https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32506 2026-06-03T14:24:59Z 2026-06-03T14:24:59Z Baldacchino, Marilyn Catania, Rebecca Abela, Jurgen Ellul, Robert https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32630 2019-10-18T08:06:06Z 2018-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Blood investigation results at a primary health care centre in Malta : a brief evaluation Authors: Baldacchino, Marilyn; Catania, Rebecca; Abela, Jurgen; Ellul, Robert Abstract: Background This evaluation was based at Mosta Health Centre with a particular focus on the blood investigation results clinic. Objectives To get a clinical profile of the patients being seen at the clinic, to assess whether risk assessment tools are being used in the management of dyslipidaemia and to evaluate patient feedback about the clinic. Method This consisted of a cross-sectional observational study carried out over a five-week period between the end of October and the end of November 2017. Data was collected retrospectively immediately after completion of the clinic on three random days every week. Data collection was divided into two lists of patients – those who attended and those who failed to attend their appointment. A patient questionnaire was also handed to patients to fill in after attending their appointment. Data was inputted in Excel 2010 and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22. Results A total of 181 patients had a registered appointment at the blood investigation results clinic during the period of data collection. Seventy-five per cent of these patients attended for their appointment, with 62.2% being females. Routine blood investigations were taken in 80.7% of patients, thyroid function tests in 71.9% and glycosylated haemoglobin in 31.9%. Fourteen point eight per cent of patients had tumour markers booked, and a significant association was found between gender and whether tumour markers were ordered. A risk assessment tool was used in only 21% of the patients seen at the clinic for a lipid profile result, with the majority of General Practitioners (GPs) using the QRISK®2 cardiovascular disease calculator. Seventy eight patient satisfaction questionnaires were filled in during the period of data collection, and the percentage of patients who gave a very positive response (>8) for questions 1, 2 and 3 was 92%, 89% and 97% respectively. Conclusion Patient attendance at the blood investigation results clinic at Mosta Health Centre during the period under review was reasonably good, and patients were overall satisfied by the service provided. Tumour markers were found to be ordered more frequently in male patients, due to the common request for the PSA test. Risk assessment tools were used by GPs in only 14% of the total number of patients seen at the clinic, and the QRISK®2 cardiovascular disease calculator was the most commonly used tool.

2018-06-01T00:00:00Z Mallia, Pierre https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32628 2025-05-08T08:34:16Z 2018-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Celebrating the life of Dr Tania van Avendonk 1964 - 2018 Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: A collection of photographs celebrating the life of Dr Tania van Avendonk who unfortunately passed away this year.

2018-06-01T00:00:00Z Tonna, Kristie Camilleri, Francesca Ferry, Peter https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32627 2019-10-18T08:06:36Z 2018-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Use and misuse of urine cultures and antibiotics in catheterised patients at a rehabilitation hospital in Malta Authors: Tonna, Kristie; Camilleri, Francesca; Ferry, Peter Abstract: Background One of the most common samples submitted to microbiology laboratories are urine specimens for culture. Objectives To assess the indications for obtaining urine cultures in a cohort of catheterised patients. The appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy in response to urine culture results was also studied. Method All catheterised inpatients at Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital in Malta who had urine cultures taken over a 3- month period in 2016 were included. Data included the indication for sample collection, any documented urinary symptoms, culture results, antibiotic use before and after culture result and any change in antibiotic. A departmental presentation on the appropriate care of catheterised patients was delivered and a re-audit was carried out in 2017. Results There were a total of 38 patients who were catheterised and had one or more urine cultures taken in 2016 and 55 in 2017. The commonest indications documented were fever and retention. Their indication was not documented in the medical notes in around 50% of samples taken for both years. The culture result was documented in 15% of cases in 2016 increasing to 40% in 2017. The commonest bacteria cultivated included E.Coli and Klebsiella. Empirical antibiotics were given in approximately 45% of cases who had a urine culture taken. In both 2016 and 2017, antibiotics were switched due to resistance in around 10% of all episodes when urine cultures were taken. Conclusion Lack of documentation of the indication and culture result was evident. This improved in the re-audit. A high percentage of cultures taken did not influence the clinical management. The study clearly shows inappropriate use of urine culture requests and the need to follow available guidelines.

2018-06-01T00:00:00Z Pullicino, Glorianne Thompson, Joanna Grech, Elizabeth M. Sciortino, Philip https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32626 2019-10-18T08:07:58Z 2018-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A study on plain X-ray skull imaging in the public Primary Health Care Department in Malta Authors: Pullicino, Glorianne; Thompson, Joanna; Grech, Elizabeth M.; Sciortino, Philip Abstract: Background In January 2014, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published the guideline [CG176]: Head injury: assessment and early management. These guidelines advise that plain X-rays of the skull should not be used to diagnose significant brain injury without prior discussion with a neuroscience unit. However, they are useful as part of a skeletal survey for suspected non-accidental injury in children. Objectives Our study was conducted to quantify the skull X-rays performed over a period of 12 months and review whether the cases adhere to the NICE guideline [CG176]: Head injury: assessment and early management. Method A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study design was applied. Data was obtained from the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20 was used in the data analysis. Results There were 127 skull X-rays performed in primary health care centres in 2016. The majority of patients were males (56%, n = 71). There were 83 (65.4%) skull X-rays requested for cases of trauma or queries about fractures. Around 3% of requests (n = 4) were made to exclude foreign bodies. Conclusion After reaching the study objectives, it was noted that there is a need to increase awareness of the NICE guidelines to improve the use of skull radiography thus ensuring more efficient resource utilisation.

2018-06-01T00:00:00Z