https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/35555 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:21:34 GMT 2026-04-19T00:21:34Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22081 Title: Report on the 18th Workshop of EquiP : WONCA European Working Party on Quality in Family Practice Abstract: The 18th EQuiP Workshop was hosted by the Greek Association of General Practitioners, represented by the Vice President Dr Antonios Karotsis - their EQuiP delegate. These meetings now have taken a traditional format in that, in the first evening, what is called an "Open Market" is held, where delegates bring updated documents on quality improvement and other interesting topics. The author brought several from various countries for the College's information. Fri, 01 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22081 2001-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22080 Title: Paediatric heart disease in general practice Authors: Grech, Victor E. Abstract: Paediatrics is an important aspect of general practice, and paediatric cardiology frequently impinges on the general practitioner. The most common dilemmas encountered circle around murmurs. While many normal children have heart murmurs, very very few actually have any cardiovascular pathology. The usual medical platitude does actually apply, in that children who actually have cardiac disease can be identified by a careful history and examination. The practice of referring all children with murmurs for paediatric cardiology assessment or simply 'for an echo' is to be discouraged. Only patients with organic murmurs and those in whom uncertainty persists after examination should be referred. Functional murmurs should not be referred except for pulmonary ejection murmurs (see table) which may be difficult to distinguish from an atrial septal defect. Fri, 01 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22080 2001-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22079 Title: Atopic eczema : Malta Eczema Society set up Authors: Boffa, Michael J. Abstract: Eczema (also called 'dermatitis') is a common skin condition that can affect up to 10% of the population at some time of their lives. In certain cases the condition may be severe and incapacitating. The word 'eczema' is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning 'to boil over'. Although many patients who have eczema have dry, sometimes flaky skin, when the condition flares up vesicles and blisters that may weep and crusts appear. Although eczema may become infected, in itself it is not contagious. There are several different types and causes of eczema. The commonest type is called 'atopic eczema'. The word 'atopy' was introduced by Coca 1 in 1923 as a convenient collective term for a group of diseases, chief among which are asthma, hay fever and eczema, which occur spontaneously in individuals who have a family history of susceptibility. In fact some 75% of patients with atopic eczema have a personal or family history of asthma or hay fever or both. Atopic eczema usually appears before the age of one year however it may develop later in childhood or even in adulthood. Fri, 01 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22079 2001-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22033 Title: Ethical issues in family practice Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: The Raison d'etre principles in biomedical ethics have clearly become what are referred to as the four principles. These can be summarized as the Principles of Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Respect for Autonomy and Justice. A doctor has to do good whilst avoiding harm and at the same time respect the autonomous nature of the patient's wishes whilst keeping a balance with justice towards the patient and society in general. Although 'principlism', as the theory is often dubbed, has been shown to help us little in moral problem solving where dilemmas are concerned such as whether to take one off a respirator or not, they are nevertheless useful guidelines in orienting one's thinking in the ethical process. Thus the four principles find a solid role in the teaching of ethics to health care professionals. What is important is that these principles form part of the phenomenon of the doctor-patient relationship and that it is the relationship that concerns ethics more than a set of rules. Thus more than being a 'code of ethics', the relationship is about the 'virtuous act'. In this sense, truth telling is not merely a rule but is an ethical norm which should be imparted with compassion. This virtue is as important as the rule itself. Fri, 01 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22033 2001-06-01T00:00:00Z