News Release

1995-65
September 29, 1995

Canadian medical publication receives prestigious prize in Europe

PARIS, FRANCE - The Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination (CTFPHE) has received the 1995 Prix Prescrire du livre médical et harmaceutique for producing the Canadian Guide to Clinical Preventive Health Care.

The prize was awarded by the Revue Prescrire, a prestigious journal which reviews new medical products and procedures and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages.

In Ottawa, Health Minister Diane Marleau praised the Task Force for its outstanding contribution to the field of prevention. "Doctors need to know the efficacy of various technologies as well as the risks and benefits of clinical procedures. The Guide offers guidance on when to, and when not to use certain preventive procedures," said Madame Marleau. "Implementation of the Guide's recommendations would lead to better patient care, and, most likely, significant savings to the health care system."

The CTFPHE, whose work has received considerable international recognition, is an independent scientific panel funded by Health Canada since its inception in 1976. It is made up of university experts from diverse medical specialties and related disciplines.

The CTFPHE examines the efficacy of many clinical preventive practices such as screening for breast cancer and routine serial use of prenatal ultrasound screening.

The 1,000-page Guide contains information covering subjects such as prenatal and perinatal preventive care, prevention of psychosocial illness, lifestyle diseases, and health conditions affecting the elderly.

This publication is available in English and French from the Canada Communication Group: (819) 956-4800 or fax (819) 994-1498.

Information:
Bonnie Fox-McIntyre/Monique Renaud-Gagné
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588