Wearable devices — such as watches, arm bands, and patches — may help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wearable technologies could improve early symptom detection, especially through close monitoring of contacts . They may also safely monitor patients from a distance and limit health care worker exposure. This bulletin explores different wearable technologies in the […]
This Health Technology Update newsletter describes patient helmets, also known as “helmet masks,” and their potential use in COVID-19 infection control. These helmets are designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from infected patients to health care providers and other patients. The newsletter provides a background to the technology, target populations, cost and availability, […]
This report reviews evidence related to airflow transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the risk associated with the use of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A targeted literature review along with a multidisciplinary expert panel discussion were the primary approaches to examine the evidence. More robust, published, peer-reviewed evidence is […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the widespread use of virtual visits, demonstrating that care can be delivered effectively through virtual means. As the risk of transmission and exposure to the virus remain, and as patient demand for virtual access to health care providers is unlikely to abate over the immediate term and beyond, the health […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response Report to search for evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of stool-based screening tests, screening triage tools, or management algorithms for colorectal cancer screening. However, no relevant evidence-based guidelines were identified in these searches. Link to Report Triage Tools and Management Algorithms for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Guidelines
Tocilizumab (TCZ), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, used for severe rheumatoid arthritis and life-threatening cytochrome release syndrome, may be a potential treatment option for COVID-19 infection. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection showed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines; hence, it was thought that blocking the receptor of these agents may reduce the inflammatory response to COVID-19. […]
Sarilumab is an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist indicated, in Canada, for rheumatoid arthritis and has been identified as a potential option for treating COVID-19. Two published studies were identified in the CADTH Horizon Scan that evaluated the efficacy and safety of sarilumab for the treatment of COVID-19. Link to Report CADTH Emerging Health Technology for COVID-19: […]