An epidemiologically-based needs assessment for stroke services.

Stroke is amenable to the entire spectrum of health services, ranging from prevention of its risk factors, to the treatment of acute stroke and rehabilitation and palliation of stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the number of persons with the capacity to benefit from evidence-based effective stroke services. Population-based survey and registry data along with published, evidence-based recommendations for services were used to determine the number of persons in Eastern Ontario with stroke (including risk factors, acute stroke and chronic stroke) and their related need for services (including prevention programs, diagnostic services, treatment of acute stroke and rehabilitation).

Simulation modeling of change to breast cancer detection age eligibility recommendations in Ontario, 2002-2021.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the development and use of a decision support tool based on simulation modeling of breast cancer screening to evaluate the implications for the provision of health services and the economic impact of extending routine radiographic screening for breast cancer to women in the 40-49 age group between 2002 and 2021.

Methods: The main method was computer simulation with a Markov model that used published estimates of population size by age group, breast cancer prevalence and incidence, screening program participation rate, sensitivity and specificity of the screening test and diagnostic test, stage transition probabilities, directed diagnosis rates and costs.

Findings: The model predicted that changes to age eligibility requirements would result in the detection of an additional 6610 women with breast cancer in Ontario requiring treatment, at an additional cost of 795 Canadian per case.

Economic burden of agricultural machinery injuries in Ontario, 1985 to 1996.

Context: Agricultural injuries are an important and understudied category of occupational injuries.

Purpose: This study estimated the economic burden of agricultural machinery injuries that occurred in Ontario, Canada's largest province, between 1985 and 1996.

Methods: Conventional methodology for estimating economic burden, as embodied in a computer program previously developed for this purpose, was applied to hospitalized, nonhospitalized, and fatal agricultural machinery injuries.

A randomized trial of two public health nurse follow-up programs after early obstetrical discharge: an examination of breastfeeding rates, maternal confidence and utilization and costs of health services.

Objectives: To determine whether the outcomes of routine home visiting by public health nurses (PHN) after early obstetrical discharge differ from those of a screening telephone call designed to identify mothers who need further intervention.

Methods: Primiparas delivering a singleton infant and eligible for postpartum follow-up were randomized to a home visit or screening telephone call. Data were collected by telephone from 733 participants located at two tertiary care centres in Ontario.