https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12441 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:27:16 GMT 2026-04-04T06:27:16Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12830 Title: Research and audit amongst undergraduate medical students Authors: Abela, Mark Abstract: The student’s perception of their role in research and development Medical undergraduates are often too focused on their studies and disregard the importance of Medical Research and Audit both for their own personal development and also for the benefit of the general medical community. This is probably due to the lack of exposure and understanding of what being involved in such projects truly entails. Some view it as a waste of time, others see it as beyond their expertise while others don’t know where to start. This review on the topic is aimed at giving a general introduction to medical research, the pros and cons of getting involved and how any student should get started. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12830 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12829 Title: There are more things in obstetrics and gynaecology, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy : part 1 Abstract: This paper will review contemporary advances in fertility and sterility and future prospects for the treatment of such conditions. Description: Part 2 of the article can be found through this link : https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/12826 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12829 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12828 Title: Five steps to reducing the burden of COPD Abstract: An older person with a long history of smoking, persistent dyspnoea and sputum production, who struggles to manage daily activities typifies the COPD patient. Ultimately, most COPD patients will need maintenance therapy with bronchodilators and antiinflammatory agents.1 Periodically, patients experience distressing and potentially lifethreatening exacerbations of their COPD,1 most of which are caused by infection in the already inflamed and injured lung and each exacerbation amplifies the permanent lung damage.2 About 50% of infective exacerbations are bacterial in origin.3 Managing COPD involves difficult lifestyle changes for the patient; and preventive, maintenance and curative treatments managed by the physician. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12828 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12827 Title: Maximising ophthalmic theatre time : part 1 Authors: Bonanno, Paola; Agius, Maria; Mercieca, Franco Abstract: Aim: To establish whether the available ophthalmic theatre time is being used efficiently and to find ways how to improve our surgical output and reduce the waiting list. Methods: All ophthalmic surgeries under the care of Mr Franco Mercieca carried out in Theatre 13 in the sample months of May and October 2009, were retrospectively analyzed. Average times were estimated for all types of ophthalmic procedures. The total number of cataract operations and patients listed for surgery were noted from beginning of 2006 till end of 2009. Results: In 2009, this firm has carried out 572 cataract operations, 81% increase from 2008, of which 52% were performed on weekends and public holidays. The theatre usage time in the sample months under study was 89.25% on weekdays and over 94% on extra sessions. Theatre time wastage was an average of 8%, half of which being due to cancellations on the day. On average over 71% of our theatre time is used for cataract surgery. Conclusions: In order to maximize our theatre time efficiency, we need to set up a Preoperative Assessment clinic and encourage more patients to have their surgery under local anaesthesia. To reduce the waiting list the need for a parallel theatre dedicated solely to cataract surgery under local anaesthesia is of paramount importance. Description: Part 2 of the article can be found through this link : https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/12822 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12827 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z