ICES issues news releases regularly to proactively share our latest evidence-based knowledge. Our news releases highlight research by our scientists and show how their work is improving the health of Ontarians. Our news releases also illustrate the accomplishments of our scientists and offers insight into what is happening at ICES and our sites.
For media-related inquires or to be added to our media list, please contact our media advisor.
Toronto |
Pre-surgery exam rates vary widely among hospitals; research suggests some patients get unnecessary exams, others not enough
Hospitals vary greatly in the number of patients who see an internal medicine specialist before major non-cardiac surgery, with rates ranging from five per cent of patients to 90 per cent.
Abstract
Toronto |
Angioplasty or bypass surgery? It really depends on the hospital: study
In patients with two or three blocked arteries, the choice between angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery varies significantly across Ontario.
Abstract
Toronto |
Study finds serious reactions to MMR vaccine uncommon
The MMR vaccine has been used extensively in children and has been demonstrated to be safe and highly effective in preventing disease.
Abstract
Toronto |
Harmful painkiller prescriptions seen among methadone patients
A new study has shown harmful prescription patterns of powerful painkillers among a substantial number of Ontario patients who received methadone therapy to treat their opioid addiction.
Abstract
Toronto |
Combination of medications increases at-fault crash risk for elderly drivers
Older drivers are at increased risk of having an at-fault motor vehicle crash (MVC) while combining antidepressants with another psychotropic medication, new research has found.
Abstract
Toronto |
Women face greater health risks as they age
A significant proportion of the “oldest old,” that is adults over 80 years of age, is and will continue to be women.
Report
Toronto |
ICES part of national network evaluating drug safety
ICES is part of a national initiative that will provide crucial information on the effectiveness and safety of new drugs that come onto the market in Canada.
Toronto |
Nearly half of Ontario seniors do not see dentists regularly: study
Forty-five per cent of Ontarians 65 years and older did not see a dentist in the last year, increasing their risk of chronic diseases and a reduced quality of life.
POWER Study
Toronto |
More than 1 in 10 immigrant women develop gestational diabetes
New research done at ICES shows gestational diabetes mellitus is more common among certain non-Caucasian ethnic groups.
Abstract
Toronto |
Popular anti-inflammatory drugs raise risk of heart attack in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular risk
In patients with pre-existing heart problems certain NSAIDs significantly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
Abstract
Toronto |
One in 4 Ontarians will be diagnosed with COPD
New research done at ICES suggests that about one in four Ontarians will be diagnosed and receive medical attention for COPD during their lifetime.
Abstract
Toronto |
Prescription painkiller deaths continue to rise
Fatal overdoses from prescription opioids are increasing in many countries, this increase has occurred at the same time as a dramatic increase in opioid prescribing for chronic non-cancer pain.
Abstract
Toronto |
Stay in ICU means fewer patients likely to renew prescriptions after discharge
Patients often do not renew prescriptions for their chronic diseases after they are released from hospital. The number is even lower if the patient spent time in an ICU.
Abstract
Toronto |
Study raises doubts about value of heart ultrasound before elective surgery
A new study has found no evidence that patients who had a heart ultrasound known as an echocardiogram before major surgery had improved survival rates one month or one year after their operation.
Abstract
Toronto |
Canadian lifestyle hazardous to immigrant heart health; Chinese group worst off: ICES Study
Researchers at ICES found that immigrants who stayed in Ontario longer fare worse in terms of cardiovascular risk factor profiles than recent immigrants.
Abstract
Toronto |
ICES study vindication for immigrant drivers
New research conducted at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) shows immigrant drivers are, in fact, safer than long-term residents in the same region.
Abstract
Toronto |
First of its kind report examines stroke care for each of Ontario's 14 LHINs
ICES is releasing a first of its kind report card as part of the 2011 Stroke Evaluation report. This report examines stroke care for each of Ontario’s LHINs.
Report
Toronto |
Canada’s major ethnic groups at higher risk of developing diabetes than their white counterparts
South Asian, black, and Chinese populations develop diabetes at a higher rate, at an earlier age and at lower ranges of body mass index (BMI) than their white counterparts.
Abstract
Toronto |
Emergency department visits drop during Olympic gold medal hockey game: study
New research conducted at ICES shows fewer ED visits happen during major sports broadcasts as exemplified by last year’s Olympic gold medal hockey game.
Abstract
Toronto |
Crowded emergency rooms are dangerous to our health: ICES study
In the first study of its kind, researchers at ICES found that ED waiting times may pose a safety risk to the majority of ED patients—those who are seen and sent home.
Abstract
Toronto |
Americans nearly twice as likely as Canadians to undergo a CT scan during an ED visit: study
American patients are nearly twice as likely to undergo a CT scan during an Emergency Department (ED) visit as Canadians.
Toronto |
One in 4 new HIV infections in Ontario are among women: study
Despite significant clinical advances in HIV care, an estimated 25 per cent of new HIV infections in Ontario from 2006 to 2008 were among women.
POWER Study
Toronto |
First North American study to look at ED use by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Study found 55 per cent of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness visited the ED at least once in a 2 year period and 15.6 per cent visited at least 5 times.
Abstract
Toronto |
Less than half of patients with MS continually adhere to drug therapies for treatment: study
Adherence to all disease-modifying drugs is low in patients with multiple sclerosis, with less than half of patients continually adherent after two years.
Abstract
Toronto |
One in 25 patients experience complications after ICD implantation: ICES study
New research from ICES shows that complications occur in approximately one in every 25 ICD patients who undergo battery replacement surgery within 45 days of the operation.
Abstract
Toronto |
Prescribed opioid doses are excessive in Ontario – thousands at risk: study
A new study has found that Ontarians who were treated with high doses of opioids were almost three times more likely to die of opioid-related causes compared to those prescribed lower doses.
Abstract
Toronto |
Ontarians getting high quality of stroke care but regional variations still exist
A new stroke audit found that there have been marked improvements in the stroke care that Ontarians receive since the Ontario Stroke System was initiated by the provincial government a decade ago.
Report
Chicago |
Despite uncertain benefit, fibrates commonly used in U.S., Canada
Although recent evidence suggests that the clinical benefit may be uncertain for fibrates, use of these drugs is common in the U.S. and Canada.
Abstract
Toronto |
Painkiller prescribing varies dramatically among family physicians: study
Some physicians are prescribing opioids such as OxyContin 55 times as often as others, according to a new study.
Abstract
Toronto |
Heart attack patients with depression less likely to receive priority care in emergency rooms
Heart attack patients with a history of depression presenting at emergency departments were less likely to receive priority care than people with other conditions, found a study published in CMAJ.
Abstract
Toronto |
More than 1 in 4 babies in Ontario is delivered by C-section
Twenty-eight per cent of babies who are delivered in Ontario hospitals are born via caesarean section. That number jumps to 84 per cent if their mother has had a previous C-section.
POWER Study
Toronto |
Study links long-term use of osteoporosis drugs to unusual fractures
Women who take commonly prescribed drugs for osteoporosis known as bisphosphonates for five years or more may be at higher risk of certain kinds of fractures of their thigh bone.
Abstract
Toronto |
New online tool predicts probability of death from stroke
Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and ICES have developed a new tool that will help doctors predict the probability of death in patients after an ischemic stroke.
Abstract
Ottawa |
Local blood pressure program significantly reduces hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease
CHAP, a unique, low-cost intervention, helped to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the participating communities, through reductions in blood pressure and other important risk factors.
Abstract
Toronto |
Universal access to health care is not enough to ensure Canadians get and stay healthy
Researchers at ICES studied patients with access to Canada’s universal health care system who were initially free of cardiac disease, tracking them more than a decade.
Abstract
Toronto |
Most Ontarians have geographical access to primary and urgent care
ICES researchers found 99.6 per cent of Ontarians had geographical access to a primary care provider within 30 minutes.
Report
Toronto |
Socially disadvantaged Ontarians being prescribed opioids on an ongoing basis and at doses that far exceed Canadian guidelines
A study performed at ICES has found that Canadian guidelines for opioid therapy are not being followed for many socially disadvantaged Ontarians.
Abstract
Toronto |
Low-income children with IBD are more likely to undergo surgery than their wealthier counterparts
Children with IBD from low-income neighbourhoods are 17 per cent more likely to be hospitalized and up to 80 per cent more likely to undergo surgery for Crohn’s than their high-income counterparts.
Abstract