https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98508 2026-04-14T03:06:44Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98534 Title: The older person in 2022 : what now? Abstract: We are who we are because of those that came before us. I have heard this statement so many times, I take it for granted that we all understand what it means. As a health professional and an academic, I live in a society that offers services to our older citizens, aimed at improving their quality of life. In Malta, over the last decade, the number of people aged over 60 years has increased by almost 34,000, accounting for approximately 19% of the total population at the end of 2018 (NSO Malta, 2019). A similar increase in pattern is noted globally, highlighting the enlargement of the top of the age pyramid, although in Malta, the effects of migratory flow and the COVID-19 pandemic would need further exploration. So, what are the advantages of an ageing population? It may be argued that the obvious benefit of an ageing population is that more people will enjoy long lifespans, as access to food, decent housing and healthcare continues to increase across society. Malta has long been striving to support a healthy ageing population, with incrementally significant successes. [excerpt] 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98533 Title: Nurses’ experiences of caring for older patients with delirium in the surgical setting Authors: Cassar, Francelle; Galea, Michael Abstract: PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: Delirium is a prevalent complication among older patients. It affects a large proportion of adult patients in the surgical setting (Barr et al., 2013). Moreover, Malta’s ageing population will very probably bring about an increased prevalence of delirium across the healthcare setting. Delirium has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality, long-term cognitive impairments, psychological distress, extended hospital stays, and increased hospital and health system costs. Nurses play central roles in the care of surgical older patients who are afflicted with this debilitating disease. This study aims to explore surgical nurses’ experiences of caring for older patients with delirium, what facilitates and what hinders surgical nurses’ caring for such patients, and provide concrete recommendations for further care of these patients.; METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design was employed for the study. Thematic analysis developed by Clarke and Braun (2006) was selected as the method for data analysis to facilitate and lead this process. Accordingly, this technique recognises, evaluates and explains patterns of significance, known as ‘themes’ in qualitative data (Clarke & Braun, 2017). A total of eight participants, who work in a surgical setting at the local general hospital, were recruited by an intermediary to voluntarily participate in the study. Qualitative, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, after all ethical clearance and permissions were granted.; RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data, namely: a. hardships in providing optimal surgical care; b. importance of prioritizing the safety of patients and others; c. the relevance of including relatives in patient care; and d. the usefulness of focusing on nurses’ experience when caring for these patients.; CONCLUSIONS: Surgical nurses find a way to keep the patients and others safe and help their families throughout this challenging and distressing experience. Nurses require a greater support and understanding of the management and physicians especially during night shifts. A variety of proposals might help to ease the experience of surgical nurses when caring for older patients with delirium that if successful may well have positive impacts on the healthcare system. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98532 Title: Mothers’ experiences of induction of labour Authors: Gauci, Ylenia; Spiteri, Georgette Abstract: Induction of labour is one of the most commonly performed interventions in Malta, occurring in approximately 28% of labours (NOIS 2018). Research has explored methods of induction and labour outcomes associated with medical inductions. However, much less is known about women’s experiences of the induction process, especially within the local context. Thus, this study aimed to explore mothers’ lived experiences of induction of labour by looking into their understanding of the procedure and highlighting their feelings towards it. The qualitative paradigm was used to conduct this study amongst a convenience sample of eight primiparous mothers. These mothers participated in a one-time, face-to-face, individual interview 24 to 36 hours after childbirth, which was audio-recorded with the participants’ consent. Data was generated through the use of a purposely-designed, semi-structured interview schedule. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results elicited from this study indicated that women lacked sufficient information to make an informed decision and provide consent for their induction of labour. Mothers described how they tried to naturally induce labour in an attempt to avoid a medical induction. The findings of this study highlight how participating women felt that the medical induction affected their mode of birth. Sub-optimal labour experiences may significantly impact women and their families. Hence, reflecting on their experiences can serve to inform practice in terms of care delivery. This study recommends that an in-depth explanation of the induction of labour process is provided to expectant parents during the antenatal period, comprising both the benefits and the risks, so that they can exercise their right to informed consent. Furthermore, whilst Malta follows an obstetric-led model of maternity care, a woman- centred care approach based on the woman’s needs may help mothers feel more in control of their pregnancy and labour, potentially increasing their satisfaction with their birthing experience. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/98531 Title: Factors influencing the proxy-rated quality of life of residents with dementia in long-term care units Authors: Vella, Luana; Scerri, Anthony Abstract: Quality of life (QoL) is slowly becoming one of the most important outcomes in older persons with dementia. Up to two-thirds of residents in long-term care facilities have some type of dementia. Understanding the QoL of a person living with dementia in long-term care (LTC) will ensure that the care being provided is person-centered. The study aimed to measure the proxy-rated QoL of older persons with dementia living in dementia-friendly units in a long-term care facility in Malta as perceived by nurses taking care of them. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The proxy-rated QoL of the participants was measured using the QUALID scale. Moreover, the presence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) of residents with dementia was measured using BEHAVE-AD scale. This was done through questionnaires administered as interviews with nurses who work with dementia residents. Additional data was gathered from the patients’ personal files such as their age, gender, mini-mental state examination score and Barthel Index score. This is the first local study that sought to measure the QoL of residents with dementia in LTC units. The mean QoL score of the participants was 22.14. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age and gender, were not found to be significantly associated with the QoL. A higher level of functional dependency and higher presence of BPSD were associated with a lower QoL. The participants’ cognitive abilities were found to be negatively associated with their QoL when analysed on their own. However, no significant association was found when they were analysed with other factors. The presence of BPSD and the functional dependency of the participants were the most important predictors of their QoL. Therefore, LTC facilities should focus more on improving and maintaining the functional status of persons with dementia as well as reducing the presence of BPSD, in order to maintain their QoL. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z