https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/691 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:39:52 GMT 2026-08-06T20:39:52Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148234 Title: Cleardo Naudi : the University's first professor of chemistry and materia medica : a Delphian and enigmatic academic Authors: Ellul-Micallef, Roger Abstract: Cleardo Naudi, who hailed from a well-connected Maltese family, began his tertiary education at the University of Malta and completed his medical studies at the University of Naples. Naudi went on to further his postgraduate education in London. During the first decades of British rule in Malta, he managed to contact a number of English missionary societies, and did his best to persuade them to establish footholds on the island. When in London, he met and forged important connections and conversances with some of the leading chemists of the day, which at times blossomed into useful friendships. Particularly close was his relationship with the Quaker, William Allen. In the meantime, he occupied the first Chair of Chemistry and Materia Medica at Malta’s University. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148234 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143590 Title: Towards a digital health competency framework for the workforce abstract; preliminary findings Authors: Azzopardi Meli, Bernice; Bowman, Corinne; Camilleri Sacco, Maya; Fenech, Anthony; Agius Muscat, Hugo; Hamilton, Clayton; Scotter, Cris; Montebello, Matthew; Cordina, Maria Abstract: Background: Technology is reshaping the healthcare (HC) system and the relationship between the patient and the healthcare professional. In healthcare, there is wide agreement that digital competence is essential for professionals. However, what these common competences should specifically include for health professionals is still not clearly identified. Objectives: The aim of this research is to identify a best-practice digital competency framework for healthcare professionals. Methods: A systematic review based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was conducted. Literature published in English between 2014 and 2024 was searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ProQuest, BASE and the first 10 pages of Google and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools, while mixed-methods studies were appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: The initial search identified 9362 papers, of which 111 were included. Preliminary findings underscore the importance of developing a robust framework that encompasses technical and enabling competences for practitioners at various levels of the HC infrastructure. It isproposed that the framework includes the following key domains: (i) Leadership competences (ii) Procedural competences and (iii) Enabling competences. Discussion: Competency frameworks link professional practice, education, training, and assessment. Most studies list competences rather than develop structured frameworks, highlighting a gap in the literature. Existing frameworks rely largely on expert consensus, with few developed through rigorous academic methods. Conclusion: Adopting a systems-thinking approach could better capture the complexity of professional practice, guiding the development of more robust and effective competency frameworks for healthcare professionals. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143590 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143263 Title: The use of fentanyl patches in pain relief : a prospective observational study in chronic pain patients Abstract: Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid whose marked lipophilicity enables efficient transdermal delivery. The transdermal patch provides continuous plasma concentrations, delivering sustained analgesia and greater convenience than oral opioids. Clinical experience, however, highlights considerable inter-individual variability and a tendency for analgesic efficacy to decrease toward the end of the 72-hour dosing interval. Although fentanyl pharmacokinetics are well characterized, few studies have simultaneously captured objective PK metrics (e.g., urine fentanyl and nor-fentanyl levels) and patient-reported pain outcomes—particularly in Malta, where patch therapy is confined to malignant disease. [excerpt] Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143263 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143256 Title: Patient expectations of medication in Rheumatic conditions : a protocol for a systematic review of psychological, behavioural, and satisfaction outcomes Abstract: Patients’ expectations of their medications strongly influence adherence, treatment satisfaction, and overall outcomes. In rheumatology, this is especially important due to long-term treatment, complex regimens, and potential side effects. Aligning care with patient expectations improves communication, reduces dissatisfaction, and strengthens patient–provider relationships. However, existing evidence is scattered and lacks a comprehensive synthesis. This systematic review aims to consolidate current knowledge on how expectations affect psychological, behavioural, and satisfaction outcomes in adults with rheumatic conditions. [excerpt] Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143256 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z