https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50873 2026-04-25T21:09:41Z 2026-04-25T21:09:41Z Sammut, Mario R. Abela, Gunther https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55079 2020-05-03T05:11:34Z 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A seven-year review (2011-17) of the work-based assessment component of Malta’s Specialist Training Programme in Family Medicine Authors: Sammut, Mario R.; Abela, Gunther Abstract: Background: Work-based assessment (WBA) within Malta’s Specialist Training Programme in Family Medicine is recorded using the ‘One-to-One Appraisal’ form in the General Practitioner (GP) Trainee Educational ePortfolio. -- Objectives: The postgraduate training coordinators in family medicine review the above annually to see where the WBA is operating well and to identify where improvements are required. -- Method: The ‘One-to-One Appraisal’ involves the completion of a scoring system (selecting one score from ‘needs further development’: 1-2-3; ‘competent’: 4-5-6; and ‘excellent’: 7-8-9) for twelve competency areas. The educational portfolio is reviewed using objective requirements listed in the form ‘Review of the GP Trainee Educational Portfolio’. -- Results: The review of educational portfolios revealed commendable practices including detailed educational plans and case-logs, a general trend of adherence to time frames, and high attendance rates for group-teaching sessions. While One-to-One Appraisal documents were filled in satisfactorily, the issue of remarkably high average scoring was encountered. Moreover disparities were seen between scores and comments in some of the ‘GP trainee interim review by GP trainer’ forms. Deficiencies were outlined in clinical supervision time, mainly during family medicine government placements, while incomplete adherence to placement requirements was noticed. -- Conclusion: A significant amount of quality work was carried out by the GP trainees under their trainers’ supervision. Two main areas of improvement were however outlined – the need for refining the GP trainers’ score allocation and the importance of regular review of the portfolio by both trainees and trainers, with the prompt flagging of persisting unresolved issues to the training coordinators.

2019-12-01T00:00:00Z Galea, Doriella https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55078 2020-05-03T05:11:34Z 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A qualitative study : the experience of general practitioners with older adult patients with osteoarthritis Authors: Galea, Doriella Abstract: Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition commonly effecting older adult patients in the community. There is a “demographic transition” leading to an ageing population. -- Objectives: To perform a qualitative study about how general practitioners (GPs) look at osteoarthritis, and its effects on patients’ lives as regards the biopsychosocial model. The aim is to analyse the GPs’ perspectives about the local available sources and any possible improvements. -- Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as it allows the discovery of the details of each individual GP. Two GPs who have been practising for more than 5 years within the community volunteered through the Malta College of Family Doctors. Snowball sampling was used to recruit another two. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted, transcribed and analysed. -- Results: There was a common feeling that dealing with such a widespread disease is challenging within the community and there is a need for a specialised osteoarthritis clinic in the community to cater for all these patients’ needs via an interdisciplinary team. The need for a holistic approach was agreed amongst all the participants. There were four major themes: (i) osteoarthritis as a major health concern, (ii) the GP – a key role in the management of osteoarthritis in the community, (iii) challenges in community care and (iv) the future of primary care in the management of osteoarthritis. -- Conclusion: Osteoarthritis is a common, challenging condition which is treated by GPs; but being multi-faceted, input from other professionals is required.

2019-12-01T00:00:00Z Buttigieg, Sacha Scerri, Stephanie Vella, Yanica https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55076 2020-05-03T05:11:33Z 2019-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Vasco da Gama Movement : reflections and experiences of an exchange programme Authors: Buttigieg, Sacha; Scerri, Stephanie; Vella, Yanica Abstract: The Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) defines itself as the Network for Young and Future Family Doctors of the European Regional Branch of the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA Europe). The early beginnings of this movement date back to 2002 during preparations for the Junior Doctor Programme initiated by Dr Alphonse Sips, a dedicated Dutch family doctor, as part of the 2003 WONCA Europe Amsterdam Conference. Together with a group of enthusiastic trainees from the Netherlands and support from the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice/Family Medicine (EURACT), Dr Sips went on to develop the first pre-conference meeting for six international groups, each involving trainees and EURACT teachers to serve as guides. This laid the foundations for the development of the VdGM (Vasco Da Gama Movement, 2012; Sloane, 2016)). The ideals of the movement were set out in 2005 during a meeting that took place in Lisbon, the home of Vasco da Gama, from where he set out on a similar voyage of discovery and thus the name was born. Successful pre-conferences preceding the WONCA Europe Conference have been held annually since. Furthermore, VdGM has continued to grow and expand from then on to include a vast range of other events and activities, all with the aim of improving general practitioner (GP) empowerment, connection and support.

2019-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/55075 2020-05-03T05:11:33Z 2019-11-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The need for policy and social involvement Abstract: Whilst president of the College I was often contacted by the media asking whether the MCFD had a policy on an issue. This happened on embryo freezing, the question of sea water near fish farms, and others. Of course some issues may be divisive and a college policy is not something on which a simple majority has to agree. They must be written in neutral and non- political form but having firm statements and proposals. The American Medical Association have a Policy Compendium, which starts from simple things like the use of seat belts, to other more controversial issues. The Royal Colleges issue regular statements both as guidelines for physicians and to express policy. For example, the Royal College of Physicians until recently held a policy against euthanasia.

2019-11-01T00:00:00Z