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Northern Ontario Medical Journal
158 Elgin Street
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
P3E 3N5
General Inquiries:
(705) 673-5705
Facsimile:
(705) 673-9542
Toll Free:
1-800-757-2766
President
Michael R Atkins
Publisher
Patricia Mills
Editor
Norm Tollinsky
Sales Representative
Monica Lebiedz
Web Development
internet@nob.on.ca
Circulation Coordinator
Giselle Perrin
Ad Co-ordinator & Administration Co-ordinator
Pamela Drouin
View Article: North Bay doc rolls out MiHealth - North Bay family physician Dr. Wendy Graham has launched a personal health record application that will allow patients to share information about their medications, allergies and chronic diseases with health-care providers and family members. North Bay doc rolls out MiHealth
North Bay family physician Dr. Wendy Graham has launched a personal health record application that will allow patients to share information about their medications, allergies and chronic diseases with health-care providers and family members.
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View Article: Televisitation enables face-to-face visits - Connecting patients and family members is one of the major goals of the Televisitation Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Televisitation enables face-to-face visits
Connecting patients and family members is one of the major goals of the Televisitation Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
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View Article: Online app speeds dermatology assessments - A teledermatology service offered by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) is dramatically reducing the amount of time it takes for preliminary assessments of moles and rashes. Launched in April, the service allows primary care providers to take a photograph of a patient’s mole or rash, add notes about the patient and transmit it to a participating dermatologist using the OTN’s secure store forward technology. Online app speeds dermatology assessments
A teledermatology service offered by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) is dramatically reducing the amount of time it takes for preliminary assessments of moles and rashes. Launched in April, the service allows primary care providers to take a photograph of a patient’s mole or rash, add notes about the patient and transmit it to a participating dermatologist using the OTN’s secure store forward technology.
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View Article: ALC data informs decision-making - Having accurate and timely data on the number of alternate level of care (ALC) patients taking up acute care beds is a prerequisite for understanding the severity of the problem and developing strategies to alleviate it.ALC data informs decision-making
Having accurate and timely data on the number of alternate level of care (ALC) patients taking up acute care beds is a prerequisite for understanding the severity of the problem and developing strategies to alleviate it.
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View Article: Next-generation imaging technology - A Thunder Bay company, XLV Diagnostics Inc., has received funding to commercialize the next generation of digital medical imaging technology.Next-generation imaging technology
A Thunder Bay company, XLV Diagnostics Inc., has received funding to commercialize the next generation of digital medical imaging technology.
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View Article: Thunder Bay secures cyclotron funding - The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) has received funding for a cyclotron that will produce radioisotopes for molecular imaging and earlier detection of cancer.Thunder Bay secures cyclotron funding
The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) has received funding for a cyclotron that will produce radioisotopes for molecular imaging and earlier detection of cancer.
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View Article: EMR streamlines health care in Elliot Lake - Electronic medical records (EMRs) are revolutionizing the practice of medicine for approximately half of Northern Ontario’s family physicians. EMR streamlines health care in Elliot Lake
Electronic medical records (EMRs) are revolutionizing the practice of medicine for approximately half of Northern Ontario’s family physicians.
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View Article: Doorways moves assessments online - Several health-care agencies and organizations providing mental health and addiction services in the Thunder Bay and Algoma districts are getting a taste of Ontario’s new Integrated Assessment Record (IAR) repository.Doorways moves assessments online
Several health-care agencies and organizations providing mental health and addiction services in the Thunder Bay and Algoma districts are getting a taste of Ontario’s new Integrated Assessment Record (IAR) repository.
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View Article: Preventative health care keeps Elliot Lake retirees fit - A former mining town, Elliot Lake has successfully reinvented itself as a retirement community. According to the 2006 census data, 31.6 per cent of the town’s population of 11,549 is 65 years of age and older, ranking it well above every other community in northeastern Ontario in terms of age. The equivalent percentages for Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Sudbury and Timmins are 18.5 per cent, 16 per cent, 14.9 per cent and 12.7 per cent, respectively.Preventative health care keeps Elliot Lake retirees fit
A former mining town, Elliot Lake has successfully reinvented itself as a retirement community. According to the 2006 census data, 31.6 per cent of the town’s population of 11,549 is 65 years of age and older, ranking it well above every other community in northeastern Ontario in terms of age. The equivalent percentages for Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Sudbury and Timmins are 18.5 per cent, 16 per cent, 14.9 per cent and 12.7 per cent, respectively.
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View Article: EMR adoption surpasses halfway mark - Just over half of Northern Ontario’s family physicians are using electronic medical record (EMR) technology, according to statistics compiled by OntarioMD, which manages the EMR Adoption Program on behalf of eHealth Ontario.EMR adoption surpasses halfway mark
Just over half of Northern Ontario’s family physicians are using electronic medical record (EMR) technology, according to statistics compiled by OntarioMD, which manages the EMR Adoption Program on behalf of eHealth Ontario.
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View Article: eHealth takes giant step forward in northwest - The introduction of a Physician Office Integration (POI) eHealth initiative in northwestern Ontario is speeding up the delivery of hospital reports to primary care providers, saving paper and freeing clerical staff from the monotonous task of printing, faxing and mailing approximately 22,000 reports every month. eHealth takes giant step forward in northwest
The introduction of a Physician Office Integration (POI) eHealth initiative in northwestern Ontario is speeding up the delivery of hospital reports to primary care providers, saving paper and freeing clerical staff from the monotonous task of printing, faxing and mailing approximately 22,000 reports every month.
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View Article: Championing emergency ultrasound - In another 10 years, emergency ultrasound machines will replace the stethoscope as the physician's principal diagnostic instrument, and every medical student in Canada will be trained to use it, predicts Dr. Ray Wiss, an emergency physician at Sudbury Regional Hospital.Championing emergency ultrasound
In another 10 years, emergency ultrasound machines will replace the stethoscope as the physician's principal diagnostic instrument, and every medical student in Canada will be trained to use it, predicts Dr. Ray Wiss, an emergency physician at Sudbury Regional Hospital.
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View Article: North Bay streamlines patient flow through ER - Wait times at North Bay General's Emergency Room (ER) are poised to head south as several new streamlining initiatives get under way, thanks to $797,000 in funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Pay-for-Results program.North Bay streamlines patient flow through ER
Wait times at North Bay General's Emergency Room (ER) are poised to head south as several new streamlining initiatives get under way, thanks to $797,000 in funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Pay-for-Results program.
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View Article: Schmirler Foundation donates second gift to SAH’s NICU - The Sault Area Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will benefit once again from a generous contribution by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. This time, a donation of $20,000 will be used to purchase a new Glidescope for the unit.Schmirler Foundation donates second gift to SAH’s NICU
The Sault Area Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will benefit once again from a generous contribution by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. This time, a donation of $20,000 will be used to purchase a new Glidescope for the unit.
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View Article: Thumbs up for vending machine style dispensing - It looks like a big vending machine and it is making life easier for staff at both the North Bay General Hospital (NBGH) and the Northeast Mental Health Centre (NEMHC). Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) and Computerized Medication Administration Records (cMARs) have now been implemented on every in-patient unit at the NEMHC, on the Adult In-Patient Unit at NBGH, and in the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit. ADCs make medication dispensing easier for staff and have the potential to significantly reduce medication errors.Thumbs up for vending machine style dispensing
It looks like a big vending machine and it is making life easier for staff at both the North Bay General Hospital (NBGH) and the Northeast Mental Health Centre (NEMHC). Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) and Computerized Medication Administration Records (cMARs) have now been implemented on every in-patient unit at the NEMHC, on the Adult In-Patient Unit at NBGH, and in the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit. ADCs make medication dispensing easier for staff and have the potential to significantly reduce medication errors.
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View Article: North Bay doc touts Personal Health Record - MiHealth is accessible from any Smartphone or computer with Internet connectivityNorth Bay doc touts Personal Health Record
MiHealth is accessible from any Smartphone or computer with Internet connectivity
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View Article: Intensity-modulated radiation catches on - The increased use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at hospitals across Canada is maximizing the cancer-destroying capabilities of radiation treatment while minimizing its effects on healthy tissues and organs, says Dr. Adam Andronowski, a radiation oncologist at Sudbury Regional Hospital.Intensity-modulated radiation catches on
The increased use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at hospitals across Canada is maximizing the cancer-destroying capabilities of radiation treatment while minimizing its effects on healthy tissues and organs, says Dr. Adam Andronowski, a radiation oncologist at Sudbury Regional Hospital.
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View Article: Robotic pill picker puts pharmacy in forefront of automation - Technology enables bedside medication verificationRobotic pill picker puts pharmacy in forefront of automation
Technology enables bedside medication verification
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View Article: Sault physicians sold on ePrescribing - Pilot enables electronic transfer of prescriptionsSault physicians sold on ePrescribing
Pilot enables electronic transfer of prescriptions
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View Article: Sault, North Bay introduce electronic charting - The search for missing patient charts is about to end in North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie as both hospitals make the transition to electronic charting.Sault, North Bay introduce electronic charting
The search for missing patient charts is about to end in North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie as both hospitals make the transition to electronic charting.
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View Article: Synoptic reporting speeds diagnosis - Patients at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre used to have to wait an average of 22 days after having a biopsy to find out if they had cancer.Synoptic reporting speeds diagnosis
Patients at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre used to have to wait an average of 22 days after having a biopsy to find out if they had cancer.
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View Article: LHINs tackle e-Health challenges - Developing e-Health systems across Northern Ontario is a tall order, but the North East and North West Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) are rising to the challenge.LHINs tackle e-Health challenges
Developing e-Health systems across Northern Ontario is a tall order, but the North East and North West Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) are rising to the challenge.
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View Article: Drug dispensing kiosks come north - Filling a prescription in Northern Ontario will soon be as easy as getting cash from an ATM.Drug dispensing kiosks come north
Filling a prescription in Northern Ontario will soon be as easy as getting cash from an ATM.
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View Article: Telehomecare pilot cuts hospital, ER visits - A recently concluded telehomecare pilot designed to monitor patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) showed a dramatic decrease in hospital and emergency room visits during a four-month trial.Telehomecare pilot cuts hospital, ER visits
A recently concluded telehomecare pilot designed to monitor patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) showed a dramatic decrease in hospital and emergency room visits during a four-month trial.
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View Article: Personal Telemedicine targets doctors’ offices - Ontario physicians interested in seeing patients via videoconference from the comfort of their own offices could be able to do so as early as next year. Personal Telemedicine targets doctors’ offices
Ontario physicians interested in seeing patients via videoconference from the comfort of their own offices could be able to do so as early as next year.
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View Article: Company touts document management tool - A North Bay software development company claims it has an ideal document management solution for hospitals about to transition to Meditech’s new MAGIC software release.Company touts document management tool
A North Bay software development company claims it has an ideal document management solution for hospitals about to transition to Meditech’s new MAGIC software release.
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View Article: Pre-hospital treatment reduces adverse affects of heart attack - Time is muscle when a heart attack occurs. This is the motto grilled into paramedics who work in Sault Ste. Marie’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division. Pre-hospital treatment reduces adverse affects of heart attack
Time is muscle when a heart attack occurs. This is the motto grilled into paramedics who work in Sault Ste. Marie’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division.
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View Article: Technology allows caregivers to check on seniors - Home sweet home can be even sweeter with the CareLink Advantage system. The 24-hour medical alarm response system is promoting independent living for aging loved ones, the physically disabled or those with cognitive disabilities by “tethering” caregivers electronically via the web, cell phone and email. Technology allows caregivers to check on seniors
Home sweet home can be even sweeter with the CareLink Advantage system. The 24-hour medical alarm response system is promoting independent living for aging loved ones, the physically disabled or those with cognitive disabilities by “tethering” caregivers electronically via the web, cell phone and email.
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View Article: Group Health Centre joins Pan-Northern PACS project - The Sault Ste. Marie Group Health Centre is converting to digital diagnostic imaging with the help of the Sault Area Hospital (SAH). Group Health Centre joins Pan-Northern PACS project
The Sault Ste. Marie Group Health Centre is converting to digital diagnostic imaging with the help of the Sault Area Hospital (SAH).
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View Article: Cardiac rehab program wins Freedman Award - Residents of smaller communities in northwestern Ontario who return home following a heart attack are more able to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program thanks to telemedicine technology.Cardiac rehab program wins Freedman Award
Residents of smaller communities in northwestern Ontario who return home following a heart attack are more able to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program thanks to telemedicine technology.
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View Article: Ontario leads the way in access to defibrillators - Life-saving support machines called Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are making their way into public facilities across Northern Ontario. Ontario leads the way in access to defibrillators
Life-saving support machines called Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are making their way into public facilities across Northern Ontario.
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View Article: High-definition MIS suites speed recovery - Dr. Gabriel Mapeso, a surgeon at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, remembers how excited he was when he got his first 1.5-megapixel digital camera. Now, it sits abandoned in a drawer somewhere, replaced by a 10-megapixel camera. High-definition MIS suites speed recovery
Dr. Gabriel Mapeso, a surgeon at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, remembers how excited he was when he got his first 1.5-megapixel digital camera. Now, it sits abandoned in a drawer somewhere, replaced by a 10-megapixel camera.
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View Article: Health Services Virtual Organization brings expertise, knowledge and innovative approaches to health care - Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s Health Services Virtual Organization, is drawing national and international expertise to the region with its recently funded development project through Canada’s advanced network organization, CANARIE Inc. Health Services Virtual Organization brings expertise, knowledge and innovative approaches to health care
Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s Health Services Virtual Organization, is drawing national and international expertise to the region with its recently funded development project through Canada’s advanced network organization, CANARIE Inc.
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View Article: PDA pilot: help is close at hand - When Lisa Russell, a registered nurse with the Timmins Family Health Team, makes a home visit to a senior citizen and isn’t sure about a new drug her patient has been prescribed, help is close at hand.PDA pilot: help is close at hand
When Lisa Russell, a registered nurse with the Timmins Family Health Team, makes a home visit to a senior citizen and isn’t sure about a new drug her patient has been prescribed, help is close at hand.
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View Article: eHealth becoming a reality - Someday in the not too distant future, hospital emergency room staff will be able to access everything they need to know about a patient’s medical history, the medications he’s on, his lab tests and diagnostic images prior to commencing treatment. eHealth becoming a reality
Someday in the not too distant future, hospital emergency room staff will be able to access everything they need to know about a patient’s medical history, the medications he’s on, his lab tests and diagnostic images prior to commencing treatment.
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View Article: eCHN keeps doctors up-to-date - Sudbury pediatrician Dr. Burke Baird recently referred a young patient who was experiencing seizures to a specialist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. eCHN keeps doctors up-to-date
Sudbury pediatrician Dr. Burke Baird recently referred a young patient who was experiencing seizures to a specialist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
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View Article: NEON connects northeastern hospitals - Nearly 10 years ago, at the sunset of the last millennium, government funding was earmarked to thwart the worldwide technological mayhem that was supposed to occur because of the so-called Y2K Bug. NEON connects northeastern hospitals
Nearly 10 years ago, at the sunset of the last millennium, government funding was earmarked to thwart the worldwide technological mayhem that was supposed to occur because of the so-called Y2K Bug.
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View Article: Navigating the EMR marketplace - Managing a busy medical practice, keeping pace with an ever-expanding knowledge base and having a personal life is enough of a challenge. Selecting an electronic medical record application is one task most doctors would rather avoid. Navigating the EMR marketplace
Managing a busy medical practice, keeping pace with an ever-expanding knowledge base and having a personal life is enough of a challenge. Selecting an electronic medical record application is one task most doctors would rather avoid.
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View Article: Pushing the electronic envelope - When the Group Health Centre, an ambulatory care centre in Sault Ste. Marie, became one of the first organizations in Ontario to install an electronic medical record system in 1997, physicians and other health-care professionals using it weren’t sure what to think. Pushing the electronic envelope
When the Group Health Centre, an ambulatory care centre in Sault Ste. Marie, became one of the first organizations in Ontario to install an electronic medical record system in 1997, physicians and other health-care professionals using it weren’t sure what to think.
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View Article: EMRs enable powerful functionality - Vendors of electronic medical record (EMR) software for physician practices in Canada have tended to be smaller, regional players with applications tailored to the individual requirements of provincial health ministries across the country. EMRs enable powerful functionality
Vendors of electronic medical record (EMR) software for physician practices in Canada have tended to be smaller, regional players with applications tailored to the individual requirements of provincial health ministries across the country.
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View Article: Putting diabetics in control - Medical science is still no match for the human body, but it’s getting close.Putting diabetics in control
Medical science is still no match for the human body, but it’s getting close.
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View Article: Telemedicine: the next frontier - The Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) has been given the green light to launch a Telehomecare pilot project that will allow health-care professionals to remotely monitor patients in their homes.Telemedicine: the next frontier
The Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) has been given the green light to launch a Telehomecare pilot project that will allow health-care professionals to remotely monitor patients in their homes.
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View Article: Instructional video clips in the palm of your hand - When young doctors and nurses are trained in hospitals, they often spend a lot of time watching more experienced colleagues at work instead of doing things themselves. Instructional video clips in the palm of your hand
When young doctors and nurses are trained in hospitals, they often spend a lot of time watching more experienced colleagues at work instead of doing things themselves.
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View Article: New network to speed traffic - A state-of-the-art, dedicated high performance computer network being built for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Smart Systems for Health Agency (SSHA) will provide Ontario’s health-care system with a faster and more reliable communication infrastructure.New network to speed traffic
A state-of-the-art, dedicated high performance computer network being built for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Smart Systems for Health Agency (SSHA) will provide Ontario’s health-care system with a faster and more reliable communication infrastructure.
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View Article: PACS paves way for pan-Northern eHealth record - Health-care providers often think of the largest urban centres and hospitals as pioneers in the deployment of new technology, but in more cases than is generally realized, it’s smaller communities in Canada’s more sparsely-populated north that lead the way.PACS paves way for pan-Northern eHealth record
Health-care providers often think of the largest urban centres and hospitals as pioneers in the deployment of new technology, but in more cases than is generally realized, it’s smaller communities in Canada’s more sparsely-populated north that lead the way.
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