Sadownik
April 4, 2018
Practice Tip: “SAIL” through a vulvovaginal examination
Women with chronic vulvar disorders will often report years of symptoms before an accurate diagnosis is made, and effective treatment is started. read more...
The practice of mindfulness
Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention to the unfolding of experience moment by moment. This paying attention is done on purpose, in the present moment, and it’s non-judgmental. read more...
Dr. Duncan Etches
February 21, 2018
Guidelines
In summary, in place of pattern or algorithm driven medicine, clinical experience and ability to determine what is best for our patient lies at the heart of the art of medicine. read more...
Dr. Laura Sauvé
February 7, 2018
Adverse events following immunizations (AEFI)
Vaccines are safe, but sometimes adverse events following immunizations do happen, and can be very concerning to families. If your patient has an AEFI, there is a voluntary reporting system. Public Health Officers in your local Health Authority will be able to answer most questions or concerns. read more...
Ruth Elwood Martin
January 23, 2018
Guidelines for working with formerly incarcerated people
To address the issue of health care discrimination and coordination of care people with incarceration history, the CCPHE has collaboratively developed Guidelines for Family Physicians working with Formerly Incarcerated People. read more...
Doson Chua, PharmD, FCSHP, BCPS(AQ) and Dr. Mustafa Toma
January 10, 2018
Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): Sacubiltril/Valsartan and the PARADIGM HF Trial
Sacubitril/valsartan is the first in class of ARNI and has proven its superiority in reducing mortality and morbidity in HFrEF as compared to the use of ACEI. Sacubitril/valsartan should be considered in patients who are symptomatic despite optimal or maximally tolerated guideline-driven HF therapies consisting of a beta blocker, ACEI/ARB and MRA. Monitoring of patients on sacubitril/valsartan is similar to ACEI. read more...
Dr. Steve Wong
December 14, 2017
Letter from the editor
It's hard to believe that this is our 7th year at This Changed My Practice. Thanks for being part of our TCMP family. On behalf of all of us at This Changed My Practice, I wish all of you a happy, healthy holiday season! read more...
Dr. David Topps
November 29, 2017
Managing your passwords
Ever been frustrated by the number of passwords you have to keep track of in your daily life as a professional? At one time, you might have only a few – some simple ones for unimportant sites, some stronger ones and perhaps a really good one for your most important data. read more...
By Dr. Christy Sutherland and Emily Wagner
November 15, 2017
Managing opioid use disorder: buprenorphine/naloxone opioid agonist treatment
I no longer offer rapid methadone tapers to my patients. Buprenorphine/naloxone is now recommended as the first-line opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder in British Columbia. This is because of its superior safety profile when compared with methadone as well as an easier transition to take home dosing. read more...
Dr. Roberto Leon
November 1, 2017
Indications and value of self-administered vaginal swabs for STIs and vaginitis
I came across a publication in the British Medical Journal by Sarah A. Schoeman: Assessment of best single sample for finding chlamydia in women with and without symptoms: a diagnostic test study. Participants took a vaginal swab before a routine gynecological exam, and clinicians then took an endocervical swab during examination. read more...
Dr. Jennifer Robinson
October 18, 2017
MOVE an injury not RICE
MOVE an injury: Movement, not rest. Options: offer other options for cross training. Vary rehabilitation with strength, balance and agility drills. Ease back to activity early for emotional strength. read more...
Dr. Eileen Murray
October 3, 2017
Whether or not to use systemic corticosteroids to treat a skin disease
When I started out in dermatology, corticosteroids were the only systemic drug available to treat patients with severe allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), atopic dermatitis (AD), drug reactions and those with bullous diseases. Corticosteroids are potent and excellent immunosuppressive agents. The main problem with systemic use is the high risk of drug interactions, as well as multiple serious acute and long-term side effects. read more...
Dr. Taryl Felhaber
September 20, 2017
The risks of worklessness
Why should physicians encourage early and ultimate return to work whenever they can? In a nutshell, because it is usually in the patient’s best interest to remain in the workforce. read more...
Dr. Jennifer Grant
September 6, 2017
Evaluation of penicillin allergy
Recent data show that up to 90% of patients with a reported penicillin allergy are mislabelled and of those who are allergic, many beta-lactams can still be safely prescribed due to low risk of cross-reactivity. Mislabelling of penicillin allergy is due to many things including misdiagnosis (confusing a viral exanthema for allergy), purer formulations of antibiotics, loss of allergy and differences in side-chain structure. read more...
Drs. Christopher Cheung and Kenneth Gin
August 9, 2017
Management of Perioperative Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Perioperative management of anticoagulation is challenging as physicians must consider the risks of stroke, systemic embolism, and perioperative bleeding. read more...
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