https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67361 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:24:07 GMT 2026-04-19T03:24:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67400 Title: Guidance for oral opioid reduction in primary care Authors: Bellizzi, Muriel Abstract: Opioids are essential in treating the severe acute pain, and pain associated with cancer and end-of-life; however, in the last 10 years, numerous studies have shown that there is little evidence of benefit for long-term opioids in patients with chronic non-cancer pain as regards pain, quality of life or functioning. Nowadays, there is better understanding of the risks, which include dependence and opioid-related mortality amongst others. For this reason, the International Association for the Study of Pain (ISAP) supports the use and availability of opioids at all ages for the relief of severe pain during short-lived painful events and the end-of-life. Healthcare professionals play an important role in minimizing overuse and overdosing as well as understanding morphine equivalent dosing in an effort to help reduce the likelihood of such potential morbidity and mortality with opioids. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67400 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67349 Title: The Synapse : the Medical Professionals' Network : volume 19 : issue 2 Editors: Galea, Wilfred; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Table of contents:; 1/ ZAMMIT, E. - The importance of CME; 2/ GALEA, G. - COVID-19 : a view from China; 3/ CORTIS, K. - Current state of the art approaches in hepatobiliary imaging; 4/ ELLUL, I. C., & SCHEMBRI WISMAYER, P. - R&I : nuts and bolts; 5/ e-Learning sessions; 6/ CAUCHI, M. - Pandemics and social responsibility; 7/ BELLIZZI, M. - Guidance for oral opioid reduction in primary care; 8/ VASSALLO, P. - COVID-19 : update on facts and imaging; 9/ CME30.EU COVID-19 Symposium Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67349 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67347 Title: The importance of CME Abstract: Coming from a martial arts background, I was one of the typical aficionados whose ultimate aim was to get that much coveted black belt. The belief was that once you strap that black strip of cloth around your waist, you are unbeatable and you have truly mastered your art. However, after attaining the black belt, my instructor with his patient smile and calm demeanour would look me in the eye and say, "Son, you have mastered nothing. This was just a teaser. The true path to mastery has just began." [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67347 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67321 Title: COVID-19 : a view from China Abstract: MARCH 1, 2020 (WITH MINOR UPDATES ON MARCH 29, 2020) Since this article was first published online, a month has passed and that is a long time for COVID-19. Malta has gone from zero to 149 cases and the number will have grown by the time this appears in print. Figure 1 sets the number of cases in Malta epidemic against those in Hong Kong SAR (China) and Singapore. The rise in the Hong Kong SAR and Singapore figures relate to a rise in imported cases, but also to some efforts to relax the stringent constraints on population movement. The curves illustrate the speed with which the epidemic can take off and emphasise how important it is for the population not to become complacent, and to strictly adhere to the public health guidance to stay at home. With the extensive preparations being made in Malta, and the cooperation of the general public, it is hoped that the line in Malta will remain flat and avoid the rapid take off. As has been shown elsewhere, a flat, long drawn out epidemic curve is associated with lower mortality and much lower costs to society. [excerpt] Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67321 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z