OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/291222024-03-29T00:24:55Z2024-03-29T00:24:55ZUser satisfaction of Children and Young People’s Service, MaltaSaliba, AndreaCamilleri, Nigelhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/291282019-10-11T07:50:10Z2018-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: User satisfaction of Children and Young People’s Service, Malta
Authors: Saliba, Andrea; Camilleri, Nigel
Abstract: Background
Few published studies have evaluated the service users’ satisfaction of a Children and Young People Service (CYPS). An association between child and carers’ satisfaction and their attendance to CYPS exists. The aims of this study were to evaluate the service users’ views of the national CYPS, Malta and disseminate findings to policy makers to inform service development.
Method
Young People (YP) attending CYPS from 1st to 30th November 2014 were invited to fill in an anonymized Charleston psychiatric outpatient satisfaction scale in Maltese or English. The quantitative data was collected from 13 questions using a Likert scale and analysed using statistical correlations. The qualitative data was collected from three open ended questions and analysed using a thematic analysis.
Results
The sample population was 211 (97.7% response rate), average age 9.97 years (SD 3.34, CI ± 0.45). Overall quality of care was significantly (p<0.001) correlated with; 'respect shown for YP’s treatment opinions’ (r=0.539), 'matching treatment plan to YP’s individual needs' (r=0.320), and 'helpfulness of the services received' (r=0.618). Thematic analysis findings included; waiting lists and the interval between reviews were perceived as too long, difficultly establishing a therapeutic relationship, and lack of age appropriate environment which hindered attendance.
Conclusions
This is the first service user satisfaction evaluation for CYPS, Malta. Increasing staff to reduce waiting times and having reviews by the same clinician would ensure continuity of care and improve the therapeutic relationship. Better communication between services is required through school visits and paediatricians. Extending opening times, facilitating the referral process and improving accessibility may decrease barriers to service. Artwork and a well-lit environment could help engagement. Despite the above, YP still felt that overall CYPS provided an individualised treatment plan where staff work collaboratively to scaffold YP and meet their needs.2018-01-01T00:00:00ZRe-operation rates in breast cancer after breast conserving surgery in MaltaFarrugia, AlexiaCaruana Dingli, Gordonhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/291272019-10-11T07:50:33Z2018-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Re-operation rates in breast cancer after breast conserving surgery in Malta
Authors: Farrugia, Alexia; Caruana Dingli, Gordon
Abstract: The Agatha Breast Unit at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta performed 340 wide local excisions for cancer in 2013-4. Further surgery for close or involved surgical margins was performed in 45 cases (13%), of these 26 (58%) underwent cavity excision and 19 (42%) underwent mastectomy. Residual tumour was found in 9 (35%) in the cavity excision group and 13 (68%) of the mastectomy group. The authors discuss how their unit follows the recommendations of the “Toolbox to reduce lumpectomy reoperations and improve cosmetic outcome in breast cancer patients of the American Society of Breast Surgeons Consensus Conference” and what can be done to reduce re-operation rates further.2018-01-01T00:00:00ZIncidence of acoustic neuroma in MaltaGrech, RyanMuscat, KennethAttard, Josephhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/291262019-10-11T07:51:08Z2018-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Incidence of acoustic neuroma in Malta
Authors: Grech, Ryan; Muscat, Kenneth; Attard, Joseph
Abstract: Objective: Establishing the incidence of acoustic neuroma in Malta over the last 17 years.
Methods: A retrospective study whereby records of patients referred for treatment abroad were reviewed along with the Magnetic Resosnance Images of the Internal Auditory Meatus (MRIAMs) performed from 2009 until 2016. All new cases of acoustic neuroma were included in the study.
Results: 76 new cases of acoustic neuroma were discovered over the 17 years, resulting in an incidence of 1.1 per 100000.
Conclusion: This is the first study trying to establish the incidence and epidemiology of acoustic neuroma in Malta.2018-01-01T00:00:00ZRisk factors for adolescents developing substance use disorders; what should our prevention programs be targeting?Camilleri, NigelSaliba, Andreahttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/290592018-04-13T01:20:52Z2018-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Risk factors for adolescents developing substance use disorders; what should our prevention programs be targeting?
Authors: Camilleri, Nigel; Saliba, Andrea
Abstract: This review identifies the main risk factors and high risk groups of adolescents with substance use disorders (SUD). Furthermore it presents the epidemiological data on SUDs in Malta and discusses possible ways of tackling prevention, whilst offering suggestions based seminal studies from published literature to service developers. Adolescence is a developmental period a high risk, more than half individuals with SUDs identify that the problem began before the age of 20. 18% of adolescents in Europe have reported a lifetime use of illicit drugs, the prevalence rates in Malta are similar. Risk factors for SUDs include; heritable factors; familial patterns and psychiatric disorders. Environmental factors include; family functioning, parenting practices, child maltreatment, peer influences, substance availability and consumption opportunities. One predictive phenotype for SUDs is psychological dysregulation characterised by cognitive, behavioural and emotional difficulties with daily challenges in childhood. The regular use of substances is associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, behaviour problems. Highest risk groups as those having two parents with a SUD, living with single parents, sexual orientation differences, early use of substances, psychological dysregulation and an attitude of ambivalence towards the use of substances. Over 70% of adolescents receiving treatment for SUD had a history of trauma. Parental practices such as knowledge, communication and awareness are an important protective factor which may help reduce the influential negative influence from peers on substance use. Focusing on abstinence alone in treatment is insufficient as adolescents present with; lower problem recognition, higher rates of binge use and co-morbid psychiatric problems compared to adults. Preventative measures targeted to high risk adolescents were correcting misperceptions is a primary focus may have important benefits. This may reduce the general ambivalence with regards to drug use, thereby reducing the influence from friends. Secondly, correcting misconceptions may lead to adolescents changing the assumption that one’s friends are all positively predisposed to substance use. It’s estimated that for every dollar invested in addiction treatment, $4-7 are saved in drug related crime, theft and criminal justice costs.2018-01-01T00:00:00Z