By Drs. Nawaaz Nathoo and Samir Nazarali on May 29, 2019
Much difficulty is faced by clinicians in identifying DES as there is no single diagnostic tool to indicate the condition. Furthermore, patient symptoms do not always correlate with clinical exam findings. Rather, when diagnosing DES, the clinician must consider the full constellation of patient history combined with various clinical findings.
By Dr. Ed Weiss on April 17, 2019
We know that the diagnosis of anal cancer in Canada is often delayed: ano-rectal symptoms such as pain and bleeding are often attributed to hemorrhoidal disease and clinicians are often hesitant to perform a digital ano-rectal examination (DARE).
By Nichole Fairbrother on March 20, 2019
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts of accidental harm to one’s infant are reported by 100% of new mothers, and unwanted, intrusive thoughts of intentionally harming one’s infant are reported by 50% of new mothers. Ask specifically about unwanted, intrusive thoughts of infant-related harm. Educate pregnant women and normalize the occurrence of the thoughts. Reassure women that, in the absence of any additional risk factors for child abuse, disclosure of these thoughts will not result in any action on the part of the care provider/physician.
By Dr. Leslie Sadownik on February 13, 2019
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic skin disorder with a remitting and relapsing clinical course. Women commonly present with severe vulvar itch and an urge to scratch the skin. The recommended treatment is a course of topical steroids. Most women will improve with treatment. However, some will report, “the steroids did not help”. Here are some practice tips to help.
By Drs. Maysam Khalfan and Kam Shojania on January 30, 2019
Patients who present with non-specific symptoms are sometimes tested with rheumatologic lab investigations as part of a ‘panel’ of tests. When these tests come back positive, it can lead to more confusion, patient anxiety, misdiagnosis or unnecessary referral.
By Andrea Holmes on January 16, 2019
Breast and prostate cancer survivors want to know what to eat to prevent cancer from coming back. HealthLink BC healthy eating resources that support successful dietary and physical activity change for prostate and breast cancer survivors are available for your patients.
By Drs. Terence Yung and Steve Ham on December 5, 2018
All postoperative troponin elevation should be treated seriously. Troponin elevation after surgery is associated with significant mortality at 30 days. Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) diagnosis is made after other causes of troponin elevation are ruled out. Up to 90% of patients with a troponin elevation postoperatively do not exhibit any symptoms, yet their outcomes are still poor.
By Dr. Diane Villanyi on October 31, 2018
Under Section 230 of the Motor Vehicle Act, in addition to physicians, registered psychologists, optometrists and nurse practitioners are obliged to report a patient who may be unfit to drive. RoadSafetyBC has a dedicated phone line for medical professionals to help with complex cases.
By Dr. Martha Spencer on September 19, 2018
Fecal incontinence (FI), defined as the involuntary passage of stool or the inability to control the expulsion of stool, is a common but under-reported condition that can affect people of all ages but has increased prevalence in older adults.
By Dr. Maia Love on July 4, 2018
Defining yourself as a person first, and your role as a professional second, has benefits in preventing burnout and creating more personal energy. Put your own oxygen mask on first.
By Dr. Kelly Luu on May 23, 2018
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.
By Dr. Andrew Howard, Tyler Schwaiger, Dr. Noah Silverberg, and Dr. Will Panenka on May 2, 2018
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.
By Dr. Leslie Sadownik on April 4, 2018
Women with chronic vulvar disorders will often report years of symptoms before an accurate diagnosis is made, and effective treatment is started.
By Dr. Laura Sauvé on February 7, 2018
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.
By Ruth Elwood Martin on January 23, 2018
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.
By Drs. Terence Yung and Erin Morley on March 22, 2017
Physicians who see patients for preoperative assessment often face the dilemma of accurately determining a patients’ cardiac risk. Patients may have limited mobility and thus do not necessarily elicit cardiac symptoms even if there is significant flow-limiting coronary artery disease.
By Dr. Alissa Wright on January 25, 2017
Canadians travel a lot and are increasingly traveling to more exotic and remote destinations. Unfortunately, travel does carry certain risks with respect to infection. Post-travel assessment of a febrile patient must be comprehensive, but completed in a timely manner so that patients get the care they need.
By Dr. Heather Leitch on November 8, 2016
The MDS Clear Path algorithm is an internet-based interactive tool that was developed to support health care providers in the workup, diagnosis and management of MDS. The Clear Path was developed by a group of 60 Canadian hematologists with an interest in MDS.
By Dr. Karen Buhler on October 12, 2016
In BC women are receiving maternity care from fewer providers. To assist practitioners Perinatal Services BC created the Primary Maternity Pathway and the Vancouver Division of Family Practice in 2014 developed a 2-page Early Prenatal Care Summary Checklist for Primary Care.
By Julianne Yeager on September 14, 2016
If you employ people, you should have professionally drafted and implemented employment contracts. The time and cost of having contracts drafted and implemented are minor, in comparison to the time and cost of dealing with a wrongfully dismissed employee and their lawyer.
By Dr. Shelina Babul and Hadley Pearce on August 24, 2016
Concussions are the most common form of brain injury in British Columbia, yet they are often under reported due to lack of awareness and education among the general public. The Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) is a free online resource dedicated to providing resources and training to help increase the recognition, treatment and management of concussions.
By Drs. Neda Amiri and Kam Shojania on March 30, 2016
Despite being one of the most common forms of arthritis afflicting adults, optimal care of patients with gout including treatment of acute attacks as well as long-term management is not always achieved.
By Kishore Mulpuri on January 20, 2016
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a spectrum of hip joint abnormalities ranging from mild dysplasia to severe, frank dislocations. Left untreated, DDH can lead to serious complications later in life including osteoarthritis of the hip and total hip replacement.
By Sue Barlow, OT and Jennifer Loffree, OT on December 2, 2015
The statistics regarding recovery from concussion indicate that the majority of individuals will be symptom-free at 3 months; within 6 months 70-75% will be symptom free; and within a year 10% will have 1 persisting symptom and 5% will have 4 or more persisting symptoms
Recent Comments