RESEARCH



  1. Examining Lipid Profiles among Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans
    In partnership with the Primary Care Research Unit at MUN, the objective of this study is to describe lipid profiles using EMR data from a sample of primary care physicians in NL and compare to lipid profiles of other Canadian provinces using data available through the Canadian Health Measures Survey.

  2. 15 years on – A follow up of the 1995 Newfoundland Adult Health Survey using administrative data.
    In partnership with the Division of Community Health and Humanities at MUN, the objective of this study is to create a population-based, linked database using the Newfoundland Adult Health Survey (NAHS) database, the Clinical Database Management System (CDMS), the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) fee-for-service database and the NLCHI Mortality System.

  3. Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
    In partnership with McMaster University, the overall aim of the CLSA is to provide the most accurate picture of the dynamic process of adult development and healthy aging that current methodology allows. The interrelationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing health from mid-life to older age will be investigated. This will allow the study team to capture transitions and trajectories of aging, elucidate the concept of successful aging, and identify modifiable factors that could be used to develop interventions to improve the health of current and future senior populations. Once in place, the CLSA will provide infrastructure and build capacity for high quality research on aging in Canada and elsewhere.

  4. Consumer Product Safety related Injury (CPSI) Risk Assessment
    The objective is to study injury epidemiology in a rural setting and to specifically assess consumer product related injury risks. There are currently four specific areas of interest including sports related injury, agricultural machinery related injury, ATV and snowmobile related injury and falls among older adults.

  5. The impact of diabetes on the risk of breast cancer in pre- and post-menopausal women
    The main objective of this study is to assess and compare the impact of diabetes on risk of malignant breast cancer for pre- and post-menopausal women in Newfoundland and Labrador.

  6. Systematic Review of Factors Influencing the Onset and Progression of Neurological Conditions
    In partnership with the University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary and the University of Toronto, the main objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive, systematic literature review of factors that influence onset and progression of 14 priority neurological conditions (including biological, lifestyle, socioeconomic, environmental, psychosocial, and genetic factors), to assess and summarize the available evidence and describe the strengths and weaknesses of the current scientific literature.

  7. Examining the predictors of cervical and mammography screening in Newfoundland and Labrador: The complex interplay of its multiple influences.
    The main objective is to investigate the interrelationships between various factors and their relationship with adequate participation and retention of cervical and breast screening.

  8. "You're not going at that!" - A qualitative study to explore new mothers' attitudes, beliefs, and values around their decision not to breastfeed
    In partnership with MUN, the objectives of this study are 1) to determine what attitudes, beliefs and values were identified by the mothers as those that influenced their decision not to breastfeed; 2) to determine what attitudes, beliefs and values had the most or least influence on the mother’s decision not to breastfeed; and 3) To determine if there were any attitudes, beliefs or values unique to geographical regions.

  9. Validation of a clinical tool designed to monitor psychosocial and behavioral adjustments in families with hereditary colorectal cancer
    In partnership with the School of Nursing at MUN, the objective of this project is to use statistical methods to validate the consistency and reliability of a clinical monitoring tool designed to test behavioral impacts of patients undergoing genetic testing of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) in Newfoundland and Labrador.

  10. Is Vitamin D Deficiency or Insufficiency in Early Pregnancy Associated with Adverse Maternal Health Outcomes?
    In partnership with MUN and Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Perinatal Program, this study will examine whether there is an association between vitamin D (25-(OH)D) status and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

  11. Effects of Previous Caesarean Section, Small for Gestational Age and Preterm Birth on the Risk of Future Stillbirth in Newfoundland and Labrador
    In this study, the relationship between caesarean section and adverse birth outcomes on the risk of future stillbirth in Newfoundland and Labrador is explored.

  12. The Impact of Delivery by Caesarean Section on Infant and Child Health in Newfoundland and Labrador
    The study examines whether infants born in Newfoundland and Labrador by caesarean section have an increased risk of neonatal and infant mortality, neonatal respiratory morbidity, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and childhood reactive airway disease (RAD) and/or asthma, compared to infants born by vaginal delivery.

  13. The Role of High Birth Weight on Incidence of Childhood Leukemia in Newfoundland and Labrador
    This study examines whether high birth weight is associated with the development of childhood leukemia among children in Newfoundland and Labrador.

  14. Trends and Associated Factors of Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador, 1997 to 2006
    This study examines suicide trends over 10 years and investigates factors that may predispose individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador to suicide.

    15. SURVEILLANCE



  15. The Canadian Chronic Diseases Surveillance System (CCDSS)
    The Canadian Chronic Diseases Surveillance System (CCDSS) is a regionally distributed chronic disease surveillance system that uses data from the provincial health insurance registry, fee-for-service physician claims and hospitalization data to examine the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, associated comorbidities and health service utilization within each province and territory. Provincial/territorial data is also submitted to the Public Health Agency of Canada who reports data at the national level. The CCDSS currently reports on diabetes and hypertension.

    16. EVALUATION



  16. Evaluation of the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine
    This evaluation will assess the overall impact of HealthLine by identifying areas in which the service is achieving its objectives as well as those where the service may be falling short. Call volume, a profile of callers and reasons for calls, the original inclination of callers and the outcomes of calls will be described.

  17. Atlantic iEHR/Laboratory Evaluation
    The objective of the evaluation is to identify the impact of implementing the iEHR and Laboratory Systems in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. This is a three-year evaluation focusing on how such systems impact the users (health care providers) and the health care they are able to provide to patients. The study is funded by Health Canada, with support from the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

  18. Mental Health Care and Treatment Act Evaluation
    A five year evaluation of the province's recently proclaimed Mental Health Care and Treatment Act is underway. Ongoing evaluation of the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act is expected to support enhanced patient care under the least restrictive means possible, increase access to services, and ensure that patient rights are respected.

  19. Drug Treatment Funding Program (DTFP) Evaluation
    The Department of Health and Community Services received funding from Health Canada under the Drug Treatment Funding Program to enhance addiction services provided within Regional Health Authorities with a focus on three areas - implementation of evidence-informed practice, strengthening evaluation and performance measurement, and linkage and exchange. The Centre has been engaged to carry out an evaluation to monitor progress and report on results of the project.

    20. DATABASE DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS



  20. Establishing an Online Spatio-Temporal Information System for Chronic Disease in NL
    In partnership with the Primary Care Research Unit at MUN, the goal of this project is to establish an online provincial, spatio-temporal information system for chronic diseases. A feasibility project is currently underway with a specific focus on diabetes to explore the availability and accessibility of relevant health data for this purpose, examine the technical and methodological process for applying health data to a spatio-temporal information system and develop a prototype of an online, spatio-temporal information system.

  21. Development of a Registry of Former Baie Verte Mine Workers
    Lead by SafetyNet (MUN), the purpose of the project is to create a registry of former Baie Verte miners that ultimately can be used to study the health effects of working with asbestos. The role of the Centre for Health Information is to link available administrative medical and mortality data for former Baie Verte miners who have consented to participate in the project.

  22. Development of a Cardiac Care Database
    In partnership with Eastern Health, the Centre is developing a linked database that includes patients who have undergone a cardiac procedure and have consented to be included in the database The purpose of the database is to enable: 1) the evaluation of the quality of care given to patients that require cardiac diagnostic, intervention, and revascularization procedures; 2) support the evaluation of short-term and long-term clinical outcomes following these procedures; and 3) to provide data that will allow physicians, managers, and policy makers to make evidence based decisions regarding the delivery of cardiac care.

  23. Enhancing Health Information Management in First Nations Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador
    In collaboration with First Nations Inuit Health and three First Nations communities in Newfoundland and Labrador (Conne River, Natuashish and Sheshatshiu), the Centre has developed a two phase workplan to initiate a process to build capacity in health database management, indicator development, and applied health research specific to First Nations in the province. Phase 1.1 (April 2008 - March 2009) involved developing the First Nation Administrative Health Database (FNAHD) which linked databases maintained by the Centre including: mortality, live birth and hospital data. Phase 1.2 was carried out over a two year period (April 2009 - March 2011) and included the development of baseline health information for a set of agreed-upon health indicators for each FN community. Phase 2 will continue efforts towards improved health information management at the community level and will be carried out over a two year period.

  24. De-identification Project
    De-identification is the removal and replacement of personal identifiers within a dataset with a random unique ID. To enable data linkage, the random unique ID needs to be the same for a unique individual across all relevant datasets. A major project is currently underway to de-identify relevant data holdings used by the Research and Evaluation Department in its applied health research activities.

  25. Development of a Database to Study the Association between Cancer and Chronic Disease in Newfoundland and Labrador
    As part of a study to assess and compare the risk of site-specific cancer for individuals with and without diabetes, a population-based linked database is being developed that can be used for research related to the association between cancer and chronic diseases.

    26. REPORTS / FAST FACTS



  26. My People Where 2005/06: Hospital Utilization by Patient Residence, Newfoundland and Labrador
    This report presents hospitalization, length of stay, and day surgery visit statistics by Regional Health Authority for fiscal year 2005/06, broken down by place of residence, age, and sex of patients. Data is obtained from the Clinical Database Management System, which contains clinical data collected on all acute and surgical day care patients including both residents and non-residents of Newfoundland and Labrador receiving care in the province's health service facilities.

  27. My People Where 2006/07: Hospital Utilization by Patient Residence, Newfoundland and Labrador
    This report presents hospitalization, length of stay, and day surgery visit statistics by Regional Health Authority for fiscal year 2006/07, broken down by place of residence, age, and sex of patients. Data is obtained from the Clinical Database Management System, which contains clinical data collected on all acute and surgical day care patients including both residents and non-residents of Newfoundland and Labrador receiving care in the province's health service facilities.

  28. Live Birth Trends 2005-2009, Province and Regional Health Authorities
    Live Birth Trends 2005-2009 is the eighth annual Live Birth Trends report prepared by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. Indicators include the number of live births and crude birth rate by sex, number and percentage of live births by month, caesarean section rates, rate of natural increase, age-specific fertility rates, sets of twins, number and percentage of pre-term, term, and post-term live births, number and percentage of live births of low, normal, and high birth weight, and number and rate of stillbirths.

  29. Live Birth Trends 2005-2009
    The Live Birth Trends 2005-2009 Fast Facts is a summary of the Live Birth Trends 2004-2008 report

  30. Live Birth Trends, 1992-2009
    As a supplement to the Live Birth Trends report and Fast Facts, this Fast Facts presents birth trends over the past 18 years by Health Authority.

  31. Mental Health Fact Facts
    This Fast Facts presents a profile of individuals who have been hospitalized with a diagnosis of mental illness from 2002 to 2007. Using data from the Clinical Database Management System, these hospitalizations are described with respect to age, length of stay, socioeconomic status and co-morbidities.

  32. Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Fact Facts
    This Fast Facts presents a profile of individuals who consume fruits and vegetables using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey.

  33. Breastfeeding Fact Facts
    This Fast Facts presents initiation and duration rates of breastfeeding using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey.