Deploying Artificial Intelligence for Thoracic Imaging Around the World.

Purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI) thoracic imaging applications are increasingly being deployed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Radiologists have a critical gatekeeping role to ensure the effective and ethical implementation of AI solutions. RAD-AID International uses a three-pronged implementation strategy to overcome challenges pervasive in LMICs.

Evaluation of the fentanyl patch-for-patch program in Ontario, Canada.

Background: Rising use of prescription opioids is a major public health concern associated with increased risk of mortality worldwide. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid available in patch form, is particularly concerning given its high potency. To curb the misuse and diversion of fentanyl patches, a Patch-for-Patch (P4P) program was implemented in some counties in Ontario between 2012 and 2015.

Impact of a Graduated Approach on Opioid Initiation and Loss of Earnings Following Workplace Injury: A Time Series Analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB's) graduated approach to opioid management on opioid prescribing and disability claim duration.

Methods: We studied patterns of opioid use and disability claim duration among Ontarians who received benefits through the WSIB between 2002 and 2013. We used interventional time series analysis to assess the impact of the WSIB graduated formulary on these trends.

First-line medications for alcohol use disorders among public drug plan beneficiaries in Ontario.

Objective: To examine use of first-line alcohol use disorder (AUD) medications (naltrexone and acamprosate) among public drug plan beneficiaries in the year following an AUD diagnosis.

Design: Retrospective population-based cohort study.

Setting: Ontario.

Impact of Unrestricted Access to Pregabalin on the Use of Opioids and Other CNS-Active Medications: A Cross-Sectional Time Series Analysis.

Objective: Access to pregabalin via Ontario's public drug insurance program was expanded to an unrestricted model on April 1, 2013, from a prior authorization model. This study aims to identify the effect of expanded access on the rate of pregabalin use by publicly insured persons and to assess the characteristics of new patients initiating pregabalin following this expanded access.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional time series analysis using the linked health administrative records of residents of Ontario, Canada, with public drug coverage who were dispensed a prescription for pregabalin between April 1, 2006, and December 31, 2014.

High-Dose Opioid Prescribing and Opioid-Related Hospitalization: A Population-Based Study.

Aims: To examine the impact of national clinical practice guidelines and provincial drug policy interventions on prevalence of high-dose opioid prescribing and rates of hospitalization for opioid toxicity.

Design: Interventional time-series analysis.

Setting: Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2014.

The Characteristics of Treated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients in Ontario.

Background. There are no Canadian prevalence studies on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to date. We described the characteristics of treated PAH patients and the healthcare utilization and costs associated with PAH in a population of public drug plan beneficiaries in Ontario, Canada.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels: Evaluating the Impact of a Policy of Quantity Limits on Test-Strip Use and Costs.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of new quantity limits for blood glucose test strips (BGTS) in August 2013 on utilization patterns and costs in the elderly population of Ontario, Canada.

Methods: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional time series analysis of all individuals 65 years of age and older who received publically funded BGTSs between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2015, in Ontario, Canada. The number of BGTSs dispensed and the associated costs were measured for 4 diabetes therapy subgroups-insulin, hypoglycemia-inducing oral agents, non-hypoglycemia-inducing oral agents, and no drug therapy-each month during the study period.

Impact of legislation and a prescription monitoring program on the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions for monitored drugs in Ontario: a time series analysis.

Background: The increased use of opioid analgesics, sedative hypnotics and stimulants, coupled with the associated risks of overdose have raised concerns around the inappropriate prescribing of these monitored drugs. We assessed the impact of new legislation, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, and a centralized Narcotics Monitoring System (implemented November 2011 and May 2012, respectively), on the dispensing of prescriptions suggestive of misuse.

Methods: We conducted a time series analysis of publicly funded prescriptions for opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants dispensed monthly in Ontario from January 2007 to May 2013, based on information in the Ontario Public Drug Benefit Database.

Statins and the risk of herpes zoster: a population-based cohort study.

Background: Statins are widely used lipid-lowering drugs with immunomodulatory properties that may favor reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus infection. However, whether statins increase the risk of herpes zoster is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of Ontario residents aged ≥ 66 years between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 2010 to examine the association between statin use and incidence of herpes zoster.

Backing up the stories: The psychological and social costs of chronic low-back pain.

Background: Chronic low-back pain is a widespread condition whose significance is overlooked. Previous studies have analyzed and evaluated the medical costs and physical symptoms of chronic low-back pain; however, few have looked beyond these factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate the personal and psychosocial costs of chronic low-back pain.