Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES)

03/13/2026

Big news for health data science in Canada!

has received $4.98 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Innovation Fund to strengthen the infrastructure behind our world-class research and data analytics. This investment will expand access to linked health and social data, enhance machine learning capabilities, and support the scaling of research across jurisdictions in Canada.

But what does this mean in practice?

Within the next five years, this work will help generate real social, health, and economic benefits for Canadians by enabling:
• more responsive and inclusive health research
• more inclusive clinical trials
• better health system planning at regional and national levels

A key part of this initiative is supporting early career researchers, giving the next generation of scientists access to the advanced tools, data, and secure analytic environments needed to tackle Canada’s most pressing health challenges.

Together with our partners, we’re building the foundation for secure, equity-focused health data science that can improve health outcomes for communities across the country.

Read more: https://www.ices.on.ca/announcements-and-events/ices-awarded-nearly-5-million-from-cfi/

Questions? Email us at: media@ices.on.ca

03/13/2026

Missed anything this week? 👀

Our latest ICYMI roundup features new research on surgical outcomes for patients with cirrhosis, rising rates of first-episode psychosis among younger cohorts, and how access to primary care may improve long-term survival after severe traumatic injury.

Plus: upcoming events on rural and northern healthcare leadership and menopause, and ICES research making headlines in the news.

Read the edition: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mar-6-13-2027-ices-research-institute-hh7fe

03/11/2026

“We looked at over half a million pregnant patients who had undergone previous colposcopy. We found a 32% increase in preterm birth in patients who had a previous cervical excisional procedure,” said Dr. Meryl Hodge, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellow Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, first author of the study. “This tells us that when clinically appropriate, cervical ablative procedures should be done instead in patients who desire future fertility. It also shows us that these patients might need additional screening in future pregnancies to prevent preterm birth.”

Read this study on or follow this link: https://www.ices.on.ca/publications/journal-articles/adverse-obstetrical-outcomes-associated-with-treatment-of-dysplastic-lesions-of-the-cervix-in-a-universally-funded-single-payor-health-care-system/

03/09/2026

03/06/2026

ICYMI: This week at ICES—explore new research on pediatric burns, cancer care, and health equity, plus upcoming webinars on neurodivergence, disability, and gender-based violence (Mar. 23), the Addictions & Mental Health Ontario Conference (Mar. 24–25), and insights on substance use data (Mar. 26). Stay informed and connected with Ontario’s health research community.

Read the edition: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/feb-27mar-6-2026-ices-research-institute-kovjc

03/06/2026

Huge congrats to our scientist Dr. Maria Pelez!

Maria Velez, M.D., Ph. D., a contribué à un breffage fondé sur des données probantes publié par le Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) du Parlement britannique 🌍📊

Ce document examine les dimensions juridiques, éthiques et liées à la santé de la grossesse pour autrui au Royaume-Uni. Scientifique au sein du Programme en santé de l’enfant et en développement humain à L’Institut, la Dre Velez mène des travaux en épidémiologie reproductive et périnatale.

Les POSTnotes sont des breffages indépendants fondés sur des données probantes, préparés pour informer les députées et députés ainsi que la Chambre des Lords sur des enjeux complexes pouvant influencer l’élaboration de futures lois.

🔗 En savoir plus : https://rimuhc.ca/fr/-/la-dre-maria-velez-contribue-a-la-publication-d-une-postnote-du-parlement-britannique

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Maria Velez, MD, PhD, contributed to a new evidence briefing published by the UK Parliament’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) 🌍📊

The briefing examines the legal, ethical and health dimensions of surrogacy in the United Kingdom. Dr. Velez, a scientist in The Institute’s Child Health & Human Development Program, focuses her research on reproductive and perinatal epidemiology.

POSTnotes are independent, evidence-based briefings designed to inform Members of Parliament and the House of Lords on complex issues that may influence future legislation.

🔗 Learn more: https://rimuhc.ca/en/-/dr-maria-velez-contributes-to-uk-parliament-postnote

Centre universitaire de santé McGill - McGill University Health Centre McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences McGill University UK Parliament

03/05/2026

Proud to see four studies ranked among the 25 most-read articles of 2025 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. From substance use and environmental health to surgical access and reproductive care, ICES research is helping inform policy and strengthen health systems across Ontario.

Explore the key findings from each study below.

1. People who receive emergency or hospital care after using hallucinogens face a significantly higher risk of dying within five years—about 2.5 times higher than the general population. They are especially at increased risk of su***de, as well as accidental drug poisoning, breathing problems, and cancer.

Read the study: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/8/E204 =4f04d7e0-1d24-4475-b213-c577106b0200

2. Wildfire smoke was associated with a sharp rise in asthma-related emergency department visits. After the first major smoke episode in early June 2023, asthma-related emergency department visits increased by 23.6%, peaking at a one‑day lag and lasting up to 5 days. Children experienced a brief 40% increase, while adults saw a more sustained 48% increase lasting a week. Other respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes were not significantly affected. Despite severe smoke exposure, the study found no detectable effect on emergency department visits for other respiratory conditions, ischemic heart disease, or non‑cardiorespiratory causes.

Read the study: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/17/E465 =4f04d7e0-1d24-4475-b213-c577106b0200

3. Coordinated referral and team‑based care models could largely eliminate prolonged wait times for joint replacement surgery. The study found that coordinated models (single‑entry referral, team‑based care, or both) produced larger reductions in high‑outlier wait times—specifically the 90th percentile and the proportion of patients exceeding wait‑time targets, compared with the status quo. These improvements targeted the longest waits rather than shifting median wait times.

Read the study: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/19/E524 =4f04d7e0-1d24-4475-b213-c577106b0200

4. Access to abortion medication improved dramatically across Ontario from 2017 to 2022. In 2017, almost no pharmacies (only 2%) dispensed mifepristone, but by 2022 this grew to 20%. As a result, most regions in the province—77% by 2022, up from 19%—had a local pharmacy where people could get abortion medication. Many more people gained local access to abortion services. In 2017, only 37% of women of reproductive age lived in an area with either a medication‑dispensing pharmacy or an abortion provider. By 2022, this increased to 91%, making access much more local and convenient.

Read the study: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/13/E345 =4f04d7e0-1d24-4475-b213-c577106b0200

03/03/2026

People with IBD who develop other health conditions early in life are more likely to die before age 75.

The study found that having chronic conditions—like mood disorders, arthritis, mental health disorders, or high blood pressure—diagnosed at a younger age (60 or earlier) made it more likely that a person with inflammatory bowel disease would die prematurely.

Machine‑learning models can accurately predict which IBD patients are at higher risk of dying prematurely.

The researchers used several predictive models, and all performed well. The best model was highly accurate in identifying people at higher risk based on their age at diagnosis and which chronic conditions they had.

Read the study: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/197/11/E286 =4f04d7e0-1d24-4475-b213-c577106b0200

03/02/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome four exceptional Adjunct Scientists to !

✨ Dr. Gina Agarwal (ICES McMaster) – advancing health equity and strengthening primary care for vulnerable communities through innovative, community-engaged research.
Read more: https://www.ices.on.ca/ices-scientists/gina-agarwal/

✨ Vasily Giannakeas (ICES Central) – generating real-world evidence to improve women’s cancer screening, treatment, and survivorship.
Read more: https://www.ices.on.ca/ices-scientists/vasily-giannakeas/

✨ Dr. Peter Gill (ICES Central) – transforming care for hospitalized children and championing patient-oriented pediatric research.

Read more: https://www.ices.on.ca/ices-scientists/peter-gill/

✨ Dr. Olga Bougie (ICES UofT) – leading research in endometriosis and patient-centred outcomes in gynaecology.
Read more: https://www.ices.on.ca/ices-scientists/olga-bougie/

From primary care to cancer, pediatrics to women’s health, their work is shaping evidence that improves lives across Ontario and beyond. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

02/28/2026

Ever wondered what equitable cancer care, smarter healthcare spending, and stronger communities have in common? 🤔

The February Research Roundups from show how data + equity can guide better decisions across Ontario:

🔎 Gaps in breast cancer treatment for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities: https://www.ices.on.ca/publications/journal-articles/factors-associated-with-the-receipt-of-female-breast-cancer-treatment-among-people-living-with-intellectual-or-developmental-disabilities/
💰 Five-year costs of head and neck cancers and their impact on the health system: https://www.ices.on.ca/publications/journal-articles/head-and-neck-cancers-medical-costs-in-a-universal-health-system/
🏘️ Data-driven selection of retirement & social housing sites in Toronto to better support aging in place: https://www.ices.on.ca/publications/journal-articles/a-site-selection-process-for-enhanced-programming-in-naturally-occurring-retirement-communities-and-social-housing/

Different topics, one key takeaway: using robust population data with an equity lens builds stronger, fairer systems for everyone.

02/27/2026

ICYMI— here's what we've been reading, watching, and thinking about this week. From new research on symptom monitoring in cancer care and hepatitis B outcomes, to the quiet erosion of home visits for older adults, these studies speak to a common thread: the systems meant to support patients work best when they're proactive, complete, and equitable. Plus, upcoming events and a conversation worth hearing 🎧

Read the edition: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/february-20-27-2026-ices-research-institute-sf2de

02/27/2026

Care doesn’t just happen in hospitals — it happens in communities.

In the latest In Our VoICES, we are in conversation with Dr. Hsien Seow and Sheli O'Connor, to explore how families, caregivers, and communities play a powerful role in shaping the experience of serious illness.

It’s thoughtful. It’s honest. And it’s a conversation we all need to have.

🎧 Tune in today: https://www.ices.on.ca/podcast/the-palliative-care-revolution-with-dr-hsien-seow-and-sheli-oconnor/