The outcome of IHE initiatives is providing better information for developing health policy and best medical practices. IHE disseminates information in many ways. In addition to publications in peer-reviewed journals, IHE produces books and a variety of reports synthesizing information in a particular field.
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| Stefanie Tan, Julie Farmer, Monika Roerig, Sara Allin
Internationally and across Canada, governments have explored varied approaches to reforming the governance and financing of primary care with the aim of improving access, efficiency, effectiveness, and patient experiences in the health system. This rapid review prepared for the Institute of Health Economics by the North American Observatory on Health Systems and Policies presents…
| John Sproule, Ken Bond, Lindsey Warkentin, Bing Guo, Nancy Zuck
This report is the result of a national consultation and roundtable deliberations conducted by the Institute of Health Economics to support the development of a National Strategy for Heart Valve Disease in Canada. Two virtual policy engagements with clinical leaders, patients and health system managers were conducted in November 2021. These workshops identified 9 thematic areas…
The Institute of Health Economics conducted an environmental scan to: describe available Alberta data assets to support the identification, surveillance, and management of high-risk patients with known cardiovascular disease; identify preliminary gaps in the available information; and formulate potential strategies to address the gaps identified. This environmental scan represents…
| Bing Guo, Carmen Moga, Charles Yan, Gareth Hopkin, Jeff Round, Jennifer Seida, Lisa Tjosvold, Michelle Pollock
This health evidence review assesses the clinical effectiveness and economic impact of various vascular risk reduction (VRR) initiatives that have been implemented in Alberta, and promising new initiatives, to inform priority-setting decisions regarding risk-reduction initiatives. The assessment also examines the clinical benefit that future projects would need to achieve for them…
| Don Husereau, Jennifer Seida, Eddy Nason, John Sproule, Christopher McCabe
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of current information and stakeholder perspectives regarding the current and future state of regenerative medicine (with a focus on stem cell-based research) in Canada and globally. Specifically, it assesses the strengths, potential areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth in the Canadian sector to ensure the future…
The Institute for Health Economics (IHE) conducted a roundtable on PF-ILD, in November 2021 and policy recommendations from the diverse stakeholder group provided some guidance on areas to focus on to improve the lives of those living with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease. Key actions identified at the roundtable included: increased surveillance for early identification…
Primary care services after hours in Alberta are limited, and, as a result, emergency departments have long wait times and overcrowding as they accommodate a greater number of low-acuity conditions. In recent decades, various urgent care models have been established to fill the gap between emergency and primary care, with the aim of providing unscheduled services for urgent but…
Summary: We examined the association between optimal control of dyslipidemia and mortality and healthcare costs in patients with high risk for cardiovascular disease (HRCVD) between 2012-2016 in Alberta, Canada. HRCVD patients who were optimally controlled had lower mortality and incurred modestly higher costs, compared to those who were not. Secondary prevention patients with…
| Dat Tran, Ilke Akpinar, Irvin Mayers, Tatiana Makhinova, Philip Jacobs
The objective of this study, published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, was to describe the trends in pharmacologic treatment for patients newly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Alberta, Canada.
| Dat Tran, Thanh Nguyen, Arto Ohinmaa, Irvin Mayers, Philip Jacobs
OBJECTIVES: To examine the resource use and healthcare costs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Alberta, Canada between 2008 and 2016 and model the future costs to 2030.
| Nancy Zuck, John Sproule, Charles Cook, Rebecca Albrecht
Alberta Health initiated the Nurse Practitioner Demonstration Project(s) (NPDP) in 2016 to support access to and further integration of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) into Alberta’s primary health care system. Funding was provided (based on diverse program plans) to the Boyle McCauley Health Centre (BMHC), The Alex Community Health Centre (The Alex), the Calgary Urban Project…
This report provides a summary of the IHE Biosimilars Forum engagement exercise that took place on October 6, 2016 in Edmonton. The intent of the forum was to inform Alberta biosimilar reimbursement policy by sharing international experiences in this area, and the perspectives of key stakeholders.
The Institute of Health Economics (IHE), in partnership with the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF), held a forum on April 25th, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, entitled Optimizing access to care for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A multi-stakeholder national forum, to discuss the need for patient-led policy recommendations and a patient charter for idiopathic…
This white paper follows on from the 2016 IHE report, Economic surveillance for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Alberta. It provides a summary of main gaps in COPD care across Canada and, in the context of a broad economic framework, it surveys important examples of programs and policies designed to address these gaps.
“The Canadian Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Charter is a way to call upon policymakers, health care providers and private payers to recognize IPF as a rare, rapidly lethal, chronic disease and to join in the campaign for greater awareness of this illness. The ultimate goal is to improve the overall quality and standards of care and ensure equal access to a continuum…
| Arianna Waye, Philip Jacobs, Maria Ospina, Michael Stickland, Irvin Mayers
This report provides the results of an economic surveillance analysis on the components of the Alberta healthcare system that are devoted to COPD prevention and treatment. It focuses on epidemiology (prevalence and incidence), service use, and cost indicators, and identifies gaps in the system that presumably add to the overall economic burden of COPD. PDF of the above image: IHE…
The purpose of this workshop was to examine COPD management in Canada through presentation of analyses and examples of system supports to action best practices to a select group of clinical leaders and relevant public sector decision makers. The group deliberated, and key themes and policy recommendations from discusssion were captured to form the basis of the final COPD Policy…
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Irvin Mayers, Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta; Chair of the COPD Policy Framework Study Expert Advisory Committee.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Arianna Waye, Health Economist, Institute of Health Economics.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Michael G. Stewart, Director, Clinical Support Branch, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Michael Stickland, Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta; Heart & Stroke Foundation New Investigator.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Simon Lessard, Quebec Lung Association Board & Scientific Committee Member, Community Pharmacist.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Cathy Clelland, Head of Department of Family Practice, Royal Columbian Hospital; Consultant, General Practitioners Services Committee, British Columbia.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
PDF of a PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Stephen Samis, Vice President, Programs, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement; and Dr. Graeme Rocker, Professor of Medicine, Dalhousie University; Faculty, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Care Canada Policy Workshop
| Werner J Becker, Ted Findlay, Carmen Moga, Ann Scott, Christa Harstall, Paul Taenzer
Objective: To increase the use of evidence-informed approaches to diagnosis, investigation, and treatment of headache for patients in primary care.
Note: This is an Alberta Ambassador Guideline Adaptation Program related publication.
| Deborah Marshall, Egon Jonsson, Liam Martin, Diane Mosher, Karen V. MacDonald
This White Paper discusses the concept of developing a comprehensive rheumatoid arthritis registry in Alberta, and the important health, social, and economic gains such a resource would generate for Alberta.
This book includes the plenary presentations made at the first international conference on prevention of FASD, which was attended by about 700 people from 35 countries around the globe. The issues addressed are FASD as a priority in health policy making; its prevalence and incidence; strategies for prevention; current applied and basic research in the field; the role of the medical…
| Thanh Nguyen, Egon Jonsson, Jessica Moffatt, Liz Dennett, Anderson Chuck, Shelley Birchard
Abstract: Parent-Child Assistance Program (P-CAP) is a 3-year home visitation/harm reduction intervention to prevent alcohol exposed births, thereby births with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, among high-risk women. This article used a decision analytic modelling technique to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and the net monetary benefit of the P-CAP…
| Victoria Ung, Thanh Nguyen, Karen Wong, Karen Kroeker, Thomas Lee, Haili Wang, Arto Ohinmaa, Philip Jacobs, Richard Fedorak
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Infliximab is effective for induction and maintenance of response in patients with moderate to moderately severe ulcerative colitis. Previous cost analyses of infliximab treatment for ulcerative colitis used models of colectomy vs infliximab and response rates derived from early clinical trials. In real life, therapeutic options are more complex; patients…
| Arto Ohinmaa, Thanh Nguyen, Cheryl Barnabe, Liam Martin, Anthony Russell, Susan G Barr, Walter Maksymowych
OBJECTIVE: To provide Canadian estimates of health care utilization costs associated withrheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related and non-RA-related care within 4 treatment strategies and in different physical functioning categories.
| Cheryl Barnabe, Thanh Nguyen, Arto Ohinmaa, Joanne Homik, Susan G Barr, Liam Martin, Walter Maksymowych
OBJECTIVE: Sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results in healthcare utilizationcost savings. We evaluated the variation in estimates of savings when different definitions ofremission [2011 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean Definition, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) ≤ 3.3, Clinical Disease Activity Index…
| Christa Harstall, Paul Taenzer, Nancy Zuck, Donna Angus, Carmen Moga, Ann Scott
Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: The Alberta Ambassador Program (AAP) adapted seven clinical practice guidelines on low back pain (LBP) into a single guideline spanning the continuum of care from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment. The Ambassador adaptation process was evaluated to 1 Identify the major challenges encountered and successful strategies utilized;…
INTRODUCTION: Varicella vaccine was introduced to the infant immunization schedule in each province or territory between 2000 and 2007 as a result of the Canadian ImmunizationStrategy. The impact of vaccinating children against this disease is potentially far reaching, asimmunization may also benefit those segments of the population not immunized. The objective of this paper…
For which strategies of suicide prevention is there evidence of effectiveness? This report aims to synthesize research findings from existing systematic reviews to address two questions: What types of preventive interventions have been evaluated in the published literature? Which strategies have good-quality evidence to support them? Limited evidence - as well as variability by…
| Bach Tran, Arto Ohinmaa, Anh Duong, Nhan Do, Long Nguyen, Quoc Nguyen, Steve Mills, Philip Jacobs, Stan Houston
PURPOSE: This longitudinal study assessed the changes in drug use patterns and health-related quality of life (HRQL) among HIV-positive drug users in the first methadonemaintenance treatment (MMT) cohort in Vietnam.
Alberta STE Report written under contract with the Alberta Health Technologies Decision Process (AHTDP). This report summarizes available key information on the use of bariatric treatments for adult obesity in Alberta and North America (mainly Canada). This analysis was intended to describe the profile of adult obesity (definition, progression, epidemiology, and population dynamics…
| Carissa Escober-Doran, Philip Jacobs, Carolyn Dewa
This study measures the return on investment for parent training at the pre- or early childhood stage. The purpose is to prevent conduct disorders in childhood, and mental health problems in adolescence and adulthood. The program studied is the Triple P program. The context is a one year birth cohort in Alberta. The costs are for a universal parental training program. The downstream…
| Christa Harstall, Paul Taenzer, Donna Angus, Carmen Moga, Ann Scott, Tara Schuller
Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: A collaborative, multidisciplinary guideline adaptation process was developed to construct a single overarching, evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for all primary care practitioners responsible for the management of low back pain (LBP) to curb the use of ineffective treatments and improve patient outcomes. Note: This is an…
This in-depth book contains an introduction to prevention of FASD and to the different methods that are used. There is also a systematic review of the effectiveness of prevention approaches and an overview of reviews on FASD. The book ends with a chapter called “Five perspectives on prevention of FASD” written by professionals in the field who are working to prevent…
| Bing Guo, Christa Harstall, Thanh Nguyen, Arto Ohinmaa
Alberta STE Report written under contract with the Alberta Health Technologies Decision Process (AHTDP). Fecal transplantation for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease or ulcerative colitis examines the clinical research evidence on the safety and effects of fecal transplantation in the treatment of patients with Clostridium difficile-associated disease…
The IHE has produced a book of the proceedings from the Consensus Development Conference: FASD - Across the Lifespan. Hardcover copies are available for purchase at a unit cost of $25.00 CAD plus $2.50 shipping and handling. Click on the Add to Cart button at the bottom of this page to proceed with your purchase. In followup to the conference, the Institute has produced two…
Objective: To ascertain knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic low back pain (LBP) in the primary care setting to prepare a scoping survey for identifying knowledge gaps in LBP management among Alberta's primary care practitioners, and to identify potential barriers to implementing a multidisciplinary LBP guideline. Note: This is an Alberta Ambassador…
Reflecting the recent increased public awareness of the topic, this is the first and most comprehensive resource for over a decade on the molecular basis, prevalence, treatment options, socioeconomic impact, and prevention strategies of FASD. Edited by world-renowned experts, this compendium includes the latest research results to provide new insights and realistic estimations…
This background document outlines the methods used to develop the Alberta Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Evidence-Informed Primary Care Management of Low Back Pain, which was produced as part of the second phase of the Alberta Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Ambassador Program.
Link to Alberta Ambassador Guideline Adaptation Program
The Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth Over the Internet: A Rapid Review of the Scientific Literature report examines the research evidence on the frequency, effects, risk factors of sexual exploitation of children and youth over the Internet. The report also provides information on available resources in Alberta and Canada regarding Internet safety and prevention of child…
Part of the successful Institute of Health Economics (IHE) book series, this handbook and ready reference adopts a unique approach in combining policy recommendations with specific treatment options for Parkinson patients. The first part of the book deals with the clinical medical, social and economical aspects of Parkinson Disease. These ten chapters include the latest diagnosis…
The Consensus Statement on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - Across the Lifespan was produced by a panel of experts led by the Hon. Anne McLellan, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. This consensus statement on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is the product of a unique conference: The IHE Consensus Development Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Across the…
Le présent énoncé consensuel a été préparé par un panel indépendant de professionnels de la santé et de représentants du milieu universitaire et du public en se fondant sur: les études publiées pertinentes réunies par le Comité scientifique de la conférence pour l’établissement…
The Institute of Health Economics sponsored Dr. Arne Ohlsson and Dr. Prakeshkumar Shah to write this book to inform the May 2007 Consensus Development Conference on Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies: How to Prevent Low Birth Weight. The book provides a synopsis of the research evidence on the determinants and prevention of preterm/low birth weight births. This book is a synopsis (an…
L’honorable Michael Kirby (président de la Commission de la santé mentale du Canada) a présidé un éminent panel de citoyens et d’experts pour formuler des recommandations pratiques sur la façon d’améliorer la prévention, le diagnostic et le traitement des troubles dépressifs chez…
The Consensus Statement on Depression in Adults: How to Improve Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment was produced by a panel of experts led by the Hon. Michael Kirby Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada. This consensus statement was prepared by an independent panel of health professionals, academics, and public representatives based on: presentations by and questioning of experts…
This consensus statement on how to prevent low birth weight was developed to inform patients, health policy, and practice. It is a product of the IHE Consensus Development Conference on Healthy Mothers - Healthy Babies: How to Prevent Low Birth Weight held April 23 to 25, 2007
| Philip Jacobs, Rita Yim, Arto Ohinmaa, Janice Varney, Anita Hanrahan, Joy Loewen, Laura Mashinter, Bev Baptiste, Margaret Russell
This booklet is a compendium of existing statistics related to the economic aspect of childhood immunizations in Canada. It brings together, in one document, data obtained from a wide range of sources. It covers topics related to the economic and epidemiological burden of childhood diseases, resources used, and system performance from provincial, national, and international viewpoints.
A successful screening program for cystic fibrosis (CF) refers to the ability of the program to appropriately identify and refer for care those with CF, while meeting the needs of those who do not have CF, particularly those infants identified by the screening program as carriers (individuals unaffected by CF but have a mutation in one of their CFTR genes). Some measures of success…
| Philip Jacobs, Arto Ohinmaa, Scott Klarenbach, Anderson Chuck, Raj Padwal, Janice Varney, Doug Lier
Institute of Health Economics Working Paper WP 06-01. The purpose of this report is to examine the economic issues associated with LGB. The following analyses were conducted: a systematic review of the economic literature on obesity-related interventions, with special attention to the differences between gastric bypass and gastric banding; an estimate of the Alberta population…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #37. The aim of this paper is to present the current evidence on the efficacy/effectiveness, safety, and efficiency of gastric electrical stimulation (EnterraTM Therapy System) used for the treatment of patients with severe gastroparesis (GP). Information Specialist: Liz Dennett NOTE: In 2006 the Alberta Heritage…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Information Paper #26. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and effective procedure compared with open and/or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (LVBG), especially in the longer term (> or = five…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Information Paper #24. The objective of this paper is to present the current evidence on the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of celeoxib (Celebrex®) for the treatment of pain in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Information Specialist: Seana Collins NOTE: In 2006 the Alberta Heritage Foundation…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #35. The objective of this report is to assess the efficacy and safety of using trigger point injection (TPI) to treat patients with chronic non-malignant musculoskeletal pain, based on a systematic review of the current published evidence, and to determine the current state of the procedure, the feasibility of…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #28. This report provides an overview of the evidence from systematic reviews on the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies. NOTE: In 2006 the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research HTA unit moved to IHE. Documents produced in and prior to 2006 have different formats; the format was determined…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #30. Using the 1996 National Population Health survey data, this report provides an estimate of the prevalence of chronic pain (CP) among Albertans. It was estimated that 11.2% of Albertans suffer some level of CP and about 2.3% suffer from severe CP. As the proportion of individuals suffering from CP increases…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #29. The aim of this report was to present and critically appraise the published evidence on the prevalence of chronic non-malignant pain in the general population and the primary care setting. A secondary objective was to summarize all the available information in the primary studies about characteristics of pain…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #26. Given the very broad range of suicide prevention strategies, it is unrealistic to cover all of them in this report. Thus, the main focus of this review is to present the findings from primary research that assessed the efficacy/effectiveness of suicide prevention programs on school aged children and youth…
| Sue Ludwig, Patricia Leggett Tait, Christa Harstall
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #22. This review was requested to determine whether conductive education as a learning approach or therapeutic intervention is safe and efficacious for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy that impact neuromotor functioning. The review also addresses the profile of the child who would benefit from…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #2. This paper is intended as a short overview of the effectiveness and status of a neurosurgical procedure, posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP), which is used in the treatment of some people with Parkinson's Disease. NOTE: In 2006 the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research HTA unit moved to IHE. Documents…
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) HTA Report #1. This report has been prepared to provide information and assist discussion on the management of pressure sores, a significant source of morbidity in health care institutions. The focus of the report is on a specific technology, interface pressure measurement. It is expected that other issues in this are will…