https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121811 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:35:34 GMT 2026-04-14T23:35:34Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122406 Title: Knowledge of environmental hazards among nurses within operating theatres Abstract: Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to examine the level of knowledge among operating theatre nurses with regards to environmental hazards they encounter in their professional practice as well as their level of awareness regarding the risks caused by hazards, their capacity to protect themselves, and their ability to adhere to existing policies. Sample: There were two parts of the study. The quantitative part of the study employed a cross-sectional design where all nurses working in the operating theatre were sampled. A total of 82 nurses employed in operating theatres participated in an online survey, yielding a response rate of 47%. The qualitative part of the study involved a sample of six nurses who were employed in the same professional setting. In both sections, participants were provided with an information sheet and a consent form prior to their involvement in the study. Methods: A mixed-method approach was utilised to provide a comprehensive understanding of the studied phenomena. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS software, employing statistical tests such as the chi-square test and Fisher‘s exact test to determine significance. Additionally, cross-tabulations were conducted to identify any associations between independent variables and binary categorical variables. The semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Main findings: The study found that 95% of theatre nurses reported exposure to hazards in their work environment, with 42% identifying a deficiency in exposure regulation policies. Over 90% of nurses reported awareness of exposure risks, but barriers hinder their ability to protect themselves. 74% reported a sense of empowerment, but this perception was not entirely confirmed by the interviewees. Age and experience were not significantly correlated in terms of hazards, awareness, empowerment, and policies. However, experience and being older were advantageous in making informed decisions and seeking knowledge about potential risks. No significant relationship was found between policy adequacy, awareness, and empowerment. Conclusion: In a dynamic work environment, there appears to be a significant level of susceptibility to possible hazards. The input highlights the need for policies and recommendations to address hazards in a dynamic work environment. It emphasizes the importance of support, monitoring, and empowerment of nurses through education and updates on policies and guidelines. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122406 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122404 Title: The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on ITU nurses in Malta Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges for many countries. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many studies have attempted to begin the process of understanding the true impacts on health care systems and their staff members. This study aims to explore the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on ITU nurses in terms of burnout, stress, depression and anxiety. The findings can assist policy makers to develop strategies to support nurses and ensure a healthy workforce today and in the future. Methodology: The study made use of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. It consisted of paper-based questionnaires distributed to ITU nurses which included the use of the DASS-21 and OLBI tools to measure depression, anxiety, stress and burnout. The questionnaires obtained a response rate of 60%. Findings: The percentage of participants recalling having mild to severe symptoms include depression (37%), anxiety (43%) and stress (23%) during the pandemic. In all three of these scores, nurses who contemplated leaving the department (57%) scored statistically significantly higher in all scales. Scores relating to burnout showed that 85% of participants currently have signs of burnout, with 90% showing signs of exhaustion and 67% having signs of disengagement. Participants who contemplated leaving the department also scored significantly higher in the three burnout scores. Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the age group of 31-40 years who scored higher for disengagement than their older colleagues. A multiple linear regression carried out also showed a significant positive relationship between depression and burnout as well as a significant negative relationship between anxiety and burnout. The qualitative methodology included eight semi-structured interviews in which participants were asked about their work and coping mechanisms throughout the COVID-19 pandemic along with their recommendations for similar future scenarios. The interviews provided an insight into what the nurses experienced while working in the pandemic. The main themes which emerged included changing work dynamics, emotional times, coping strategies, organisational support, external factors and the current situation. Most participants contributed to almost all of these themes. The main issue where participants’ answers differed was about the current state of the unit. Conclusion: This research is the first to locally explore the effects of the pandemic on ITU nurses. It provided insight into their experience and difficulties faced. These effects can still be felt by some of the nurses, mainly in their levels of burnout and belief that the unit has not yet reached its state of ‘normality’. Recommendations which emerged from this study include future research regarding manager’s perspectives, reasons for leaving the department and the impact of major decisions taken by the hospital. Recommendations for practice consist of a plan of action for emergency expansion and reallocation of nurses. The latter includes leadership training, exposure opportunities for nurses who do not work in the unit as well as methods for improving communication of updated protocols and support services available. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122404 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122402 Title: Evaluating surgeons’ knowledge, attitude, and practice in managing acute pain in post-operative patients Abstract: The aim of this study was to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices that surgeons in Malta have pertaining to the administration of analgesia for acute pain in post-operative patients. This study enquired about the different types of analgesics available, commonly known as analgesia. In conjunction with secondary data researched and primary data acquired from the participants of this study, this dissertation highlights the importance of proper assessment prior to prescribing analgesics. Data about pain assessment, pain management, the variety of analgesia in conjunction with co-morbidities, and the role of healthcare professionals in pain management was collected from surgeons coming from different medical fields and working in Mater Dei Hospital. The total number of participants who took part in this study was five, thus having a response rate of 33%. The primary data was acquired by conducting semi-structured one-to-one interviews with the participants. The participant was encouraged to provide personal attitudes and beliefs, in conjunction with knowledge pertaining to the research topic. From the interviews it was concluded that many surgeons liaise with an anaesthesiologist when prescribing post-operative analgesics for acute pain. The role physiotherapists and nurses during a patient’s post-operative stay at the hospital was given importance. A physiotherapist can contribute to the mitigation of pain by providing a non-pharmacological approach through therapy. Nurses, being the closest point of reference for patients, can contribute to both pain management and pain assessment as they are usually the ones that can identify any behavioural changes in patients that usually translate to unrelieved pain. Moreover, nurses are usually the ones who provide an explanation to patients about the medications they would be prescribed. Explanations are usually accompanied with a reassurance to the patient when one has both fears and concerns. Concerns are usually about any adverse reactions that can be caused by medications. The interviews also highlighted different modes of pain assessments. Pain can be measured objectively by taking the readings of parameters to check for any abnormalities such as tachycardia and shortness of breath or perspiration. A subjective method of assessment is by asking patients whether they are in pain or not. This can take several forms, such as providing the patient with a Visual Analogue Scale (VIS) where the patient is to choose a face that best resembles how he is feeling, ask the patient to provide a number between one and ten with one being the least pain and ten being the most pain possible, otherwise asking patients whether mobility was painful. Providing sound explanations and allowing patients to discuss medications proved very important in giving the patients an opportunity to contribute to their own care plan. This study appreciated how each patient is different and unveiled how undertreatment and overtreatment, albeit rare, can sometimes happen. This research provided an overview of how post-operative pain is handled nationally. When compared with secondary data that provided information on an international basis, a lot of similarities were noticed. In conclusion, pain management and pain assessment training should be given more importance by all healthcare professionals. Additionally, the implementation of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to all healthcare professionals that are in direct communication with patients and their care can prove vital to providing better a better service and experience to the patient. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122402 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122401 Title: Pulmonary rehabilitation in lung cancer management : an investigative study on health-related quality of life of patients and the perceived views of healthcare professionals Abstract: Background: Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is a major challenge to global healthcare, making it an important public health issue. Patients suffering from lung cancer experience an array of symptoms that may include dyspnoea, fatigue, cough, and pain. All these symptoms can negatively influence the patients’ physical function and impair their daily living activities. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary intervention that is tailored to the individual patients’ needs. It aims to assist patients to improve their respiratory function, exercise tolerance, physical capacity, and overall health-related quality of life. This research seeks to assess the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on the health-related quality of life of patients with lung cancer and to understand its influence on the overall health system performance. Methodology: A mix-method research design was employed. Patient reported outcome measures (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC29) were used to evaluate the effects of an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme in patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Outcome measures were assessed pre and post the intervention. Structured interviews were used to explore perceptions of healthcare professionals on the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation within the oncology setting. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Result: A total of 14 patients with lung cancer were eligible for data analysis: mean age 69; male 78.6%; disease stage n (%), I = 3 (21.4), III = 4 (28.6), IV = 7 (50.0%). All patients were receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment and/or radiotherapy except for one patient. Significant improvements were demonstrated in global health status/QoL (p=0.03), and lessening of symptoms including fatigue (p=0.044), dyspnoea (p=0.018) and pain (p=0.013) were observed following an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme. In the qualitative part of the study 10 healthcare professionals were recruited. Five major themes were generated: holistic care approach; education and prevention; perceived physical and psychological benefits; impact on the healthcare sector; and maximising the efficacy of the intervention. Most findings of this study are consistent with existing literature. Discussion: Health-related quality of life is recognised as a valuable outcome measure in cancer care management. Healthcare professionals perceived pulmonary rehabilitation to have a central role in maintaining and/or improving health-related quality of life through patient education of physical activity, symptom management, and behavioural strategies. This was shown to contribute to a positive effect on the patient’s anxiety levels and hospital admissions. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been demonstrated as an important healthcare service in lung cancer management. Promoting physical activity and healthy behaviours are crucial in today’s ageing population and increased cancer incidence. Such health services facilitate integration back into the community and act as a tool for the work-age cohort to remain economically viable. Conclusion: This study suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation should be promoted to improve physical/cognitive function as well as health-related quality of life throughout the disease trajectory in patients with lung cancer and other cancer diagnosis experiencing oncology-related pulmonary insufficiency. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were suggested. These may inform future strategies to further improve patient experience and quality of care, ensuring better standards of care for all. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/122401 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z