/library/oar/handle/123456789/754 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 01:45:51 GMT 2025-11-01T01:45:51Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139641 Title: Integrating multimorbidity education into undergraduate medical curriculum : a systematic review Authors: Cuschieri, Andrea; Ryan, Bridget L.; Cuschieri, Sarah Abstract: Multimorbidity is becoming highly prevalent across the globe. Current medical curricula predominantly focus on single-disease management, leaving future physicians underprepared to provide patient-centred care to address the multimorbidity epidemic. Through a systematic review, this short communication identified the current state of multimorbidity education in medical curricula and evaluated existing educational approaches. A narrative systematic review (CRD42024585500) of studies meeting stringent inclusion criteria focusing on multimorbidity education was conducted. The review found limited evidence regarding the integration and effectiveness of current educational approaches. Although multimorbidity education was associated with improved self-reported student confidence, there was a notable absence of structured, formal teaching frameworks, with education primarily occurring through informal clinical exposure. This systematic review discovered the absence of an evidence base on structured, validated teaching methods that are urgently needed to better prepare future physicians to manage patients with multimorbidity effectively. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139641 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139639 Title: From uncertainty to confidence : peer-led research and the formation of medical academic identity Authors: Cuschieri, Andrea; Cuschieri, Sarah Abstract: Background: Undergraduate research is vital for developing critical thinking and academic identity in medical students, yet traditional models often fail to overcome institutional and personal barriers. Peer-led approaches may offer more accessible, supportive environments that promote deeper engagement and leadership in research. Methods: This study evaluated medical students’ experiences in a peer-led research initiative from 2022 to 2024. Students were then invited to complete a qualitative questionnaire reflecting on their perceptions towards research, development in research skills, confidence, and academic identity. Results: Code saturation was achieved after 9 responses (N = 15). Participants reported intrinsic interest, peer encouragement, and opportunities to publish as motivating factors. The peer-led model made research feel more approachable, fostering technical growth and academic confidence. Peer mentorship and a gradual learning structure were especially valued. While challenges such as workload and team dynamics emerged, students reported growth in resilience and self-reflection. Conclusions: Peer-led research initiatives can effectively support academic identity formation by integrating motivation, support, and skill development. Despite obstacles, students gained competence and confidence. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139639 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139638 Title: Quick fixes, lasting problems : rethinking obesity management through a public health lens beyond pharmacological solutions Authors: Cuschieri, Sarah; Cuschieri, Andrea; Ali, Shehzad; Stranges, Saverio Abstract: Aim: This viewpoint aims to critically examine the growing reliance on pharmacological treatments for obesity and highlight the limitations of such an approach.; Data synthesis: Literature from reputable databases and public health registries were sought and used to formulate an evidence-based viewpoint, critically synthesizing current research on obesity pharmacotherapy and its implications within a broader socio-environmental context.; Conclusions: In response to the obesity epidemic, pharmacological treatments have gained significant attention for their ability to produce substantial weight loss in the short-term. However, the increasing reliance on these medication risks narrowing the understanding, prevention and management of obesity to a purely clinical issue, overlooking its deeper individual-level and societal causes. While pharmacological interventions may offer shortterm benefits, they do not address the root causes of obesity, such as the socio-environmental drivers influencing food choices with over-reliance on high-calorie and processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and socio-economic disparities. Additionally, the high cost of these treatments exacerbates health inequities, limiting access for vulnerable populations. Obesity must be approached as a complex, multifaceted condition, requiring multisectoral approaches as well as integrated care models that combine pharmacological treatments with behavioural interventions, lifestyle modifications, and systemic policy changes. Population-wide strategies are crucial for long-term prevention. This viewpoint argues for comprehensive, multisectoral approaches to obesity prevention and management that moves beyond pharmacological solutions to address the broader socio-environmental factors contributing to the obesity epidemic. Only through systemic changes can we expect to improve public health outcomes and reduce the global burden of obesity. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139638 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139627 Title: The role of burden of disease estimates in European Union health policymaking : a systematic analysis of EU legislation Authors: Chen-Xu, José; Grad, Diana; Mahrouseh, Nour; Santos, João Vasco; Riva, Silvia; Gazzelloni, Federica; Unim, Brigid; Charalampous, Periklis; Mechili, Enkeleint A.; Cuschieri, Sarah; Gorasso, Vanessa; Hilderink, Henk; Varga, Orsolya; Viegas, Susana Abstract: Background: The use of burden of disease (BoD) metrics in policymaking is crucial for evidence-based decisionmaking. However, there is currently no information available regarding their utilisation in policies at the European level.; Objective: This study aimed to analyse the use of BoD metrics within the European legislation.; Methods: Systematic searches on EUR-Lex were conducted for documents published between 2004 and 2023, to account for European Union-25 (EU-25). Network and qualitative analyses of documents were conducted to assess the legislation content.; Results: In total, 2615 documents were found, of which 191 included BoD metrics. Among the selected documents, 131 (69 %) were published after 2018. Ten were legally binding documents. The most prevalent EuroVoc (EU’s multilingual and multidisciplinary thesaurus) domains were social questions and environment. The most frequent EuroVoc terms were climate change policy (n = 45), EU environmental policy (n = 32) and pollution control measures (n = 32). The most common EU institution responsible for the retrieved documents was the European Commission (n = 152). As for the purposes of usage, argument (n = 93) and impact assessment (n = 50) were most common. Most BoD metrics were localized in the main text (n = 122).; Conclusion: Despite growing recognition of BoD metrics in supporting policymaking, their use remains focused on environmental health topics. Further efforts in training policymakers, knowledge dissemination and policyoriented research could enhance the uptake of BoD studies in EU policies. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139627 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z