https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/104024 2026-04-11T03:05:03Z 2026-04-11T03:05:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82217 2021-12-15T10:16:34Z 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Oliver Friggieri (1947-2020) Abstract: Oliver Friggieri (1947-2020) was a Maltese poet, novelist, literary critic, and philosopher. He led the establishment of literary history and criticism in Maltese while teaching at the University of Malta, including the works of Dun Karm and Ruzar Briffa and others. A prolific writer himself, Professor Friggieri explored new genres to promote the Maltese language, including writing the libretti for the first oratorio and the first cantata in Maltese. He strongly promoted the Maltese cultural identity, while not shying from criticism. One of his most famous novels, Fil-Parlament Ma Jikbrux Fjuri (No Flowers Grow in Parliament, 1986), condemned societal tribal divisions caused by politics.

2021-10-01T00:00:00Z Formosa, Luana Cassar, Mary Rose https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82216 2021-10-14T09:40:38Z 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Is an adequate travel history being documented in adult patients presenting with fever to the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital? Authors: Formosa, Luana; Cassar, Mary Rose Abstract: Background: Travelling has increased exponentially, especially to destinations with tropical and sub-tropical climates. The importance of obtaining a travel history was first coined by Maegraith in his publication entitled 'Unde Venis'. Emergency Physicians often fail to inquire for a travel history for a multitude of reasons. Such absence can have serious implications on both the clinical and the public health aspect.; Method: A retrospective analysis of patients' holder of Identification number ending with 'F' who have returned from abroad (21 days) and presented to the Emergency Department with a fever between the period of December 2017 and June 2018, were included. The emergency clerking sheet from the Emergency Department reception (for patients who were discharged) or the medical file from medical records (for patients who were admitted), were analysed for the presence or absence of an adequate travel history against the travel history proforma created.; Results: A total of 234 case notes were analysed. 1.3% were asked about the diurnal variation of fever and 85.9% inquired about the duration of fever in days. With regards to symptomatology, only 36% were inquired about respiratory symptoms and 48% about gastrointestinal ones. 0.4% were asked about the possibility of casual sex abroad and 1.7% about the risk of exposure to contaminated food and water.; Conclusion: Results obtained show that there is a significant lack of awareness. Researchers are therefore proposing the use of a ready-made proforma which should be used at all times for patients who present to the Emergency Department with fever and a recent history of travel.

2021-10-01T00:00:00Z Borg, Rebecca Borg Cremona, John Dimech, Thea Aquilina, Annelise Grech, Marie Claire Curmi, Francesca Degiorgio, Sophie Azzopardi, Eugenio https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82215 2021-10-14T09:39:39Z 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quality of care in a paediatric emergency department Authors: Borg, Rebecca; Borg Cremona, John; Dimech, Thea; Aquilina, Annelise; Grech, Marie Claire; Curmi, Francesca; Degiorgio, Sophie; Azzopardi, Eugenio Abstract: Background: Measuring quality of care in a paediatric emergency department is challenging and there is lack of specific set measures to do so. The primary objective of this study was to determine the quality of care in our local paediatric emergency department by applying a set of quality indicators. The secondary objectives were to determine lacunae in quality of care and thus make suggestions for improvement.; Methods: A retrospective study was carried out using data collected from records of children presenting to the paediatric emergency department with a medical complaint between August and December 2019, during the first two weeks of each month. The Institute of Medicine Quality Domains were used to assess the quality indicators measured.; Results: Specific quality indicators require improvement including weight documentation, time to triage, and safety netting practices. A lack of quality indicators measuring patient-centeredness, staff experience, and equity was noted.; Conclusion: Suggestions, both for improving quality of care and its measurement, are made, in light of the new challenges faced by paediatric emergency departments.

2021-10-01T00:00:00Z Caruana, Ruth Vella, Sandro Caruana, Maryanne Cassar, Andrew Vassallo, Josanne https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82214 2021-10-14T09:38:49Z 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Relationship between thyroid status and survival rates in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome Authors: Caruana, Ruth; Vella, Sandro; Caruana, Maryanne; Cassar, Andrew; Vassallo, Josanne Abstract: Thyroid dysfunction is a relatively common and treatable disease. The aims of the study included investigating the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in our unit, following them up for 8 years and assessing the impact of thyroid dysfunction on their long-term outcome. Thyroid dysfunction is common among patients presenting with ACS in our unit. Forty percent (n=36) of those included had abnormal thyroid function tests at presentation with ACS, with the most common condition being subclinical hypothyroidism. The mean age of all patients was 62.3 years and there was no difference between males and females. There was no correlation between age and TSH and age and T4 levels. Forty two percent (n=37) died by the end of the observation period. A Kaplan-Meier curve was performed to check for any differences in survival across thyroid dysfunction categories. We report shorter survival times for patients who are euthyroid at presentation with an ACS.

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