Holistic Needs of People with Thoracic Cancer Identified by the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care Questionnaire©

Background: A holistic needs assessment is recommended in people with cancer at key stages, including soon after diagnosis. For people with thoracic cancer, there is a lack of data obtained routinely at this time point. Objective: To identify the most common and/or distressing supportive and palliative needs present soon after diagnosis using a specifically developed questionnaire. Methods: As part of a local rehabilitation service, patients within 3–6 weeks of a diagnosis of thoracic cancer were invited to complete the SPARC© questionnaire. Results: Over a 26 month period, 738 patients completed the questionnaire, representing about 70% of all patients diagnosed with thoracic cancer during this time. Respondents had a median [IQR] of 15 [11‒21] symptoms or issues, with 2 [0‒5], 4 [2‒7] and 7 [5‒11] causing ‘very much’, ‘quite a bit’ and ‘a little’ distress or bother respectively. The top five most frequent needs causing any degree of distress or bother were physical, present in 68–80% of patients: feeling tired, shortness of breath, cough, feeling sleepy in the day, changes in weight. Two psychological issues followed: worrying about effects of the illness on others, feeling anxious, both present in 67%. Despite most patients reporting talking to health professionals about their condition, 20–30% wanted further information. Conclusions: These findings represent the largest cohort of patients with thoracic cancer completing the SPARC© questionnaire soon after diagnosis, and provide detailed information on the high level of need that thoracic oncology services must be able to respond to

Framework of Malaysian Private Retirement Scheme under Capital Markets and Services Act 2007

The Government of Malaysia established the 1 Malaysia Pension Scheme (SP1M) in 2010 and recognizes the importance of savings from an early age to ensure sufficient savings after retirement. After five years been introduced to the public, it is significance to evaluate the perception of PRS providers in relation to the existing legal framework of the scheme.The objective of the paper is to examine the perception of PRS providers on the legal framework of the private retirement scheme.This is a qualitative research and interviews were conducted amongst providers of PRS.In analysing the data, thematic data analysis was employed to deduce findings from the respondents’ views.The finding shows that majority of respondents agreed the legal framework of PRS is adequate to protect investors and providers. However, there are a few suggestions to improve the legal frameawork and governance of PRS i.e. internal guidelines, provider’s fee and etc

Private retirement scheme in Malaysia: legal analysis

The Government recognizes the significance of savings to guarantee sufficient savings after retirement.In this regard, the Malaysian Government established the private retirement scheme (PRS) in 2012 as a complementary scheme to the existing pension schemes.PRS seeks to provide alternatives for employed or self-employed Malaysian citizens, to enhance a well-structured and regulated scheme.By using a legal research approach, this study seeks to analyze the existing legislations governing PRS in Malaysia.The study found that the PRS is mainly regulated by Capital Markets and Services Act (CMSA) 2007 and other legislations.There are several legal challenges that can be observed in PRS system.Among them are PRS Guidelines 2012 only provide a minimum standard in relation to the governance policy of PRS providers and CMSA is silent in the matters regarding PRS scheme based on Shariah principles to be offered by the providers

Private Retirement Scheme in Malaysia: Legal Analysis

The Government recognizes the significance of savings to guarantee sufficient savings after retirement. In this regard, the Malaysian Government established the Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) in 2012 as a complementary scheme to the existing pension schemes. PRS seeks to provide alternatives for employed or self-employed Malaysian citizens, to enhance a well-structured and regulated scheme. By using a legal research approach, this study seeks to analyse the existing legislations governing PRS in Malaysia. The study found that the PRS is mainly regulated by Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and other legislations. There are several legal challenges that can be observed in PRS system. Among them are PRS Guidelines 2012 only provide a minimum standard in relation to the governance policy of PRS providers and CMSA is silent in the matters regarding PRS scheme based on Shariah principles to be offered by the providers. Keywords: Private Retirement Scheme, Legal Framework, Investment Law, Islamic Private Retirement Scheme JEL Classifications: G21, G23, K

Employers’ perception of the law syllabus content of practicum course in Universiti Utara Malaysia

Practicum courses are guided work experiences that consist of a project undertaken for or in collaboration with an organization.This study is an exploratory research carried out to evaluate objectively the present structure of the practicum course for LL.B students at University Utara Malaysia.The study examined the employer’s perception of the syllabus contents of practicum I and II.The specific aspects of the syllabus contents examined were the employer’s perception towards the objectives of the course, learning outcome and the duration of the course. The items also include the content as to the administrative, report writing, judgment, supervisory aspect and the method of assessment.The study was carried out amongst the experience legal practitioners who were the assessors of the students undergoing practical training at their placements.Data was collected using a survey questionnaire.A total of 51 questionnaires were sent out.The total responses received were 43 (83.31%). The findings indicate that the majority of respondents generally (more than 80%) agree that the syllabus contents were good and suitable for practicum I and II courses.Nevertheless, they are of the opinion that there is a need to extend the existing duration of the practicum training for the students

Challenges of private retirement scheme (PRS) in Malaysia

This paper intend to compare and analyse the private retirement scheme (PRS) and other retirement schemes that exists in Malaysia.PRS is a complementary scheme to the existing Malaysian pension schemes that are Government Pension Scheme (GPS) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF).There are many differences between the three retirement schemes such as the dividend in EPF is guaranteed, the government servant will received their pension after retirement but PRS depend solely on the investment made by contributor; EPF and GPS give death and incapacitation benefits to their members but not PRS; income tax relief are given to PRS contributor and EPF members.These differences lead to challenges in providing PRS to contributors especially during the economic downturn faced by our country today

Pandangan majikan terhadap kursus praktikum bagi program Sarjana Muda Undang-undang (Kepujian) Universiti Utara Malaysia

All Universities in this world aim to produce good quality, knowledgeable and skilful graduates with some working experience in their related field. Therefore, most courses are designed to collaborate with the industry sector.A practicum course offers in the law programme is important to produce good quality education.At University Utara Malaysia, all programmes are designed to include the industry exercise or practicum as compulsory course.The main objective is to expose students to the working experience and environment as well as to enable them to practice the knowledge they have acquired during their studies in the University.The objectives of this research are (1) to identify the suitability of student placement for LL.B practicum student (2) to revise content of the practicum syllabus (3) to examine employers perception towards basic skills of LL.B students undergoing practicum (4) to examine employers perception on the standard of skill and professional practice of LL.B students doing practicum (5) to design and propose a better structure in order to fulfil the market needs.This research is carried out amongst the experience legal practitioners who were the performance assessors (in their capacity as employers) of the practicum students undergoing practical training at their court, legal firm and other placement. The sample of the research consists of 17 high courts of every state in Malaysia, 21 legal firms, 12 legal departments and a corporate company.The total number of the respondents is 51. Questionnaires were given to the relevant assessors (employers) of the students.Nevertheless, only 43 questionnaires (81.31%) were returned to the researchers; namely 12 questionnaires were from the courts which consist of High court judges, Session court judges, Magistrates and senior assistant registrars, 19 from legal firms who were the advocates and solicitors of the firms, 9 from Legal Aid Departments who were legal officers, 1 from State Legal Advisory Office and 2 from Attorney General Office. Based on the respond received from the respondents, the finding indicates that the majority of the respondents are of the opinion that the course objectives and course learning outcome are good and suitable for the course syllabus of the Practicum I and Practicum II programme. They agree that the placements provided in this course are suitable for the students. The finding also indicates that UUM, LL.B students possess good basic skills, good skill and professional practice. In addition, they also agree that the students acquire the ability to debate and possess good legal writing as well as the ability to analyse critically and logically.Further, the respondents also agree that the students possess leadership skills and discipline

Lung cancer diagnosed following an emergency admission: mixed methods study of the management, outcomes and needs and experiences of patients and carers

Background In the UK, although 40% of patients with lung cancer are diagnosed following an emergency admission (EA), data is limited on their needs and experiences as they progress through diagnostic and treatment pathways. Methods Prospective data collection using medical records, questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Multivariate logistic regression explored associations between diagnosis following EA and aspects of interest. Questionnaire responses with 95% confidence intervals were compared with local and national datasets. A grounded theory approach identified patient and carer themes. Results Of 401 patients, 154 (38%) were diagnosed following EA; 37 patients and six carers completed questionnaires and 13 patients and 10 carers were interviewed. Compared to those diagnosed electively, EA patients adjusted results found no difference in treatment recommendation, treatment intent or place of death. Time to diagnosis, review, or treatment was 7–14 days quicker but fewer EA patients had a lung cancer nurse present at diagnosis (37% vs. 62%). Palliative care needs were high (median [IQR] 21 [13–25] distressing or bothersome symptoms/issues) and various information and support needs unmet. Interviews highlighted in particular, perceived delays in obtaining investigations/specialist referral and factors influencing success or failure of the cough campaign. Conclusions Presentation as an EA does not appear to confer any inherent disadvantage regarding progress through lung cancer diagnostic and treatment pathways. However, given the frequent combination of advanced disease, poor performance status and prognosis, together with the high level of need and reported short-fall in care, we suggest that a specialist palliative care assessment is routinely offered

Dilema perumahan penduduk tempatan Bukit Fraser dalam arus pembangunan ekopelancongan (Ecotourism development and the housing dilemma of the local community: the case of Fraser’s Hill)

Konsep perumahan bukan hanya setakat menyediakan tempat berteduh, tetapi mencakupi komponen prasarana/infrastruktur, kemudahan awam dan perkhidmatan sosial, alam persekitaran dan komuniti. Setiap komponen yang tersenarai memerlukan perancangan penyediaan dan pengagihan supaya kawasan perumahan memenuhi kehendak penduduknya kerana ia melibatkan perubahan dalam masyarakat dan sistem sosial daripada keadaan yang dianggap tidak memuaskan kepada keadaan yang lebih baik akibat beberapa kriteria yang seragam dalam lingkungan yang dibentuk. Tujuan kajian ini ialah memantau kesejahteraan penduduk tempatan dalam aspek perumahan di Bukit Fraser yang merupakan destinasi eko pelancongan tersohor di negeri Pahang. Kajian mendapati saiz rumah, reka bentuk rumah, susunatur perumahan, rekabentuk jalanraya, bilangan lampu jalan, kemudahan tempat beribadah, kemudahan tempat pembuangan sampah sarap berpusat dan berhampiran kawasan tempat tinggal, dan kemudahan bagi penduduk lama sebagai faktor-faktor perumahan yang mempengaruhi kualiti kesejahteraan hidup penghuni di Bukit Fraser

Lung cancer diagnosed following an emergency admission: exploring patient and carer perspectives on delay in seeking help

Purpose Compared to others, patients diagnosed with lung cancer following an emergency, unplanned admission to hospital (DFEA) have more advanced disease and poorer prognosis. Little is known about DFEA patients’ beliefs about cancer and its symptoms or about their help-seeking behaviours prior to admission. Methods As part of a larger single-centre, prospective mixed-methods study conducted in one University hospital, we undertook qualitative interviews with patients DFEA and their carers to obtain their understanding of symptoms and experiences of trying to access healthcare services before admission to hospital. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Framework analysis was employed. Results Thirteen patients and 10 carers plus 3 bereaved carers took part in interviews. Three patient/carer dyads were interviewed together. Participants spoke about their symptoms and why they did not seek help sooner. They described complex and nuanced experiences. Some (n = 12) had what they recalled as the wrong symptoms for lung cancer and attributed them either to a pre-existing condition or to ageing. In other cases (n = 9), patients or carers realised with hindsight that their symptoms were signs of lung cancer, but at the time had made other attributions to account for them. In some cases (n = 3), a sudden onset of symptoms was reported. Some GPs (n = 6) were also reported to have made incorrect attributions about cause. Conclusion Late diagnosis meant that patients DFEA needed palliative support sooner after diagnosis than patients not DFEA. Professionals and lay people interpret health and illness experiences differently