On multivariate analysis, a positive T-SPOT.TB test was associated with a history of active tuberculosis, radiographic markers of previous infection, and birth in an endemic country, whereas a physician panel diagnosis also was associated with a history of previous tuberculosis contact. The TST is insensitive in hemodialysis patients and is not recommended to be used in isolation to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection. It is suggested that a combination of T-SPOT.TB testing and medical assessment may be the most accurate screening method.

Patients with AS perceive the benefits of exercise, with average EBBS benefits scores comparable to historical controls with similar conditions. Despite positive perceptions, the majority of patients with AS did not report participating in exercise on a frequent basis.

Background: Timely access to publicly funded health services has emerged as a priority policy issue across the continuum of care from hospitals to the home and community sector. The purpose of this study was to examine wait lists and wait times for publicly funded outpatient and community occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) services. Methods: A mailed self-administered questionnaire was sent in December 2005 to all publicly funded sites across Ontario that deliver outpatient or community OT or PT services (N ¼ 374). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study sample and to examine wait lists and wait times by setting and client condition. Results: Overall response rate was 57.2% (n ¼ 214). More than 10,000 people were reported to be waiting for OT or PT services across Ontario. Of these, 16% (n ¼ 1,664) were waiting for OT and 84% (n ¼ 8,842) for PT. Of those waiting for OT, 59% had chronic conditions and half were waiting for home care rehabilitation services. Of those waiting for PT, 73% had chronic conditions and 81% were waiting at hospital outpatient departments. Conclusions: Individuals with chronic conditions experience excessive wait times for outpatient and community OT and PT services in Ontario, particularly if they are waiting for services in hospital outpatient departments.