Evaluating burnout in an institutional setting

In a research project, 183 medical and paramedical staff, each with at least 5 years of service in a large psychiatric hospital in Malta, were interviewed to find out any burnout effects. It was found that the longer the years of service, the more staff felt they were taking their work problems home. Nevertheless irrespective of length of employment, 78% considered their objectives at work fulfilled. Only 22% gave importance to improved salaries, while 77% opted for more staff meetings and in-service training.peer-reviewe

Treating a case of Savant syndrome

Memory and artistic prodigies among the population at large are uncommon; among the mentally retarded, they are rarer still. This article describes the treatment of such a case, technically known as the Savant Syndrome, seen by occupational therapists at Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital and treated over a period of 18 years.peer-reviewe

A case of extraordinary longevity

With more and more people living to an older age, the elderly and their problems are being widely promoted, both locally and in the international sphere. While public awareness is being created to help identify and eliminate difficulties which mar old age, and governments are directing more of their energies towards the same targets, it is refreshing and encouraging to recall a case where a Maltese lived to the ripe old age of more than one hundred and eleven years, devoid of the major physical and/or mental complications which frequently accompany longevity. Giovanni Schembri was born in Qormi, Malta, on the 7th March 1757: he died on July 2nd 1868 – one hundred and eleven years, three months, and twenty five days. His case was brought to the attention of Sir Ferdinand Inglott, then Comptroller of Charitable Institutions, who recorded the details for posterity.peer-reviewe

BCG treatment of bladder cancer

The treatment of carcinoma in situ (CIS) occurring in isolation is even more problematic than that of multiple bladder tumours. Attempts have been made to control this condition by using instillations of commercially-available suspensions of BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) into the bladders of patients. This article explains the results obtained on studies carried out using BCG treatment among patients with cancer of the bladder.peer-reviewe

Occupational therapy in Malta today : an enabling profession

Occupational Therapy can be described as the use of purposeful activity or intervention designed to achieve functional outcomes which promote health, prevent injury or disability and which develop, improve, sustain or restore the highest possible level of independence of any individual who has an illness, injury, cognitive impairment, psychosocial dysfunction, mental illness, developmental learning disability, or other disorder. Occupational Therapy departments are to be found in the main hospitals in Malta and Gozo, as well as in the community. This article looks at the origins and developments of Occupational Therapy and the present rehabilitation service delivery.peer-reviewe

Experimental archaeology

It is often said that it is easier to learn by doing. This paper explains what experimental archaeology is and shows through examples that it is a viable discipline to be used to increase public appreciation for archaeology and allow a better understanding of what happened in the past. The advantages of applying experimental archaeology in Malta are discussed.peer-reviewe

Ethical issues connected with the privacy of persons found to have genetic defects

Information on genetic defects constitutes knowledge of a very intimate nature and can change a person’s life radically. Knowledge of one’s own genetic defects can be a source of great anxiety even if this information is kept secret. When the confidentiality of this information is broken the person is often placed in a very vulnerable position and his/her basic rights are threatened. Very serious harm can be done to the person involved. On the other hand, genetic information pertaining to one person can have serious implications for others’ welfare including spouses, children, and extended family members. How ought a genetic researcher/doctor deal with the information of genetic defects of his/her patients?peer-reviewe

Xanthogranulomatous endometritis

Xanthogranulomatous inflammatory changes of the endometrium are rare and appear to be related to obstructive changes in the endocervical canal. An elderly patient with an advanced squamous carcinoma of the cervix uteri presented with this condition. Other similar cases are discussed in relation to aetiology and pathogenesis.peer-reviewe

Brain damage following whooping cough vaccination : is it time to lay the myth to rest?

Whooping cough causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in early infancy. Although an effective vaccine exists, vaccine uptake in Malta was previously disappointing due to the general public’s and the medical community’s doubts regarding vaccine efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to review population-based studies which have analysed the potential short and long term neurological sequelae following pertussis and pertussis vaccination, to describe vaccine uptake globally and in Malta over the past 15 years, and to analyse the effect of vaccine uptake on pertussis epidemics in Malta. This study found that pertussis vaccine uptake has only become satisfactory in recent years, with a resulting attenuation in the most recent pertussis outbreak. Uptake has increased progressively all over the world, and no study has ever incriminated pertussis vaccination as a cause of permanent neurological disability, both locally and abroad. This should encourage the present continuing trend of pertussis uptake.peer-reviewe

Adverse events following intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy in Mater Dei Hospital, Malta

Introduction: Intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), following transurethral resection of bladder tumour, has been shown to reduce recurrence and progression in appropriately selected patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to report the local incidence and range of adverse events experienced by patients managed with intravesical BCG. Methods: All patients who received at least one dose of intravesical BCG treatment at Mater Dei Hospital in 2014 were included in the study. A database including demographic, histological and chronological data, together with complication type, degree and treatment required was created. Patient medical files were reviewed and the patients were invited to take part in this audit via a telephone survey. Results: 55 patients satisfied inclusion criteria and were included in the study. 54 patients were documented to have had induction BCG, with maintenance BCG in 32 patients. 22 of these experienced at least 1 adverse event with BCG, whilst 33 had no complications. 1 patient had 3 adverse events, 7 patients had 2 adverse events and 14 patients had 1 complication. Most adverse events were considered to be mild or moderate in severity. Storage bladder symptoms accounted for most of these adverse events. No death as a consequence of intravesical BCG therapy was recorded. Conclusion: Intravesical BCG therapy remains one of the mainstay therapies in the management of bladder cancer. The majority of adverse effects recorded were self-limiting or easily treatable with oral analgesics or antibiotics.peer-reviewe