Improving meaningful activity and meaningful engagement for residents in long-term care settings.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, restrictions were placed on social contacts and group activities in long-term care settings. Evidence has suggested that social isolation can lead to the onset of health issues including depression and cognitive decline in older people. This article details a quality improvement project undertaken by the managers of nine long-term care settings in Northern Ireland that aimed to enhance meaningful activity and meaningful engagement for residents following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Clinical and public safety risks associated with cannabis legalization and frequency of cannabis use among forensic mental health patients.

Background: There are ongoing concerns regarding the impact of Canada's cannabis legalization and commercialization on vulnerable persons such as those with serious forms of mental illness, including persons with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and users of forensic mental health services. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential harms and mental health-related impacts associated with cannabis legalization on a sample of forensic patients in Ontario (N = 187).

Methods: Using a pseudo-prospective design, we investigated the frequency of cannabis use over a four-year period encompassing two years preceding and two years following the legislative change.

Cultural safety in paramedic practice: experiences of Māori and their whānau who have received acute pre-hospital care for cardiac symptoms from paramedics.

Background Cardiovascular disease is a major health issue for Māori that requires timely and effective first-response care. Māori report culturally unsafe experiences in health care, resulting in poor health outcomes. Research in the pre-hospital context is lacking.