Access to primary care and other health care use among western Canadians with chronic conditions: a population-based survey.

Background: For adults with chronic conditions, access to primary care, including multidisciplinary care, is associated with better outcomes. Few studies have assessed barriers to such care. We sought to describe barriers to primary care, including care from allied health professionals, for adults with chronic conditions.

Knowledge translation for nephrologists: strategies for improving the identification of patients with proteinuria.

For health scientists, knowledge translation refers to the process of facilitating uptake of knowledge into clinical practice or decision making. Since high-quality clinical research that is not applied cannot improve outcomes, knowledge translation is critical for realizing the value and potential for all types of health research. Knowledge translation is particularly relevant for areas within health care where gaps in care are known to exist, which is the case for some areas of management for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including assessment of proteinuria.

Development of a clinical practice guideline for palliative sedation.

Palliative sedation is an effective symptom control strategy for patients who suffer from intractable symptoms at the end of life. Evidence suggests that the use of this practice varies considerably. In order to minimize variation in the practice of palliative sedation within our health region, we developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the use of palliative sedation.

Oncologists and family physicians. Using a standardized letter to improve communication.

Problem Being Addressed: Communication between oncologists at a regional cancer centre and family physicians caring for palliative cancer patients in the community was ineffective.

Objective Of Program: To improve communication between oncologists and family physicians by routine use of a template for dictated letters concerning follow-up care.

Program Description: A consultation letter template was constructed and tested at a single clinic.