Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

This study compared two blood thinners, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and apixaban (Eliquis), in 2760 adults with new blood clots in the legs or lungs. The goal was to see which drug causes fewer bleeding problems. Results could help doctors choose the safer option for treating venous th…

This study tested whether a single dose of the bone drug zoledronate works as well as doses given every six months for three years in women with early-stage breast cancer. The goal was to see if a simpler schedule is feasible and could reduce side effects. The trial enrolled 211 …

This study compared two common blood thinners, rivaroxaban and apixaban, in 72 adults with newly diagnosed blood clots in the legs or lungs. The main goal was to see if a larger trial is possible by checking how many patients could join and complete follow-ups. Researchers also t…

This study tested whether surgeons can give a numbing shot (adductor canal block) during knee replacement surgery as effectively as an anesthesiologist does before surgery. 200 adults with knee osteoarthritis having same-day discharge were randomly assigned to one of the two meth…

This pilot trial tested a home-based prehabilitation program for people scheduled for major surgery. The program includes exercise, nutrition advice, and breathing techniques, all delivered through an online platform. Half of the 144 participants were assigned to the program, whi…

This pilot study tested whether time-restricted eating and blue-blocking glasses can help people with bipolar disorder during manic episodes. The goal was to see if these simple, drug-free approaches are feasible and safe for inpatients. Twenty-one participants were enrolled to t…

This study looked at whether taking hormone therapy for breast cancer in the morning or evening reduces side effects and helps patients stay on treatment. 245 women with early-stage breast cancer were randomly assigned to take their medication either within an hour of waking or w…

This study looked at whether the MyChart app can help track hot flash treatments in breast cancer patients. About 56 adults with breast cancer and hot flashes took part. The goal was to see if using the app is a good way to collect information on which treatments work best for ma…

This study tested whether a mobile app-based speech therapy program is practical for stroke survivors with mild to moderate communication problems. Twenty patients discharged from the hospital used an iPad for therapy at home while waiting for outpatient services. The main goal w…

This study tested whether a personalized follow-up plan (with on-demand nurse access and annual phone calls) works as well as standard clinic visits every 3-6 months for early-stage breast cancer patients. 261 women who finished initial treatment took part. The goal was to see if…

This study compared two types of skin grafts (Alloderm and Dermacell) used in immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy. 62 women participated, and researchers tracked complications like infection, fluid buildup, and implant loss. The goal was to see if the cheaper option …

This study looked at whether giving doctors a free online risk score (PREDICT 2.1) changes how often they order an expensive genetic test called Oncotype DX for early-stage breast cancer. Over 600 patients took part. The goal was to see if the algorithm could help doctors make be…

This study looked at 200 women with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer who were taking trastuzumab. The goal was to compare two standard schedules for monitoring heart function: every 3 months versus every 4 months. Researchers wanted to see if less frequent monitoring could…

This study tested whether paramedics can use a simple checklist, called the Canadian C-Spine Rule, to decide which low-risk trauma patients don't need neck immobilization during transport. Over 3,600 patients across Ontario took part. The goal was to reduce discomfort, save money…

This study looked at 744 people who had a blood clot before and were suspected of having another one. Researchers tested three different checklists (called clinical decision rules) to see how well they could tell if a new clot was really there. The goal was to help doctors avoid …