-
Rethinking fetal alcohol spectrum disorder for an equitable diagnosis and support to patients
Alcohol consumption is unsafe during pregnancy, so any amount should be avoided. The substance can interfere with normal fetal development, leading to a serious, lifelong impact on individuals. The term used to diagnose alcohol exposure in the womb is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). But a group of clinician-researchers have raised concerns about this term…
-
Study examines how pediatric residents across Canada use interpreters to care for patients
Inclusive care directly impacts the well-being of pediatric patients and their families. Aware of its importance, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) has helped lead changes that can improve health equity and ensure high-quality care. In two recent studies, BCCHR researchers investigated language barriers to care in Canada. Today, in the first of a two-part…
-
Caring for young people during a toxic drug crisis: Q&A with Dr. Danya Fast
“It’s important to discuss the toxicity of the drug supply,” says Dr. Danya Fast, an investigator at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. In 2007, she started her research with people as young as 13 years old who use drugs in the context of unstable housing and homelessness. A medical anthropologist by training, Dr. Fast examined their…
