Briefcase

The British Medical Journal explores transparency in its look at making information about clinical trials publicly available; the effects of rising food prices on improving the world’s supply of food; whistleblowers – where are they now; and a report on Barack Obama’s focus on abstract principles rather than detail which has delayed the vote on US healthcare.

Available in the Cochrane Library is the result of a systematic review that details the effects of exercise training on the global well-being and physical capacity of individuals with Fibromyalgia.

People with arthritis, their families, friends and the general public are invited to attend the Roundtable On Arthritis Research. Current research is provided by Arthritis Research Centre of Canada scientists and discussed by patients, the experts who live with the disease.

COMPASS is a guide to the evolving Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS). It aims to inform the public and update members of Canada’s research community on the Panel’s progress and the evolution of the TCPS. The Agencies (CIHR, NSERC,SSHRC) invite nominations of potential members, with knowledge of or experience in the ethics of research involving humans, to serve on the Panel on Research Ethics. The closing date for nominations is September 18, 2009.

Have you participated in an interview about a personal topic or issue? CAPA members who have participated in a face-to-face interview in 2006, 2007, or 2008 are invited to share their experience with Michele McIntosh, a graduate student in Nursing at the University of Alberta. Michele is studying what it is like for people to participate in research interviews. Download Invitation

Ignorance about rheumatoid arthritis astonishes UK NRAS chief executive Findings from a poll commissioned by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) on the eve of the launch of their Year of RA campaign reveals “alarming ignorance about RA and its symptoms.”

Home Care in Canada: From the Margins to the Mainstream The Canadian Healthcare Association explores the home care landscape in Canada with the purpose of broadening awareness, stimulating debate and promoting action. The brief makes evidence-informed recommendations to move home care from the margins to the mainstream of the health system.

Health Canada is asking for your opinion Health Canada is inviting all stakeholders to participate in an evaluation of Phase I of the Summary Basis of Decision (SBD) initiative. An SBD document outlines the scientific and benefit/risk-based considerations that factor into Health Canada’s decision to grant market authorization for a drug or medical device. Add your voice to the discussion.

The University of Ottawa’s Cochrane Centre offers Canadians free access to health information Canadians with access to the Internet are now able to view the full content of The Cochrane Library, an online resource that provides the best evaluations on health treatments.

Registered Disability Savings Plan
The federal government is offering a first of its kind Registered Disability Savings Plan to assist families in planning for long-term financial security. In-depth information about the RDSP is available at 1-800-O-Canada or on-line at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The deadline for contributing to the RDSP for 2008 is March 2, 2009.

Alcohol in moderation may keep disabilities at bay
Researchers at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine told that light to moderate consumption of alcohol may help prevent the development of physical disabilities that can cause problems such as walking, dressing and grooming. The researchers say, “Light to moderate drinkers in good health had a lower risk for developing new disabilities compared with both abstainers and heavy drinkers."

Federal health minister commits support to Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network
CAPA applauds the federal government decision to continue its support for the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network. The DSEN strives to improve knowledge about the real world safety and effectiveness of drugs.

Cochrane review recommends that beta-blockers should not be used as the first-line of defense in treating patients with high blood pressure. Cochrane Relay - Volume #5.

What does it take to go above and beyond? That question was worth up to $5,000 in scholarship funding for students living with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and epilepsy.

All Canadians with arthritis know that September is Arthritis Awareness Month, but did you know there is also a designated World Arthritis Day?

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Conference: Crossing the Bridge to Knowledge and Sharing is coming to Charlottetown, PEI on October 26-29, 2008. For program and registration information click here.

Registration and programme details for the 17th International Congress on Palliative Care, September 23-26, 2008 at the Palais des Congrès in Montréal, Quebec, is now available on the Congress web site at www.pal2008.com. The Congress provides an opportunity to review and share the latest developments in research as well as perspectives on end-of-life care from different cultures, spiritual traditions, and professions.

Relay Cochrane - Volume 4 - lists the top five Cochrane reviews accessed by Canadians in 2007. Are you wondering what they were? Cochrane Relay - Volume #4