https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/478 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:33:36 GMT 2026-08-28T15:33:36Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148509 Title: A systematic review of 3D printing of pharmaceutical drug products : barriers and enablers Authors: Gatt, Elton; Sammut Bartolo, Nicolette; Azzopardi, Lilian M. Abstract: The transition of pharmaceutical 3D printing (3DP) from centralized production to decentralized, point-of-care (POC) settings presents complex regulatory and operational challenges. This systematic review synthesizes these barriers and evaluates the adaptability of emerging governance frameworks. A PRISMA-compliant systematic search was conducted up to June 2026 across five databases. Sixty-four eligible articles underwent inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns regarding regulatory, technical and practical implementation factors. Ten descriptive themes were identified. The three most prevalent, accounting for most of the academic discourse, were Quality Control and Quality by Design (22%), Regulatory Gaps and Uncertainty (16%), and Ethical, Legal and Social Considerations (14%). To bridge the gap where technological maturity currently outpaces regulatory infrastructure, a four-phase integrated operational roadmap is proposed, synthesizing global regulatory initiatives. The developed roadmap could contribute to the scaling of 3DP into mainstream healthcare supporting alignment of policy reforms with operational readiness. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148509 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148380 Title: Validation instruments for community pharmacy : pharmaceutical care for the third millennium Authors: Azzopardi, Lilian M. Abstract: This book presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating and improving the quality of professional services provided by community pharmacists. The book develops practical and scientifically grounded validation instruments designed to measure pharmacy performance, document pharmacist interventions, and demonstrate the contribution of pharmaceutical care to patient outcomes. Drawing on principles of quality assurance, outcome assessment, and community pharmacy practice, it outlines methods for assessing pharmacy settings, equipment, dispensing processes, patient counselling, response to minor ailments, and other key components of pharmaceutical service delivery. The volume also discusses the development and application of quantitative measurement systems that enable the systematic monitoring of professional standards and continuous quality improvement. Supported by case studies, survey instruments, and practical implementation strategies, the book provides pharmacists, educators, healthcare administrators, and policymakers with tools for establishing evidence-based validation programmes in community pharmacy settings. Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148380 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148254 Title: Quality care standards analysis Abstract: Quality in health care presents a range of interpretations including accreditation and certification, compliance with rules and regulations, meeting established levels, use of modern equipment, efficiency, and performing inspections. When taking into account a patient-oriented approach, quality of pharmacy services represents optimum patient care to meet patient’s needs. So, structures and processes are necessary to measure the patient care provided and, therefore, measure quality. [excerpt] Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148254 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148192 Title: Pharmacist-led ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in community pharmacy : an operational feasibility case series Authors: Vella, Michaela; Wirth, Francesca; Camilleri, Liberato; Azzopardi, Lilian M. Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the operational feasibility of pharmacist-led ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in community pharmacy practice.; Materials and Methods: This operational feasibility case series recruited eligible participants from four community pharmacies located in three geographical districts in Malta over a three-month recruitment period. Process feasibility included recruitment uptake and participant acceptability. Management feasibility included the completion of a valid 24-hour ABPM recording and successful tracking of post-referral outcomes. Pragmatic post-hoc benchmarks were applied: uptake of at least 60%, completion of valid recordings of at least 80%, and post- referral outcome tracking of at least 80%. Exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method.; Results: Ten of 20 invited participants consented, corresponding to an uptake rate of 50% (95% CI, 27.2–72.8%). Valid 24-hour ABPM recordings meeting the pre-defined recording quality criteria were obtained for 9 of the 10 participants, corresponding to a completion rate of 90% (95% CI 55.5–99.7). 4 participants were referred for physician review, and post-referral outcomes were obtained for all 4 participants, corresponding to a tracking rate of 100% (95% CI 39.8–100.0). Three of the 4 referred participants reported an intensification of their antihypertensive treatment.; Conclusion: Pharmacist-led ABPM in community pharmacies demonstrated operational feasibility regarding completion of valid recordings and post-referral tracking, although uptake requires improvement. Participant-reported treatment changes should be interpreted as exploratory signals, and larger implementation studies are warranted. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148192 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z