https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/317 2026-10-28T18:16:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150549 Title: Global readiness for AI and digital health in infection prevention and control Authors: Tartari, Ermira; Gastaldi, S. Abstract: Digital transformation is reshaping infection prevention and control (IPC), with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health tools offering new opportunities for surveillance, decision-making, and work force training. However, their effective use depends on the digital competencies of the health workforce. Evidence on global readiness, particularly skills, training, and capacity gaps among IPC professionals, remains limited. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150483 Title: Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of incidental cardiac irradiation during left breast cancer radiotherapy : a systematic review Authors: Nuruddeen, Mohammad Gunda; Karim, Noor Khairiah A.; Mad Naser, Mohamad Nazrulhisham; Garba, Idris Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours among women. Radiotherapy plays a key role in the management of breast cancer patients. However, radiotherapy results in incidental exposure of the heart. This work systematically reviewed articles on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of cardiac changes due to incidental cardiac irradiation during left breast radiotherapy and also to identify the MRI sequences used during evaluation. A systematic literature search was conducted in the following three selected databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus using carefully defined search terms related to the left breast, MRI and cardiac irradiation. The quality of the included papers was determined using the critical appraisal skills programme for qualitative studies. The review had a total of six articles that were screened and graded for quality. Articles graded as high and moderate in terms of quality assessment were included and characterised based on the sample size, type of cancer treated, treatment methods employed, and period MRI was performed after radiotherapy. The review showed that breast cancer patients who had radiotherapy also developed radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) few months post treatment. The review noted that breast cancer patients receiving radiation treatment are at high risk of RIHD which may affect their quality of life after completion of treatment. Cardiac MRI facilitates early detection of RIHD, hence better patient management. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150480 Title: Diagnostic accuracy of automated systems for detection of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers : a systematic review and meta-analysis Authors: Lotfinejad, Nasim; Tartari, Ermira; Timurkaynak, Funda; Pittet, Didier Abstract: Background: Hand hygiene compliance is essential for preventing healthcare-associated infections and limiting the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Automated electronic monitoring systems have been proposed as possible alternatives to direct observation; however, their diagnostic accuracy remains uncertain. The aim of this system- atic review was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of automated systems in detecting hand hygiene compli- ance among healthcare workers (HCWs). Method: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published from January 2000 through May 2026. Studies were eligible if they compared the accuracy of automated hand hygiene monitoring systems with that of direct observation. A bivariate random-effects model was used to pool sensitivity and specificity. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022338607). Results: Twenty studies were included in the review, of which seven were eligible for meta-analysis. The included studies evaluated different types of automated electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems, most commonly using room entry and exit events as proxies for hand hygiene opportunities. In terms of diagnostic performance for identifying hand hygiene compliance among HCWs, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 86% (95%CI: 52–97%) and 98% (95%CI: 83–100%), respectively. Severe between-study heterogeneity was observed in the univariate analyses. Therefore, pooled diagnostic accuracy estimates should be interpreted cautiously. Conclusion: Automated hand hygiene monitoring systems may offer a promising approach for assessing hand hygiene compliance; however, current diagnostic accuracy estimates remain uncertain with substantial between- study heterogeneity. Further well-designed studies using standardized validation methods and transparent report- ing of diagnostic accuracy outcomes are needed to clarify how accurately automated systems capture specific elements of hand hygiene compliance. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150354 Title: Complementing traditional care with digital therapeutics for chronic non-communicable disease management Authors: Buttigieg, Stefan Abstract: We will examine the role of digital therapeutics in diabetes care, where we will discuss how Digital Therapeutics can supplement face-to-face consultations by facilitating data exchange between patients and healthcare professionals, improving disease monitoring, and promoting patient empowerment. In the context of mental health, we will present evidence supporting the effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive behaviour therapy (CCBT) as a valuable adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU) in primary care settings. Throughout the presentation, we will highlight the importance of integrating digital therapeutics into existing healthcare systems and addressing barriers to their adoption, such as socio-demographic disparities and healthcare professional attitudes through tools such as regulatory frameworks and reimbursement pathways. By exploring the complementary role of digital therapeutics in chronic NCD management, we aim to encourage dialogue on the potential synergies between traditional care and digital interventions to improve patient outcomes and inform public health policy. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z