Be Aware Health Care | May 21st, 2024

Calling For Resignation | Discovery in Female-Led Surgery

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We looked at 10 research studies that explore if female-led surgeries lead to better outcomes so you don’t have to.

A recent study (full study here) by ICES, Sunnybrook, and the University of Toronto unveiled a promising trend: hospitals with over 35% female anesthesiologists and surgeons experienced a 3% lower risk of postoperative complications within three months. This hints at the potential benefits of fostering gender diversity in surgical teams, calling for deliberate actions in recruitment and retention strategies.

While the question remains nuanced, our exploration of 10 additional studies paints a compelling picture. A resounding 70% of these studies assert that female-led surgeries indeed yield better post-operative outcomes. Spanning from 2017 to 2023, these findings underscore a growing body of evidence supporting the impact of gender diversity in healthcare.

While definitive answers elude us, it's evident that researchers are onto something significant. By championing diverse care teams, we may uncover not only improved outcomes but also the underlying mechanisms driving these advancements.

Male and Female Surgeon Standing over Survey Meter revealing 70% saying Yes and 30% Saying no

In this week’s email of last week’s news:

Ontario News

  1. NDP Calls for Health Minister's Resignation

  2. Significant Healthcare Worker Shortages by 2032

  3. $22 Million More For Primary Care Access

  4. U of T: Entrepreneur Program to Incentivize Medical Innovations

Canada as a Whole

  1. The Final Option: First Procedure of its kind in Canada

  2. B.C. | Mandate Declared Justified

  3. Sustainable Healthcare: Professionals Lead the Charge Against Waste

Ontario News

NDP Calls for Health Minister's Resignation 

Arms protesting calling for resignation

Ontario's NDP is calling for a shake-up in the province's healthcare leadership, demanding Premier Doug Ford to remove Health Minister Sylvia Jones. The move comes after Jones downplayed concerns about the recruitment and retention of family doctors, sparking criticism from opposition Leader Marit Stiles. Amidst negotiations with the Ontario Medical Association, Jones' remarks stirred controversy, with calls for greater accountability and a fresh approach to healthcare management. As the debate unfolds, public dissatisfaction mounts, highlighting the urgency for improved healthcare workforce strategies.

Significant Healthcare Worker Shortages by 2032

Ontario faces a pressing need for healthcare professionals, with government projections revealing staggering shortfalls. A recent Freedom of Information request uncovered the necessity for an additional 33,200 nurses and 50,853 personal support workers (PSWs) by 2032. However, the government initially withheld these projections, citing potential harm to economic interests. Critics argue that financial concerns shouldn't overshadow patient care, urging reforms for greater transparency in accessing critical information. Despite recent recruitment efforts, the province grapples with growing shortages that threaten healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

$22 Million More For Primary Care Access

Ontario is injecting nearly $22 million into bolstering primary care access for over 73,000 residents in Eastern Ontario. This investment, part of a broader $110 million initiative, aims to connect 328,000 residents across the province to primary care teams. With a focus on mental health, addiction, chronic disease management, and vulnerable populations, the initiative seeks to alleviate emergency room pressures and achieve near-universal primary care connection statewide, enhancing overall healthcare accessibility.

U of T: Entrepreneur Program to Incentivize Medical Innovations

The University of Toronto, alongside key healthcare partners, is launching an Entrepreneur-In-Residence program to propel medical technology and regenerative medicine innovations into the market. Backed by a $300,000 grant, the program aims to bridge academic research with commercialization, fostering high-impact projects that address clinical needs. Leveraging expertise from seasoned entrepreneurs, the initiative seeks to amplify U of T's entrepreneurship ecosystem, driving economic and clinical impacts locally and globally.

Canada as a Whole

The Final Option: First Procedure of its kind in Canada

Thea Turcotte, from the Ottawa area, is pioneering a groundbreaking phage (virus) therapy for a treatment-resistant infection post hip-replacement surgeries. After enduring multiple surgeries and ineffective antibiotics, Dr. Marisa Azad administered phage therapy, leveraging viruses to combat bacteria. The therapy, provided by Cytophage, yielded promising results, offering hope for patients grappling with treatment-resistant joint infections. This personalized medicine approach marks a significant breakthrough in addressing complex infections.

B.C. | Mandate Declared Justified

The B.C. Supreme Court upholds the province's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, citing significant risk posed by the virus. Justice Simon Coval deemed the mandate justified based on scientific evidence, despite objections from unvaccinated workers. Approximately 1,800 workers faced job loss due to non-compliance. However, Coval suggested revisiting the mandate's applicability for remote and administrative workers. The decision underscores the imperative to safeguard vulnerable patients in healthcare settings amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Sustainable Healthcare: Professionals Lead the Charge Against Waste

Healthcare professionals join forces with Choosing Wisely Canada to curb waste, including single-use plastics and medical supplies. The initiative encourages doctors to avoid unnecessary prescriptions, embrace virtual appointments, and opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Hospitals are also embracing sustainability efforts, with initiatives like Richmond General Hospital's eco-friendly meal programs. Balancing patient care with environmental responsibility, these endeavors aim to foster a healthier future for both patients and the planet.