https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/691 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:13:09 GMT 2026-04-06T07:13:09Z 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 https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138976 Title: 3D cell culture models in research : applications to lung cancer pharmacology Authors: Vella, Nathan; Fenech, Anthony G.; Petroni Magri, Vanessa Abstract: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative research methodologies to improve treatment outcomes and develop novel strategies. The advent of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures has marked a significant advancement in lung cancer research, offering a more physiologically relevant model compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures. This review elucidates the various types of 3D cell culture models currently used in lung cancer pharmacology, including spheroids, organoids and engineered tissue models, having pivotal roles in enhancing our understanding of lung cancer biology, facilitating drug development, and advancing precision medicine. 3D cell culture systems mimic the complex spatial architecture and microenvironment of lung tumours, providing critical insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumour progression, metastasis and drug responses. Spheroids, derived from commercialized cell lines, effectively model the tumour microenvironment (TME), including the formation of hypoxic and nutrient gradients, crucial for evaluating the penetration and efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics. Organoids and tumouroids, derived from primary tissues, recapitulate the heterogeneity of lung cancers and are instrumental in personalized medicine approaches, supporting the simulation of in vivo pharmacological responses in a patient-specific context. Moreover, these models have been co-cultured with various cell types and biomimicry extracellular matrix (ECM) components to further recapitulate the heterotypic cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions present within the lung TME. 3D cultures have been significantly contributing to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the understanding of resistance mechanisms against conventional therapies. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest findings in drug research involving lung cancer 3D models, together with the common laboratory-based assays used to study drug effects. Additionally, the integration of 3D cell cultures into lung cancer drug development workflows and precision medicine is discussed. This integration is pivotal in accelerating the translation of laboratory findings into clinical applications, thereby advancing the landscape of lung cancer treatment. By closely mirroring human lung tumours, these models not only enhance our understanding of the disease but also pave the way for the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138976 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z