Injury patterns and outcomes associated with elderly trauma victims in Kingston, Ontario.

Objective: To characterize the common injuries incurred by elderly trauma victims and to identify the most frequent complications and outcomes.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective descriptive chart review of 125 consecutive patients who were over age 65 years and who were admitted to an academic hospital in Kingston, Ontario, over a 3-year period with an injury severity score (ISS) > 12. Complete data about the mechanism of injury (MOI), age, date, sex, specific injury, principal and secondary diagnoses, comorbid conditions, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay and discharge disposition were recorded for 99 of these patients.

Dissemination of the Canadian clinical practice guidelines for nutrition support: results of a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of active to passive dissemination of the Canadian clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for nutrition support for the mechanically ventilated critically ill adult patient.

Design: A cluster-randomized trial with a cross-sectional outcome assessment at baseline and 12 months later.

Setting: Intensive care units in Canada.

Do medical students have the knowledge needed to maximize organ donation rates?

Introduction: The chronic shortage of organs for donation could be improved by increasing the numbers of potential and actual donors. Physicians can play a key role in solving this problem but may miss opportunities because they lack knowledge about organ donation to answer questions or concerns. Education of physicians early in their careers may lead to better procurement rates for donor organs.