During a large outbreak of Shiga toxin−producing Escherichia coli illness associated with an agricultural show in Australia, we used whole-genome sequencing to detect an IS1203v insertion in the Shiga toxin 2c subunit A gene of Shiga toxin−producing E. coli. Our study showed that clinical illness was mild, and hemolytic uremic syndrome was not detected.

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Context: This article outlines the planning, implementation and preliminary evaluation of a research capacity building (RCB) initiative within a predominantly rural Canadian health authority, Interior Health (IH), including initiative characteristics and key activities designed to initiate and enhance health services research capacity within the organization. Interior Health is one of 5 geographic health authorities in British Columbia. Over half of the population IH serves is considered to be rural/remote (approximately 3 people/km 2 ), contributing to difficulties in sharing research information (ie geographical distance to meet inperson and a diverse set of needs and/or priority topics that warrant research support). An initial assessment of IH research capacity in 2006, using an organizational self-assessment tool and discussions with key stakeholders, revealed a need for enhanced communication of health research results, research education and networking opportunities for staff at all levels of the organization. Staff noted barriers to using and sharing research such as lack of time, resources and skills for, and value placed on, participating in research, as well as lack of awareness of linkages with local academic health researchers, including faculty located at two universities within the region. In response to this baseline assessment and stakeholder feedback, short-term funding has allowed for the initial development of RCB strategies in both urban and rural/remote areas of the region, including: IH Research Brown Bag Lunch Seminars; IH Research Skills Workshop Series; literature syntheses/summaries on priority topic areas; research

Abstract:Clinical information systems, developed for specific disciplines, reinforce the fragmentation of patient care and fail to support integrated, patient centered approaches. Fundamental restructuring of systems development is required to prepare the health care system and the practice of nursing for the future.

This is a review paper on best practices in information management for health ministries in governments. It is based on a recent study in which we examined information management (IM) and information technology (IT) functions inside a provincial health ministry. In order to foster best IM practices we offer five key guiding principles followed by five recommendations for action. We urge governments to consider these principles and recommendations when planning the IM function for their health ministries.