https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68628 2026-04-10T05:26:34Z 2026-04-10T05:26:34Z Mallia, Pierre https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68769 2025-05-08T08:27:46Z 2020-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Journal of the Malta College of Family Doctors : volume 9 : issue 1 Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: Table of contents:; 1/ MALLIA, P. - Global warming to global warning; 2/ ZERAFA, N. M., BONELLO, D., GRECH, M., & VELLA, A. - Is a pneumococcal vaccine for the elderly appropriately recommended by Maltese geriatricians and general practitioners?; 3/ SAMMUT, M. R., & ABELA, G. - Quality improvement through evaluation of GP trainers’ continuing professional development in Malta; 4/ DE GIORGIO, G., PISCOPO, N., & BUGEJA, A. - Warfarin dosing and follow-up : adherence to the local guideline at a health centre in Malta

2020-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68755 2021-02-08T10:16:25Z 2020-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Global warming to global warning Abstract: There is no doubt that the amount of air pollution in countries struck by the COVID-19 virus went down considerably. The lockdown decreased the amount of cars for starters and even industry was affected according to sources. But the real question is whether this is temporary. Are we going back to square one once things return to normal? Are we going to take this as a ‘global warning’? The answer, I believe, lies not in individual decisions. Left individually we all buy the necessary products, we all use cars daily, we continue to go to places, such as school meetings, after which we ask why we attended. The word ‘solidarity’ was thrown around a lot – perhaps with wrong timing – but solidarity has to come with together starting somewhere to reduce our air pollution and in turn reduce traffic congestion, time of travelling, expenses of diesel and petrol, and indeed waste of time. The answer, again, in my opinion, is to use what we have learned to reduce the amount of traffic and air pollution. [excerpt]

2020-12-01T00:00:00Z Zerafa, Nicole Marie Bonello, Daniela Grech, Marco Vella, Antoine https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68749 2021-02-08T09:54:11Z 2020-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Is a pneumococcal vaccine for the elderly appropriately recommended by Maltese geriatricians and general practitioners? Authors: Zerafa, Nicole Marie; Bonello, Daniela; Grech, Marco; Vella, Antoine Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence recommend the pneumococcal vaccine to patients aged 65 years and over, patients with chronic lung disease and patients suffering from a number of other listed chronic conditions. This study aimed to assess whether geriatricians and family practitioners in Malta recommend the pneumococcal vaccine to the above mentioned populations.; METHOD: A questionnaire was formulated by the authors to collect demographic data about the respondents, inquire whether respondents knew about the pneumococcal vaccine, its availability in Malta, its properties, which groups of patients are recommended for administration of this vaccine, and whether these patients were being identified in the respondents’ practice. The questionnaire was circulated via electronic email to family practitioners and geriatricians in Malta. All responses were then compiled, and the results formulated and analysed.; RESULTS: A total of 47 responses were collected: 28 were family practitioners (60%) and 19 were geriatricians (40%). Forty-four (94%) respondents recommend vaccines in their daily routine, but only 37 (79%) of respondents are aware of the guidelines on the pneumococcal vaccine. Ten (23%) respondents always include the vaccine as part of their management of pneumonia, 25 (54%) occasionally do so and 10 (19%) never do. Twenty-six (55%) respondents recommend the vaccine in patients aged 65 years and over, 44 (93%) recommend it in chronic lung disease, 23 (48%) recommend it in post-splenectomy patients, 29 (62%) in immunocompromised patients and 32 (67%) in congestive heart failure.; CONCLUSION: There is a need for geriatricians and family practitioners in Malta to be reminded of the guidelines surrounding the pneumococcal vaccine and in which groups of patients it should be recommended.

2020-12-01T00:00:00Z Sammut, Mario R. Abela, Gunther https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68747 2021-02-08T09:27:01Z 2020-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Quality improvement through evaluation of GP trainers’ continuing professional development in Malta Authors: Sammut, Mario R.; Abela, Gunther Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mandatory trainer continuing professional development (CPD) sessions were held during 2019 for each GP trainer actively involved in the Specialist Training Programme in Family Medicine – Malta.; OBJECTIVE: GP trainer CPD sessions were evaluated to improve the quality of the provided CPD that was intended to refine their assessment skills.; METHOD: Participants were sent a link to an electronic feedback form to complete anonymously using Google Forms. The responses were exported into Microsoft Excel to enable analysis, both quantitatively and qualitatively using item content analysis.; RESULTS: Twenty-six GP trainers completed the feedback questionnaire, giving a response rate of 46%. Positive comments were made regarding the relevance and group dynamics of the sessions (marked as 3 or more out of 5) and the ensuing discussion and interaction (81%). Moreover, 42% stated that they would not change anything about the CPD sessions, while 23% gave different comments about their timing. Educational needs identified by participants ranged from technical help (42%) to providing trainee guidance (35%) and self-development (12%). While 38% of respondents wanted further training in assessment and marking, 27% wished to broaden training to include other teaching topics.; CONCLUSION: Since the 2019 trainers’ CPD sessions were well-received, it was proposed that in 2020 the topic of assessment should be tackled in more depth, with fine-tuning made of the sessions’ facilitation and timing. Trainer CPD sessions to be held after 2020 could incorporate further recommended topics that are set at different levels for participants with varying levels of knowledge and skills.

2020-12-01T00:00:00Z