https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3342 2026-06-04T09:12:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146716 Title: Artificial intelligence in pathology services : a policy approach to enhance diagnostic efficiency at Mater Dei Hospital Abstract: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Pathology Services presents opportunities to improve diagnostic efficiency, accuracy and service delivery in public healthcare systems. This study explores the adoption of AI in the Pathology Department at Mater Dei Hospital through a policy-oriented perspective, focusing on how strategic public policy initiatives can support effective implementation while addressing institutional and operational challenges. Using a qualitative research design, the study employs semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, together with document analysis of national health strategies, AI policy frameworks, and institutional guidelines. The research investigates the practical, ethical, technical, and organisational challenges encountered during the implementation of AI technologies in Pathology Services, such as data governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure limitations, regulatory uncertainty and resistance to change. It further examines existing and potential strategies to overcome these barriers, including targeted training programmes, investment in digital infrastructure, clear regulatory standards and interdisciplinary collaboration. The study analyses how public policy can be tailored to maximise the benefits of AI integration such as improved diagnostic turnaround times, enhanced decision support and optimised resource allocation while mitigating risks related to accountability, bias and patient safety. By harmonising institutional practices with national digital health and AI strategies, the research highlights the role of coherent policy frameworks in promoting sustainable and ethical AI adoption. The findings aim to inform policymakers and healthcare leaders by offering evidence-based recommendations to guide AI integration in Pathology Services at Mater Dei Hospital and comparable public healthcare settings, contributing to more efficient, resilient, and patient centred diagnostic services. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146715 Title: Evaluating the feasibility of diversifying borrowing sources : a critical examination of Malta’s public debt management Abstract: Malta’s sovereign debt has historically been financed primarily through domestically issued Malta Government Stocks, supported by local demand, alongside a material non-resident holding share through cross-border settlement arrangements. In a tighter euro-area financial environment, this dissertation assesses whether Malta can feasibly broaden its investor base through calibrated engagement with international capital markets and, crucially, under what conditions such diversification would enhance resilience without undermining domestic market stability. The analysis frames feasibility as a cost–risk and market-access problem, with particular attention to refinancing pressure, investor-base concentration, and institutional readiness. The study combines stakeholder interviews with a scenario analysis. Interviews with policymakers, regulators, market infrastructure actors, and financial institutions elicit assessments of benefits, constraints, and implementation requirements. In parallel, a scenario analysis of Malta’s gross financing needs for 2025–2038 compares alternative borrowing requirements under different fiscal adjustment strategies over a medium-term perspective. These scenario figures were compiled for this study by the Economic Policy Department using the European Commission’s Debt Sustainability Analysis template populated with Maltese data; the analysis discusses GFN paths across scenarios as the decision relevant indicator. Whilst the scenario analysis uncovers structural macroeconomic constraints the qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews covers agency and institutional behaviours. By combining quantitative elements with the qualitative thematic analysis of structured interviews, institutional decision-making dynamics in international public debt issuance can be triangulated with fiscal risk modelling. Findings indicate that a gradual, well-governed move toward international issuance could broaden demand beyond domestic absorption limits, improve liquidity, and price discovery, and increase refinancing optionality as financing needs evolve. Stakeholders emphasise tradeoffs, including greater exposure to global risk sentiment, more demanding disclosure and rating scrutiny, and potential spillovers to domestic financial stability if sequencing is mismanaged. The evidence highlights feasibility conditions centred on disciplined medium-term strategy, explicit risk limits, strengthened institutional capability, and an institutionalised investor relations function that complements Malta’s domestic funding strengths. Overall, the dissertation concludes that international market issuance is feasible and potentially advantageous when pursued proactively, sequenced credibly, and anchored in sustained fiscal discipline. It contributes a Malta-focused small-state euro-area perspective on how investorbase diversification can shape sovereign resilience, credibility, and policy space. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146714 Title: Populism in power : a case study of left- and right-wing populist approaches to policy Abstract: Populism is growing at an unprecedented rate, transforming itself in relation to the political arena and democratic landscape it finds itself in. On the other hand, democracy, with which populism is often in conflict, is said to be in a recession. The last two decades have given political analysts the opportunity to observe and analyse populist policies, particularly as people are becoming less interested in traditional politics. These factors are having a substantial effect on the way public policy is conducted, as policymakers risk abandoning their designated responsibilities, to accommodate popular trends. This study focuses on populism and its effect on democratic policies and policymaking, as charismatic leaders from both the left and the right side of the political spectrum take centre stage in their quest for power. This dissertation considers populist politicians when in power, not when in opposition, when criticising the establishment is easier. This study adopts a qualitative methodology, focusing on direct quotations from politicians of two major European populist parties during their time in power. Through thematic analysis, it identifies recurring patterns and themes in their rhetoric. Using Nadia Urbinati’s theory on populism as its theoretical framework, this dissertation analyses populists’ approaches to public policy, when they are policymakers. The study focuses on populism, not as an ideology, but as a tool employed by politicians within democratic politics, to consider how this form of politics approaches policymaking and the broader pillars of democratic politics within which it occurs. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146713 Title: Comparative analysis of digital health strategies in Malta and Estonia : lessons and policy implications Abstract: This dissertation presents a comparative analysis of the digital health strategies adopted by Malta and Estonia, with the aim of identifying key differences, shared challenges, and opportunities for mutual learning. Digital health refers to the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, ensure continuity of care, and support healthcare professionals in their daily work. By focusing on core digital health services such as e-prescriptions, electronic health records, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring, the study investigates how each country uses these tools to address public health challenges. An exploratory qualitative methodology was employed, comprising document analysis of national digital health policies and semi-structured interviews with Maltese healthcare professionals. The data analysis yielded five overarching themes: Governance and Strategic Decision-Making; Digital Transformation and Health Information Systems; Health Workforce; Service Delivery and Access; and Financing and Sustainability. Findings reveal that while Estonia has achieved a high level of digital health integration supported by strong digital infrastructure and citizen engagement, Malta is still in the process of expanding and consolidating its digital health systems. However, both countries face common healthcare challenges, including workforce shortages, rising chronic diseases, and ageing populations. The analysis highlights valuable lessons each country can learn from the other. Malta could benefit from Estonia’s citizen-centric digital model, while Estonia might draw insights from Malta’s focus on patient safety and regulatory rigour. The study concludes with policy recommendations to encourage cross-country collaboration and strengthen the long-term sustainability of digital health systems. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z