https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4393 2026-05-07T19:14:08Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4463 Title: A case of Diogenes Syndrome Authors: Ferry, Peter Abstract: Diogenes Syndrome is a syndrome of extreme selfneglect, domestic squalor, excessive hoarding, social withdrawal and refusal of all help and lack of concern regarding one’s personal residential situation. A case report of an 83 year old lady with mild dementia and Diogenes Syndrome is described. 2013-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4462 Title: Geriatrics and gerontology in Malta Authors: Ferry, Peter Abstract: Malta has been in the forefront of both Geriatrics and Gerontology since 1988 with the establishment of the International Institute on Ageing. Definitions of Geriatric medicine and gerontology are described, as well as under/postgraduate training opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology in Malta. Description of the two main associations of Geriatrics and Gerontology and the various geriatric services available in Malta are given, both in the public and private sector. The way forward is proposed for both geriatric medicine and gerontology 2013-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4450 Title: Specialist training in family medicine in Malta during 2007-2012 : a comparative evaluation of the first and fifth years of the programme Authors: Sammut, Mario R.; Abela, Gunther Abstract: As a result of Malta’s entry to the European Union in 2004, Family Medicine was recognised as a speciality and subsequently a three-year programme of Specialist Training was launched in 2007 by the Primary Health Care Department and the Malta College of Family Doctors. By 2012, three cohorts of GP trainees had completed the training programme. Evaluation is important in ensuring quality and success in provision of teaching programmes in general, and family-doctor training in particular. While evaluation and improvement of the programme is performed on an ongoing basis, a comparison of the trainees’ evaluations of the first (2007-8) and fifth (2011-2) years of the training programme was carried out in order to identify areas where consolidation or further improvement was needed. Evaluation forms are completed by trainees after each post in family or hospital practice and after each group-teaching session. The information from these forms is transcribed into MS Excel to enable quantitative and qualitative analysis. The feedback given during the period 2007 – 2008 was compared with that given during 2011 – 2012. During the first and fifth years of the training programme, GP trainees were 80-90% satisfied with the effectiveness of the training provided during the family practice posts, and over 90% satisfied with the presentation, content and relevance of the teaching provided during the group teaching sessions. Their overall satisfaction with the effectiveness of training in the other specialities improved from 53-92% to 65-95%. While GP trainees’ satisfaction with their training generally remained high or improved, specific areas were identified in family medicine and hospital placements where changes for improvement are merited. 2013-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/4449 Title: General practice organisation and healthcare reform : what do Maltese general practitioners think? Authors: Sammut, Daniel Abstract: In Malta, two-thirds of primary healthcare is delivered by private general practitioners (GPs), mostly working single-handed without supporting staff. The combined lack of patient registration and transferable medical records lead to fragmentation of care, duplication of resources and suboptimal disease prevention and management. In 2009, the government proposed a reform to encourage partnerships which was shelved. The aim of this article is to explore the opinions of GPs about how practice organisation might influence them and their patients and to seek GPs’ views about possible healthcare reform initiatives. A postal cross-sectional survey of all specialists in family medicine resident in Malta. An instrument was designed, piloted and validated. SPSS® (v. 20) was used for analysis. One hundred and fifty (44%) questionnaires were returned. Respondents were representative of the sample as regards demographic and employment characteristics. Only 26% of GPs are female, but most work in partnerships or the public service. Seventy-seven per cent of private GPs work single-handed. Group practitioners are more likely to utilise electronic medical records and appointments, and to employ secretaries. Doctors acknowledge that although patients prefer one GP, partnerships can deliver better patient care. GPs believe that partnerships are beneficial for themselves, and would consider joining one. Females and young doctors favour partnerships. Respondents, particularly young doctors, favour patient registration and reform. Public doctors who work part-time privately oppose reform. Most GPs favour group practices and health reform, especially females and young doctors (whose proportions are increasing). Primary care should be urgently reformed and patient registration introduced. Public-private agreements would stimulate partnership formation. Public group practices could cater for means-tested citizens. 2013-12-01T00:00:00Z