OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6892024-03-28T11:14:42Z2024-03-28T11:14:42ZExploring the perspectives of significant others on patients’ experiences of cancer servicesBrincat, AlisonTonna, AntonellaVella Bonanno, PatriciaStewart, DerekWeidmann, Anita E.https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1181122024-02-05T09:21:59Z2024-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Exploring the perspectives of significant others on patients’ experiences of cancer services
Authors: Brincat, Alison; Tonna, Antonella; Vella Bonanno, Patricia; Stewart, Derek; Weidmann, Anita E.
Abstract: Background and objective: Globally, there has been a growing concern that patients are not receiving appropriate cancer care based on their needs. Whilst efforts were made towards better quality of care to meet patients’ expectations, healthcare systems are required to operate with decreasing resources given the overall economic context. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of significant others regarding cancer care experiences of patients receiving antineoplastic medicines for colorectal cancer. Method: A longitudinal design was adopted over a six-month period. Individuals initiating treatment for colorectal cancer with either FOLFOX for 12 cycles or XELOX for 8 cycles at the national oncology centre in Malta were asked to nominate at least one significant other; that is a person who in their opinion was highly involved in their care. Two in-depth interviews with significant others were conducted at patient’s initiation and completion of treatment (24 weeks interval), transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Main outcome measures: Themes illustrating perspectives of significant others regarding patients’ experiences. Results: A total of 16 participants, were interviewed [females (n = 12) and spouses (n = 6)]. Three themes were identified: (1) patients’ experiences of cancer services (2) healthcare professionals’ communication with patients and others (3) recommendations for services. Whilst significant others noted that patients were overall satisfied with cancer services throughout the treatment journey, negative experiences were mainly related to misdiagnosis. The issue of being truthful about cancer diagnosis raised different opinions, with some considering that complete disclosure was insensitive. Some argued that healthcare professionals were directly answering patients’ questions without further expansion. This was irrespective of the patients’ lack of knowledge and ability to ask further questions. At initiation of treatment, significant others recommended the need for improved awareness of available support services such as psychological services and more regular contact time with healthcare professionals. At completion of treatment, recommendations shifted to availability of cancer care services in the community setting including provision of ambulatory care. Conclusion: This study showed that timeliness of diagnosis and accessibility to healthcare services were crucial in cancer care. Introduction of interventions along the treatment journey to address the patients’ current needs were recommended and ‘‘one size fits all’’ approach is not suitable.2024-01-01T00:00:00ZOrganisational change readiness assessment during healthcare digitalisation (eHealth) projectsFarrugia, IanBalzan, DustinSultana, JanetVella Bonanno, Patriciahttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1159952023-11-27T13:03:04Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Organisational change readiness assessment during healthcare digitalisation (eHealth) projects
Authors: Farrugia, Ian; Balzan, Dustin; Sultana, Janet; Vella Bonanno, Patricia
Abstract: One of the pillars for Malta’s National Health Systems Strategy (2023 - 2030) focuses on ‘‘Incorporating digital health into Innovation, Technology, and Research for Better Health’’. Investments in digital transformation in healthcare settings are a crucial opportunity to increase health system resilience. Organisational change readiness assessment (OCRA) is essential in the process for implementation of digitalisation, as it identifies stakeholder motivation in relation to change management, supports the organisational digitalisation process and measures the capabilities within the organisation.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZA longitudinal analysis of trends in the number of positive cases and swabbing activities during the first eighteen months of the COVID-19 pandemic in MaltaVella Bonanno, PatriciaAzzopardi, Miriam J.Bajada, FabioBrincat, ElenaCachia, OwenCassar, TonioGalea, AntoineGalea, MiriamGalea Sillato, MiguelKarlsson, FrancescaMallia, Cynthia MarieMangion, ShaunPeplow, MariannePowell, AntoinetteSammut, FrankieSpiteri, Joannhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1159942023-11-27T12:59:04Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: A longitudinal analysis of trends in the number of positive cases and swabbing activities during the first eighteen months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta
Authors: Vella Bonanno, Patricia; Azzopardi, Miriam J.; Bajada, Fabio; Brincat, Elena; Cachia, Owen; Cassar, Tonio; Galea, Antoine; Galea, Miriam; Galea Sillato, Miguel; Karlsson, Francesca; Mallia, Cynthia Marie; Mangion, Shaun; Peplow, Marianne; Powell, Antoinette; Sammut, Frankie; Spiteri, Joann
Abstract: In March 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic teams were set up to execute the processes needed to implement COVID-19 related activities. The Helpline team was responsible for the booking of appointments for swabbing, the first step in the process. The Helpline also received calls from the public for other reasons.2023-01-01T00:00:00ZThe national helpline during the COVID-19 pandemic : a pillar of support for the publicVella Bonanno, PatriciaAzzopardi, Miriam J.Bajada, FabioBrincat, ElenaCachia, OwenCassar, TonioGalea, AntoineGalea, MiriamGalea Sillato, MiguelKarlsson, FrancescaMallia, Cynthia MarieMangion, ShaunPeplow, MariannePowell, AntoinetteSammut, FrankieSpiteri, Joannhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1159932023-11-27T12:55:07Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: The national helpline during the COVID-19 pandemic : a pillar of support for the public
Authors: Vella Bonanno, Patricia; Azzopardi, Miriam J.; Bajada, Fabio; Brincat, Elena; Cachia, Owen; Cassar, Tonio; Galea, Antoine; Galea, Miriam; Galea Sillato, Miguel; Karlsson, Francesca; Mallia, Cynthia Marie; Mangion, Shaun; Peplow, Marianne; Powell, Antoinette; Sammut, Frankie; Spiteri, Joann
Abstract: Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta in March 2020, the number of calls from the public escalated so much that a helpline service, Helpline 111, was set at a private call centre. Calls from the public were answered by a team of trained agents, supported onsite by officials from the Public Health Response Team. The reasons for the calls varied and guidelines for answering the calls were continuously updated in line with the current standards and mitigation measures.2023-01-01T00:00:00Z