OAR@UM Collection:

Intermittent calf-muscle electrical stimulation on walking capacity in patients living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and intermittent claudication

2019-05-22T07:29:33Z

Title: Intermittent calf-muscle electrical stimulation on walking capacity in patients living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and intermittent claudication Authors: Ellul, Christian; Gatt, Alfred Abstract: A prospective, one-group, pretest-posttest study design was employed on forty participants (n=40) with bilateral limb ischemia (ABPI <0.90), diabetes mellitus and calf muscle claudication. Participants received a fixed program of calf muscle electrical stimulation with varying frequency (I-250Hz) on both ischemic limbs (N=80) for 1 hour per day for 13 weeks. The absolute claudication distance was employed as serial outcome measure to assess maximal walking capacity at baseline and following the intervention. Statistical Significant improvement was registered in mean absolute claudication distance (p= 0.000; Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test) at follow-up relative to baseline.

Communication at the primary/secondary care interface : a review of the literature and a stakeholder analysis

2019-05-22T07:29:39Z

Title: Communication at the primary/secondary care interface : a review of the literature and a stakeholder analysis Authors: Attard, Jason; Gauci, Charmaine; Mamo, Julian Abstract: INTRODUCTION �� linkage' between primary healthcare providers and secondary care providers in Mater Dei Hospital has traditionally been poor in Malta. The ticket of referral and the discharge letter have traditionally been the only way continuation of care is communicated via the two sets of providers and these have been criticized in terms of content, completion or for their absence on many occasions. The aim of this study was to assess the current changing situation and recommend measures that could be taken to improve matters in the foreseeable future. METHODOLOGY A qualitative methodological approach was conducted during March-April 2016. Semi-structured interviews were performed on five key personnel across the primary- secondary care interface. Respondents were asked on their views on the current referral process, the current discharge process, and primary/secondary care collaboration for the management of chronic diseases. Subsequent questions explored the possible negative aspects for each interface point and what measures could be used to improve them. CONCLUSION A multi-faceted problem requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing changes in the current business process, improvements in communication at the referral and discharge stages, and having robust information technology support.

Health priorities of the first Maltese presidency of European Council

2019-05-22T07:29:48Z

Title: Health priorities of the first Maltese presidency of European Council Abstract: The presidency of the European Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council. Member states holding the presidency work together in groups of three, called 'trios'. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an is-month period. Malta's stint concludes the current 'Ii'lo of Presidencies, preceded by Netherlands and Slovakia. This editorial will discuss two important health policies, relating to childhood obesity and cooperation between health systems.

The Synapse : the Medical Professionals' Network : volume 16 : issue 1

2019-05-22T07:29:57Z

Title: The Synapse : the Medical Professionals' Network : volume 16 : issue 1 Editors: Galea, Wilfred; Ellul, Ian C. Abstract: Health priorities of the first Maltese presidency of European Council -- Communication at the primary/secondary care interface : a review of the literature and a stakeholder analysis -- Intermittent calf-muscle electrical stimulation on walking capacity in patients living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and intermittent claudication -- Meeting prof. Albert Cilia-Vincenti -- Inflammatory bowel disease : CT and MR diagnosis.