The Telehealth Chain: a protocol for secure and transparent telemedicine transactions on the blockchain

Blockchain technology provides a secure and decentralized platform for storing and transferring sensitive medical data, which can be utilized to enable remote medical consultations. This paper proposes a theoretical framework for creating a blockchain-based digital entity to facilitate telemedicine services. The proposed framework utilizes blockchain technology to provide a secure and reliable platform for medical practitioners to remotely interact with patient transactions. The blockchain will serve as a one-stop digital service to secure patient data, ensure privacy, and facilitate payments. The proposed framework leverages the existing Hyperledger Fabric platform to build a secure blockchain-assisted telemedicine platform

An assessment of pharmacy students’ empathy levels in Malaysia

This study examined the validity and reliability of the student version of Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession (JSE-HPS) in a sample of pharmacy students and to subsequently use JSE-HPS to assess empathy levels in first to fourth (final) year pharmacy students in public and private universities in Malaysia. The JSE-HPS was administered to 719 first to fourth (final) year pharmacy students; 313 were enrolled at a public university and 406 at a private university in Malaysia. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS® version 18. The JSE-HPS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s � = 0.70). A three-factor solution emerged and included ‘perspective taking’, ‘compassionate care’ and ‘standing in patient’s shoes’ factors, accounting for 16.4%, 16%, and 7.6% of the variance, respectively. The total mean empathy score was 83.02±8.23, the actual score ranged between 46.05 and 113.25. Overall, males and students of Malay origin were more empathic than females and students of other ethnic origins. Junior students (year one and two) were more empathic than senior students (year three and four), and public university students had significantly higher mean empathy score compared to those enrolled at a private university (83.89 versus 82.34, p=0.012). This study confirms the construct validity and internal consistency of the JSE-HPS for measuring empathy in pharmacy students. Empathy scores among students vary depending on type of university and year of study

Reasons of using complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among elderly Malaysians of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor states: an exploratory study

Background: This study is aimed to explore the types of CAM and reasons of using CAM among elderly Malaysians. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 256 conveniently selected elderly Malaysians who were residing in the states of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. A pre-validated interviewadministered questionnaire was used to gather information. Data was entered into PASW version 18 and analyzed. Results: A total of 256 questionnaires were included in the study. A response rate of 64% was achieved. Out of 256 respondents, 92 (35.9%) were male while 164 (64.1%) were female. More than half of the respondents (n ¼ 141; 55.1%) agreed that CAM is more effective than allopathic medicine. Chinese respondents showed strong belief in the effectiveness of CAM. In terms of safety of CAM, close to three quarters of respondents (n ¼ 178; 69.5%) believed that CAM is safer than allopathic medicine. A large majority of respondents agreed that CAM has less side effects compared to allopathic medicine (n ¼ 201; 78.5%) and also agreed that CAM is good to maintain overall health and wellbeing (n ¼ 212; 82.8%). A majority of the respondents expressed that they use CAM because allopathic medicine is less effective (n ¼ 113; 44.1%). Conclusion: The current study reflects the reasons of using CAM among lay public from different ethnicities. There are no reports of adverse effects related to CAM use. Future approaches should be intended for awareness campaigns for consumers, highlighting safety profile of CAM and as well as forbidding their use without the consultation of healthcare professional

Measuring empathic behaviour among undergraduate dietetics students

Aims Empathic behaviour has a direct link to the positive clinical outcomes. Health professionals, which include dietitians, are increasingly expected to demonstrate the impact of their care on patient outcomes. To date, there is limited research exploring the empathic behaviour of dietetics students. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated the psychometric properties of Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Healthcare Provider Student (JSE-HPS) and empathic behaviour of dietetics students. Results Undergraduate dietetics students from one private and two public universities in Malaysia participated (n = 455). Item and scale psychometric properties were examined using principal component analysis and differences in mean empathy scores for students were assessed across years of study and types of universities. A 3-factor solution emerged in the results, accounting for 26.76%, 10.75% and 6.3% of the variance. The JSE-HPS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.83). Despite students enroled at public universities scoring higher mean empathy scores than students enroled at the private university, the difference was not significant. The only significant difference was between the empathy level of first and third year students (p = 0.033). Conclusion As empathy underpins patient-centred management in the nutrition care process, it should be well integrated into curriculum delivery so that appropriate levels of empathy can be developed to prepare work-ready healthcare professionals

Use and perceived benefits of mouthwash among Malaysian adults: An exploratory insight

Objectives: The purpose of the current research is to comprehend the use as well as the perception of mouthwash benefits among Malaysian adults in Selangor state, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed following convenience sampling to 400 respondents in public places around Selangor over a period of 3 months. The questions were divided into 4 main categories which were demographics, behavior, knowledge, and perceived benefits. The data collected were entered into PASW version 20 and analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Chi-square was used to compute the association between the variables. Results: The majority of the respondents (n = 178, 44.5%) were between the ages of 18-25 years. Female respondents outnumbered males with 243 (60.8%) and 157 (39.3%), respectively. There was a high level of awareness among the respondents regarding the use of mouthwash where more than 57% answered the knowledge questions correctly. When asked for the reason for using a particular brand, respondents stated that their selection depends on it being "a family brand", affordability and taste. Respondents had a good perception on the use of mouthwash and its benefits. Conclusion: The public needs to be educated on the role of mouthwash. Knowledge gaps on mouthwash need to be bridged to ascertain the beneficial nature of mouthwash. A mixed method research is recommended to gather more information on oral hygiene practices among Malaysian general population, particularly focusing on the use of mouthwash

An evaluation of self perceived professionalism among health professions’ students

The modern healthcare practice has made it imperative to involve patients at all levels of decision making; this shift has made professionalism as one of the core values to be inculcated in future healthcare professionals. Within the context, this study aimed to investigate ‘self-perceived professionalism’ among future health professionals. The study population comprised of students from four healthcare professional programmes, i.e. Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing; at one of the pioneer private medical institutions in the country. The authors carried out a cross sectional study using a self-administered validated Professionalism Assessment tool, to assess thirteen attributes of professionalism on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not important at all) to 5 (absolutely essential). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, using the SPSS version 22 with a p-value ≤ 0.05 as the level of significance. A total of 856 students from a sample size of 1,050accepted (81.5%) and successfully completed the questionnaire. Among these, 278 (32.4%) medical, 171 (20.0%) dental, 183 (21.4%) nursing, and 224 (26.2%) were pharmacy students. Based on the total professionalism scores, nursing students were ranked highest, showing highest level of perceived professionalism (mean: 221.9, SD: 21.9). Among various professionalism attributes, confidentiality, competence, communication, and shared decision making were ranked most important attributes to be taught in the students’ curriculum. Based on the findings, there were differences and gaps highlighted between various health professions’ students with regards to some essential attributes. This suggests that there is a need to address issues related to developing professionalism during students’ training, and exposure to real life experiential learning could facilitate this process

Use of oral cleaning devices and their perceived benefits among Malaysians in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru: An exploratory structured approach

Background and Objectives: Various devices have been used to maintain oral hygiene. These include toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, miswak, and toothpick. This study attempts to investigate the use of various oral cleaning devices and their perceived benefits among Malaysians. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in two different cities of Malaysia. A convenience sampling approach was adopted. A total of 787 participants agreed to participate in the current research. A validated questionnaire translated into national language was used for data collection. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Results: About 302 respondents were in the age range of 18 – 25 years old (38.4%). There were marginally more females (55.7%) than males (44.3%). Although 99.9% of the participants used a toothbrush, a significant majority (n = 590, 75%) used more than a single device to maintain their oral hygiene. Only 311 respondents knew that toothpicks were inappropriate to use to remove food between teeth and gums, while a majority (n = 592, 75.2%) did not realize that some mouthwashes can stain the teeth. Less than half (42.1%) knew that improper use of miswak might harm the teeth. Conclusions: Although their oral hygiene behaviors are relatively at a higher level, their perceived oral health benefits did not compare well

Use and perceived benefits of mouthwash among Malaysian adults: an exploratory insight

This study aimed to explore the use and perceived benefits of mouthwash among Malaysian adults. Method: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in public places around the states of Selangor and Penang, Malaysia. It is a questionnaire-based study which was conducted as face-to-face interview. A convenience sample of 792 mouthwash users was recruited in 2013 in an ethically approved study (International Medical University). The study instrument was formulated on the basis of literature search and subjected to 20 experts for validation purpose. A pilot study was conducted to compute Cronbach Alpha (0.78). Data was entered into PASW version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: A response rate of 99% was achieved. More than two third of the respondents are female, suggesting women are more likely to use mouthwash (n ¼486; 61.8 %). The major reason to use mouthwash were to mask halitosis (n¼287; 36.5%) and to prevent oral diseases (n¼243; 30.9%). Majority knew that fluoride helps in reducing plaque (n¼599; 76.1%) and tooth decay (n¼631; 80.2%). Respondents were not clear that only tooth brushing alone is insufficient to prevent gum disease (n¼553; 70.3%). More than two thirds perceived that mouthwash is useful in reducing plaque (n¼567; 72.0%) as well as periodontal disease (n¼580; 73.7%). Respondents perceived that mouthwash is more effective in eliminating halitosis (n¼714; 90.7%) and preventing caries (n¼630; 80.1%). The frequency of mouthwash use was statistically significant with age, gender, race and monthly income (p¼0.018. 0.091, 0.010, 0.030) . Conclusion: This study indicates that Malaysian adults have good knowledge on the use and perceived benefits of mouthwash. A nationwide study is advocated to gather more information from general population, targeting the use of mouthwash in a large scale to minimize oral health problems