https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148 2026-10-03T09:05:50Z 2026-10-03T09:05:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149564 2026-10-01T06:01:59Z 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Malta Medical School : 350 years in the making Abstract: The founding of the Scuola di Anatomia e Chirurgia within the Valletta Sacra Infermeria in December 1676 stands as a seminal moment in Maltese medical history. Instituted by Grandmaster Nicolas Cottoner and first led by Fra Dr Giuseppe Zammit, the School was created in direct response to the catastrophic 1675–76 plague that decimated the islands’ medical workforce and exposed the limits of an apprenticeship-based system of medical education. Its establishment marked the deliberate shift from informal, craft-oriented training to organised, sustained medical instruction anchored within a major clinical institution.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z Mallia, Pierre https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149563 2026-10-01T05:57:43Z 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Current euthanasia debate in Malta Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: In May 2025 the Maltese government launched a public consultation on a proposed framework for Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia (AVE). Over the following eight weeks thousands of individuals and dozens of organisations — medical bodies, palliative-care groups, religious organisations, academics, political parties and civil-society campaigns — made submissions. This article synthesises material published publicly during and shortly after the consultation (May–July 2025). Sources used include the official government consultation page, position papers from professional associations and the University of Malta, press coverage and civil-society releases. The article relies on the publicly visible submissions and statements that organisations published or that were reported in the press. Where relevant I cite the original consultation document and the main public position pieces.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z Sultana, Clarissa Spiteri, Amaris https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149562 2026-10-01T05:56:04Z 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Management of children presenting with suspected febrile seizures to the emergency department : analysis of practices at a national acute hospital Authors: Sultana, Clarissa; Spiteri, Amaris Abstract: BACKGROUND: This audit aimed to assess adherence to best practices in the management of febrile seizures in children at Mater Dei Hospital's Paediatric Emergency Department, Malta's national acute teaching hospital.; METHODS: A retrospective review of 54 patient charts diagnosed with febrile seizures in the Paediatric Emergency Department over a 3-month period was conducted. Data collected included demographics, seizure details, medical history, family history, physical examination findings, investigations performed, discharge education provided, and follow-up practices.; RESULTS: A review of seizure documentation revealed inconsistencies in data capture. While core demographic information and seizure descriptions were consistently recorded, crucial details necessary for accurate seizure classification were discrepant. These discrepancies included information pertaining to past medical and family history, as well as thorough documentation of potential seizure risk factors. Physical examinations often demonstrated an incomplete picture, lacking a comprehensive neurological assessment. Furthermore, utilization of diagnostic investigations exceeded recommended international protocols for uncomplicated cases. Additionally, significant variability was observed in both discharge education practices and follow-up appointment scheduling. Inconsistencies in medical record terminology, potentially stemming from non-standardized clerking, may have contributed to underreporting of certain seizure details.; CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a need for improvement in managing febrile seizures in the Paediatric Emergency Department. Implementing standardized documentation based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's Clinical Knowledge Summaries guidelines and developing a comprehensive febrile seizure information leaflet for parents are recommended. This would promote consistent, high-quality care, reduce parental anxiety, and enhance adherence to best practices for febrile seizure management.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z Farrugia, Michaela Marston, Duncan Pace, Keith Vella, Alessia Caruana Montaldo, Benjamin Esposito, Alexander Rodgers, Darren William Xerri, Thelma https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149561 2026-10-01T05:49:39Z 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Management of urinary tract infections : a retrospective review in the local urology unit Authors: Farrugia, Michaela; Marston, Duncan; Pace, Keith; Vella, Alessia; Caruana Montaldo, Benjamin; Esposito, Alexander; Rodgers, Darren William; Xerri, Thelma Abstract: BACKGROUND: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) affect an estimated 150 million people per annum worldwide and can be classified into simple and complicated as well as upper and lower. The primary method of diagnosing a UTI is via an adequate and timely sample of urine for culture and sensitivity. The main aims of this retrospective audit were to determine the type of UTIs admitted to the Urology unit at Mater Dei Hospital, the rate of utilization and timing of urine and blood cultures, the empirical antimicrobials prescribed and the rate of resistance to these antimicrobials, especially the rate of Fluoroquinolone resistance.; METHOD: In this retrospective audit, patients admitted with a UTI to the Urology Department during a 4-week period were included in the study.; RESULTS: The majority of patients included in this study were diagnosed with a complicated UTI. A urine sample for culture and sensitivity was taken on the first day of admission in most cases, with Escherichia coli being the commonest cultured organism. Resistance to Fluoroquinolones was exhibited in 36% of cases. Piperacillin/Tazobactam was the empirical antibiotic of choice in 59.4% of the patients with the majority showing sensitivity to it. Most patients were discharged with an outpatient follow-up however, only 35% of patients had further imaging studies.; CONCLUSION: International guidelines regarding diagnosing and treating UTIs are adhered to at large. However, local guidelines are required to improve empirical antimicrobial choice and prescription according to the local prevalent organisms and their sensitivities.

2026-07-01T00:00:00Z