A costing and health-related quality of life study of high intensity focused ultrasound in primary treatment of localized low or intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian men. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel approach for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Little is known, however, about its costs.

Long-Term Trends in Access to Dental Care in Canada.

Objectives: Although routine dental care is essential for both oral and overall health, in Canada, access to such care is uneven. Those with low or medium income and no workplace dental coverage often face financial barriers in accessing dental care. However, the factors that affect access - income, employer-provided health benefits and public dental care subsidy programs - have changed over the decades.

The impact of proposed price regulations on new patented medicine launches in Canada: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB), the agency that regulates the prices of patented medicines in Canada, published proposed amendments to the regulatory framework in December 2017. Because of a series of changes and delays, the revised policy has not yet been finalized. We sought to evaluate the potential early impact of the uncertainty about the PMPRB policy on patented-medicine launches.

The appointment-based model in community pharmacies: Patient demographics and reimbursable clinical services uptake in Ontario.

Background: Community pharmacies typically require patients to request medication refills. The appointment-based model (ABM) is a proactive approach that synchronizes refills and schedules patient-pharmacist appointments. These appointments provide opportunities for medication reviews, medication optimization and health promotion services.

The impact of changing the reference countries on the list prices for patented medicines in Canada: A policy analysis.

Background: Canada's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) uses external and internal reference pricing (IRP) to regulate patented drug list prices. PMPRB has changed external reference countries from 7 to 11 to include countries with prices closer to the OECD median. We examined the impact on the list prices for patented medicines had the amendment been implemented from 2013.