The death of a young child with autism following the improper use of a weighted blanket during school time launched an investigation by the coroner who reported the potential dangers of these blankets and the basic rules that should be applied for their safe use. The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) therefore asked AETMIS to synthesize the evidence on the use of weighted blankets for all potential clients, namely, those with pervasive developmental disorders, mental health disorders, or physical or intellectual disabilities, and frail elderly people. This report also examines the safety and efficacy of weighted vests, given that they appear to be widely used in Québec, especially with children.

Informative note prepared by Jean-Marie Lance. In French only.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, often associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation or with micro-arousals. To date, Québec’s Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) does not have any management program for these patients, who are growing in number. Applications for assistance from regional domestic help services (services régionaux de soins à domicile – SRSAD) are becoming increasingly frequent. These regional services are responsible for implementing Québec’s home oxygen therapy program (Programme d’oxygénothérapie à domicile – POD).

Obesity is considered a major public health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its steady and rapid rise in prevalence in many countries, including Canada. According to data, the prevalence of obesity in Québec was approximately 21.4% in 2004. Studies have shown that obesity and overweight are relatively important risk factors for developing chronic diseases, with serious health effects over the medium- to long-term.

The protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) diet is part of the therapeutic arsenal available in Québec to anyone having an excess of body weight and seeking intentional weight loss, through commercial manufacturers and in medical clinics.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by debilitating fatigue not resulting from exertion, lasting longer than six months and associated with physical and neuropsychological symptoms common to other diseases such as cognitive deficits, impaired sleep, anthralgia, myalgia, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, and tender lymph nodes.