The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-reaching impacts for all populations. This pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, how we go to work and school, how we socialize and access health care. The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of resources and literature about the outcomes and impacts of COVID-19 on […]
Post‒COVID-19 condition, also referred to as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC), among other names, is a condition characterized by new or persisting symptoms beyond the acute phase of the disease (e.g., for more than 4 or 12 weeks following an initial COVID-19 infection, clinical definition […]
CADTH conducted a Health Technology Review looking for evidence on the clinical effectiveness of sotrovimab, a human monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of COVID-19. No published, peer-reviewed evidence was identified. However, 1 trial that is currently under way has preliminary results. Final results are expected later this year and should provide further clarity on the […]
This Horizon Scan report examines the use of breath tests to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19 infections. Breath tests for SARS-CoV-2 work by analyzing the volatile organic compounds (compounds produced by virus-infected cells) present in exhaled breath. Issues related to these tests, such as current practice and […]
This report looks at the current evidence regarding diagnostic tests that can detect both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection) and seasonal influenza. Combined diagnostic tests can be used to detect both viruses from 1 respiratory sample in a single reaction. The availability of these tests, their cost, […]
Convalescent plasma (CP) therapy is an intervention where plasma is collected from recovered COVID-19 patients in the hope that the disease-specific antibodies could help the recipient recover from COVID-19. Evidence on the effectiveness of CP therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 is still in the early stages. This report summarizes the current evidence and it […]
With visitor restrictions implemented in the hope of reducing COVID-19 transmission, long-term care (LTC) facilities have been faced with finding alternative ways to maintain communication with residents’ essential care partners. This report provides a summary of identified literature on communication strategies that have been implemented during a pandemic or infectious outbreak to facilitate communication between […]
Challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased concern for the resilience and wellness of unregulated personal support workers (PSWs) in long-term care facilities. This report summarizes identified literature on interventions that have been implemented to improve the well-being of unregulated PSWs. Link to Report Long-Term Care Personal Support Workers’ Resilience and Wellness
This report provides information on the availability, accuracy, safety, cost, and other considerations for using self-administered screening tests at home for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. Using nasal swab samples, these tests can provide a result within 30 minutes. The report includes a list of available at-home tests and their respective accuracy […]
This report reviews the current scientific evidence on the potential benefits and harms of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. A total of 17 trials were identified — 14 treatment trials and three prevention trials. The evidence available at this time is limited in both quantity and quality, with some of […]
This report provides information on ongoing randomized controlled trials of drugs being investigated to treat or prevent COVID-19. It will be updated every two weeks. Ongoing trials of vaccines and plasma-based therapies are addressed in separate CADTH reports. Link to Report Ongoing Trials for Drugs in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 (Updated April 16, […]
This report provides an overview of the evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 and related restrictions on intimate partner violence and child maltreatment. The report also includes information on risk factors for violence, access to support for those at risk, and measures to mitigate the risk of intimate partner violence and child maltreatment during this […]
Tocilizumab and sarilumab are classified as humanized monoclonal antibodies against the interleukin-6 receptor and are used in rheumatology. CADTH has conducted a Technology Review on tocilizumab and sarilumab for their potential use in managing COVID-19. Link to Report Tocilizumab and Sarilumab: Evidence Review and Appraisal (updated February 25, 2021)
REGN-COV2 combines 2 virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that are used against SARS-CoV-2: casirivimab and imdevimab (CAS-IMD). The CADTH Technology Review evaluated a published interim analysis of a randomized controlled trial of 2 different doses of CAS-IMD in 275 ambulatory adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Link to Report Casirivimab-Imdevimab for COVID-19: Evidence Review and Appraisal
CADTH conducted a Health Technology Review on remdesivir — an antiviral drug currently being used to treat COVID-19. Remdesivir was approved in Canada on July 27, 2020 to treat adults and adolescents with severe symptoms of COVID-19 who have pneumonia and require extra oxygen. Five randomized controlled trials were identified and included in the review. […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response Report to search for clinical evidence or evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of respiratory personal protective equipment designed specifically for female presenting individuals during COVID-19. However, no clinical evidence or evidence-based guidelines were identified. References that did not meet the inclusion criteria, but may still be of interest, were included […]
To find effective treatment for COVID-19, researchers have started studying older drugs approved for other infections or diseases. One recent drug of interest is ivermectin, a drug typically used to treat patients with parasitic infections (e.g., roundworm). This report looks at the evidence regarding ivermectin to treat patients with COVID-19 infections. While some lab studies […]
A properly fitted respirator device (e.g., N95 masks) is an important piece of personal protective equipment. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is greater interest in how well filtering respirator devices fit when a person has facial hair — like a beard, moustache, or sideburns. This report looks at the evidence regarding facial hair and respirator […]
This newsletter article provides an overview of saliva-based testing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article briefly explores the different types of COVID-19 tests, the potential advantages of using saliva samples for testing, the clinical evidence, and the current practice in Canada. Link to Report Saliva-Based Testing as an Alternative to Traditional COVID-19 […]
Bamlanivimab is authorized by Health Canada (in accordance with the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19) to treat adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with mild to moderate COVID-19, who weigh at least 40 kg and are at high risk of […]
CADTH conducted a Health Technology Review on bamlanivimab, a drug authorized (with terms and conditions) by Health Canada to treat adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older with mild to moderate COVID-19, who weigh at least 40 kg and are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 illness and/or hospitalization. The […]
CADTH created this handout, intended for the general public, explaining the risks of using unproven drug treatments for COVID-19. The handout also provides information on what to do if someone is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, tips on how to assess the reliability of health information found on the internet, and a list of reliable websites that […]
This report provides information on ongoing randomized controlled trials of intravenous immune globulin and hyperimmune globulin that are being investigated for the management of COVID-19. It will be updated every month. Ongoing trials of convalescent plasma are addressed in separate CADTH reports Link to Report Ongoing Trials of Plasma-Based Therapies for the Treatment of COVID-19 […]
The first two vaccines (both messenger ribonucleic acid — mRNA — vaccines) for the prevention of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been authorized for emergency use. People with cancer are at a higher risk for serious illness resulting from COVID-19, but were not specifically included in the trials […]
This CADTH Horizon Scan describes how rapid point-of-care screening tests for COVID-19 are being used in Canada and internationally. It also reports on evidence regarding their effectiveness on COVID-19 transmission (no studies identified) and performance. The scan identifies guidance documents that provide suggestions for use in specific settings and populations. Link to Report Rapid Point-of-Care […]
If accurate, antibody-based serology tests may provide information on who has COVID-19 or who has been infected. Health Canada is actively assessing these tests within the expedited access process. However, to date, the performance and role of these tests in clinical settings has not been completely demonstrated. Currently, evidence to confirm that individuals have immunity […]
This Horizon Scan explores what we know about virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, their mechanism of action and how they are administered, and which virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies are in clinical development for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Link to Report CADTH Emerging Health Technology for COVID-19: Virus-Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2
This report provides an overview of testing methods for COVID-19. A description of published clinical evidence and important considerations related to the potential implementation of these tests are provided. As demands for testing during the pandemic increases, this information may be of interest to health care decision-makers interested in learning more about the availability and […]
These citations related to public health interventions and prevention of COVID-19 in schools are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to enable more comprehensive searching, or to help frame questions or issues. Overall, three evidence-based guidelines were identified. If you would like to know more, please contact CADTH by email or via our requests […]
This CADTH Rapid Response Report looks at evidence and recommendations regarding the clinical effectiveness of protective eyewear for health care workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed respiratory tract infections. No relevant literature or evidence-based guidelines were identified; however, articles of potential interest are provided in the appendix. Link to Report Protective Eyewear for […]
Non-urgent cancer treatment procedures were delayed or postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is considerable concern that when screening programs do resume, there may be a backlog of screen-positive patients who may be diagnosed at more advanced stages. CADTH undertook a literature search of scientific evidence, clinical guidelines, recommendations, national standards, and […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for those living and working in long-term care (LTC) facilities. There has been uncertainty related to managing visitors to LTC, the psychological and social impact of isolation for LTC residents, and how best to support LTC staff during this pandemic. To help support health care decision-makers facing these issues, […]
There are currently multiple management strategies for COVID-19, including the use of corticosteroids. Preliminary results have found that corticosteroids may lower mortality among severe and critical COVID-19 cases and is recommended for use by those on respiratory support. CADTH has conducted a review to summarize the current clinical evidence on systemic corticosteroids for the management […]
This newsletter explores recent developments in testing for COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19 infection is important to stopping spread of the virus. There is also a need for tests that can quickly provide results. Evidence related to rapid point-of-care antigen testing — such as current practice, availability in Canada, cost, and safety — are summarized in […]
These citations related to weather and COVID-19 infection are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to enable more comprehensive searching, or to help frame questions or issues.If you would like to know more, please contact CADTH by email or our requests page. Link to Report Temperature, Humidity, and COVID-19: Evidence
This Rapid Response review looked for clinical evidence and evidence-based guidelines on ventilation-perfusion imaging for diagnosing pulmonary embolism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the procedure often induces coughing in patients, there are concerns about its potential role in transmitting COVID-19 infection from patients to health care providers. However, no relevant evidence or evidence-based guidelines were […]
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: […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response Report to search for evidence-based guidelines regarding resuming routine cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. One evidence-based guideline from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute was identified. However, no evidence-based guidelines that were either broader in scope, or specific to other fields, were identified. Link to Report Resumption of Routine […]
This tool provides general information about the drug dexamethasone, its past uses, and new evidence for dexamethasone as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The results from the dexamethasone arm of the RECOVERY trial are provided, together with the current Canadian recommendations for its use in treating COVID-19. Link to Tool What You Should Know About […]
HIV medications lopinavir and ritonavir (LPVR), in combination, are currently being investigated as a proposed COVID-19 treatment. The potential mechanism of action of LPVR is that it may disrupt the replication and spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 — or SARS-CoV-2 — within the body. However, there is uncertainty around the clinical […]
CADTH conducted a limited literature search to identify a list of potential technologies that may be used to address the negative effects of social isolation on older adults living in long-term care. A list of technologies that encourage engagement and communication is identified; these include technologies for robotic companions and pets, physical activities and games, […]
Favipiravir is an oral antiviral drug that has emerged as a potential treatment or prevention option for COVID-19. An international expert panel issued a weak recommendation for not using favipiravir in patients with non-severe or severe COVID-19 because of low-quality evidence. Favipiravir is not approved in Canada and is not currently accessible outside of clinical […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response report to search for evidence regarding the comparative clinical effectiveness of face shields (made from varying materials or of varying designs) in preventing infections such as COVID-19. In addition, a search was conducted for evidence-based guidelines for the use of face shields in outdoor or winter settings. No relevant literature […]
This report provides information on ongoing clinical trials of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines being investigated for the prevention of COVID-19. It is current as of August 10, 2020, and no further updates will be posted. A list of online tracking tools for up-to-date information on ongoing vaccine trials for COVID-19 is provided in Appendix 1 […]
This report provides information on ongoing clinical trials of novel vaccines being investigated for the prevention of COVID-19. It is current as of August 10, 2020, and no further updates will be posted. A list of online tracking tools for up-to-date information on ongoing vaccine trials for COVID-19 is provided in Appendix 1 of this […]
The RECOVERY trial is a large, ongoing, multi-centre, open-label, randomized controlled trial investigating several treatments for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. In July 2020, the preliminary results were published comparing dexamethasone plus usual standard of care with usual standard of care alone. Dexamethasone reduced the 28-day mortality rate in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The purpose of […]
A needleless or needle-free jet injector uses a high-pressure jet stream to puncture the skin surface without using a needle. It can be used as a method to administer a vaccine (and also to potentially administer vaccines in a dose-sparing way, which may be useful for large-scale vaccination programs or in situations of limited vaccine […]
During pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to offer care to vulnerable populations, especially those experiencing alcohol withdrawal. CADTH conducted a Rapid Response on the clinical effectiveness of using gabapentin, phenobarbital, diazepam, or lorazepam to treat alcohol withdrawal. This report also searched for evidence-based guidelines for treating alcohol withdrawal in the […]
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are interested in whether health care interventions can be done virtually or remotely. CADTH conducted a Rapid Response regarding virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (programs to improve lung function) for patients with respiratory disease or post-intensive care syndrome (health problems individuals may experience after being in intensive care). […]
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19, particularly those in intensive care units, are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). CADTH’s Horizon Scan identified seventeen studies reporting on the frequency of VTE in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The Horizon Scan also summarized Canadian and International guidance regarding the dose and duration of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis for VTE […]
This CADTH Rapid Response Report looks at evidence on the safety of influenza vaccination in terms of the risk of contracting subsequent non-influenza respiratory viruses. This information might help inform decisions on the administration of the seasonal flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three non-randomized studies were identified. Two found no association between the influenza […]
This issue of Health Technology Update features brief summaries of information on a range of technologies that aim to support the prevention, identification, and management of COVID-19 — from smartphone apps for contact tracing to self-collected sampling for diagnostic testing. These technologies were identified through the CADTH Horizon Scanning Service as topics of potential interest […]
The urgency of limiting the spread of COVID-19 remains a significant challenge for many jurisdictions across Canada. The utilization of contact tracing apps is being explored as a public health tool in order to help prevent further spread of the disease by tracking those who have been confirmed or assessed as likely to be carriers […]
CADTH conducted a Rapid Response report to search for evidence on the comparative clinical effectiveness of methoxyflurane versus inhaled nitrous oxide for acute pain, as well as the clinical effectiveness of methoxyflurane for acute pain in pre-hospital or emergency department settings. One systematic review was identified; however, it has not been critically appraised by CADTH. […]
These citations related to re-establishing health services in indigenous communities are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to more comprehensive searching or to help frame questions or issues. If you’d like to know more, please contact CADTH via our email address or our requests page. Link to Report Quick Start: Re-establishing Health Services in […]
These citations related to moral distress in health care workers are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to more comprehensive searching or to help frame questions or issues. If you’d like to know more, please contact CADTH via our email address or our requests page Link to Report Quick Start: Moral Distress in Health […]
These citations related to laboratory services and COVID-19 are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to more comprehensive searching or to help frame questions or issues. If you’d like to know more, please contact CADTH via our email address or our requests page Link to Report Quick Start: Laboratory Services and COVID-19
These citations related to radiology services and COVID-19 are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to more comprehensive searching or to help frame questions or issues. If you’d like to know more, please contact CADTH via our email address or our requests page. Link to Report Quick Start: Radiology Services and COVID-19
These citations related to pulmonary auscultation without touching or contamination are intended to provide a preliminary quick start to more comprehensive searching or to help frame questions or issues. If you’d like to know more, please contact CADTH via our email address or our requests page. Link to Report Quick Start: Pulmonary Auscultation Without Touching […]