Clinical Research Directory

The RheumSafer Study: Improving Medication Appropriateness in People With Rheumatic Conditions

The goal of this prospective observational quality improvement study is to determine if a physician tool, MedSafer, combined with educational brochures for patients, can help to reduce the use of 'potentially inappropriate medications' (PIMs) in adults aged 60 and over with rheumatic conditions and polypharmacy (taking 5 or more regular medications). Researchers will follow participants during usual rheumatic disease care. They will compare the rate of PIM deprescribing (stopping medications or reducing the dose) before and after the introduction of the following interventions: * MedSafer reports provided to treating physicians * EMPOWER consumer brochures provided to participants Participants will complete 4 study visits over 18-20 months during which researchers will collect information on medication changes, serious adverse events (emergency visits or hospitalizations), and quality of life.

Cortical Changes After Upper Limb Immobilization Measured by Electroencephalography

This study aims to investigate how temporary immobilization of the upper limb after injury affects brain activity and functional recovery. Participants with fractures or soft tissue injuries of the upper limb who require immobilization will be evaluated at three time points: at the beginning of immobilization, after removal of the immobilization, and four weeks later. Brain activity will be measured using electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive and painless technique that records electrical signals from the scalp. Functional outcomes such as pain, mobility, strength, and daily activity performance will also be assessed using validated questionnaires and clinical tests. The purpose of this study is to better understand how immobilization influences the brain and physical recovery, in order to improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with upper limb injuries. Participation is voluntary, and all participants will provide written informed consent.

Approaches to Chiropractic Care in Aging Patients

The goal of this observational study is to understand how chiropractors adjust their therapeutic approaches based on their beliefs, the patient's age, and patient-specific characteristics, with a particular focus on aging patients. The study population includes licensed chiropractors in Quebec treating adult and aging patients in real clinical settings. Patients involved are receiving their usual care and are not the primary focus of the study. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How do chiropractors modify their treatment strategies for aging patients? * What contextual and clinical factors influence these therapeutic decisions? Researchers will observe chiropractors during routine care to assess treatment characteristics. To do this, participants will: * Use a sensor to measure the force applied during specific manual treatments. * Complete brief questionnaires after each treatment to report contextual details. * Allow for the presence of a researcher during treatment delivery for observational purposes. Patients will: * Fill out a short pre-treatment questionnaire. * Receive their usual care with no interference in the treatment process. * Be informed in advance and free to decline participation at any point. This study aims to provide a detailed picture of current chiropractic practices in Quebec related to the care of aging patients, while minimizing disruption to clinical routines.