People with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes may benefit from meeting with their general practitioner (GP) regularly, even when their symptoms seem to be under control. This recommendation stems from a nationally representative research study out of Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) that found visiting a GP at least once per year significantly reduced in-hospital time.
Survival rates for prostate cancer patients are high, but a diagnosis often comes with life-changing decisions and consequences for men and their loved ones. A new joint research study on peer navigation could give more prostate cancer patients, as well as their support system, the opportunity to be paired with a prostate cancer survivor or caregiver who can provide emotional and informational support.
The Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation – Centre d’Innovation Cardiovasculaire (CCI-CIC) is a new research centre at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute that gives B.C.’s cardiovascular researchers the chance to develop research projects aimed at improving patient care. Launched with the inclusion of 47 cardiovascular co-investigators, CCI-CIC investigates 16 major domains within cardiovascular medicine including arrythmia, coronary and structural heart disease interventions, surgery, congenital heart disease, pediatrics, heart function, basic science and imaging.
For more than two decades, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Anthony Phillips’s research on the brain’s dopamine system has dovetailed with his extensive work investigating plant-derived chemical compounds called tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPBs).
While physical distancing requirements for COVID-19 have proven challenging for most people, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Bill Miller and University of British Columbia (UBC) PhD student Gordon Tao view the situation as an opportunity to highlight telerehabilitation services and how they can be successfully provided to patients in a variety of ways.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Dr. Jeremy Road and colleague, Dr. Chris Miller, recognized that their work with nitric oxide could be a game-changer. They were in the midst of examining the application of the virus-, bacteria- and fungus-killing free radical against non-tuberculous mycobacterial and other infections, and quickly pivoted their investigations towards the new coronavirus.
Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide, and while airway support machines can effectively help treat many with the condition, more research is needed to determine the best intervention for individuals with both sleep apnea and heart failure.
“Heart failure can cause sleep apnea or sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke,” explains Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. John Fleetham.
