MyMedR

Fulltext Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) into the Malay Language

Zun AB, Ibrahim MI, Mokhtar AM, Halim AS, Wan Mansor WNA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 06 10;16(11).

PMID: 31185665 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16112054

BACKGROUND: Patient feedback is an important tool in assessing health system quality. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) was developed in 2006 as a standardized instrument to assess patient perceptions in the United States of America. This study aimed to translate and validate the HCAHPS questionnaire into the Malay language in order to assess patient perceptions of health services in Malaysia.

METHODS: The original HCAPHS in English was translated into Malay based on the established guideline. The content validation involved an expert panel of 10 members, including patients. The face validation pilot testing of the HCAHPS-Malay version was conducted among 10 discharged patients. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) used principal axis factor, and varimax rotation was established based on a cross-sectional study conducted among 200 discharged patients from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM).

RESULTS: The overall content validity index was 0.87, and the universal face validity index was 0.82. From the EFA, the factor loading value ranged from 0.652 to 0.961 within nine domains. The internal consistency reliability with Cronbach's alpha was 0.844.

CONCLUSION: The HCAHPS-Malay is a reliable and valid tool to determine patients' perception of healthcare services among inpatients in Hospital USM based on the content and face validation result together with a good construct validity and excellent absolute reliability. Further testing on HCAHPS-Malay version in other settings in Malaysia needs to be done for cross-validation.

Facial dimensions of Malay children with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate: a three dimensional analysis

Zreaqat M, Hassan R, Halim AS

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2012 Jun;41(6):783-8.

PMID: 22424709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2012.02.003

This comparative cross-sectional study assessed the facial surface dimensions of a group of Malay children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and compared them with a control group. 30 Malay children with UCLP aged 8-10 years and 30 unaffected age-matched children were voluntarily recruited from the Orthodontic Specialist Clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). For the cleft group, lip and palate were repaired and assessment was performed prior to alveolar bone grafting and orthodontic treatment. The investigation was carried out using 3D digital stereophotogrammetry. 23 variables and two ratios were compared three-dimensionally between both groups. Statistically significant dimensional differences (P<0.05) were found between the UCLP Malay group and the control group mainly in the nasolabial region. These include increased alar base and alar base root width, shorter upper lip length, and increased nose base/mouth width ratio in the UCLP group. There were significant differences between the facial surface morphology of UCLP Malay children and control subjects. Particular surgical procedures performed during primary surgeries may contribute to these differences and negatively affect the surgical outcome.

Dentoalveolar relationships of Malay children with unilateral cleft lip and palate

Zreaqat M, Hassan R, Halim AS

Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 2009 May;46(3):326-30.

PMID: 19642750 DOI: 10.1597/07-210.1

To determine the treatment outcome based on dentoalveolar relationships among Malay children born with nonsyndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Method optimization on the use of postocclusive hyperemia model to assess microvascular function

Yvonne-Tee GB, Rasool AH, Halim AS, Wong AR, Rahman AR

Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc., 2008;38(2):119-33.

PMID: 18198413

Recent development had allowed non-invasive assessment of microvascular function in vivo; however, the method has not been fully optimized and standardized. In this study, we aimed to characterize the "effective" occlusion duration needed to elicit sufficient postocclusive hyperemia (PORH) responses in forearm skin using laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF), in subjects with differing age, gender and menstrual phases.

Noninvasive assessment of cutaneous vascular function in vivo using capillaroscopy, plethysmography and laser-Doppler instruments: its strengths and weaknesses

Yvonne-Tee GB, Rasool AH, Halim AS, Rahman AR

Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc., 2006;34(4):457-73.

PMID: 16687786

Given that functional abnormalities of the microcirculation are one of the primary abnormalities in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, various noninvasive clinical tools have been developed recently to assess the microvascular function, particularly at the skin. The common techniques used to assess cutaneous microvascular function in vivo include capillaroscopy, venous occlusion plethysmography, and laser-Doppler instruments (laser-Doppler fluximetry and laser-Doppler imaging). These noninvasive techniques can be used as an early measure of functional abnormalities within the microvascular tree, predominantly in population at high risk for cardiovascular events. This review discusses some underlying application principle of these techniques, including its clinical significance, method reproducibility and limitations.

Reproducibility of different laser Doppler fluximetry parameters of postocclusive reactive hyperemia in human forearm skin

Yvonne-Tee GB, Rasool AH, Halim AS, Rahman AR

J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods, 2005 Sep-Oct;52(2):286-92.

PMID: 16125628

Postocclusive reactive hyperemia in forearm skin is a commonly used model for studying microvascular reactivity function, particularly in the assessment of vascular effect of topically applied pharmacological substances. In this study, we investigated the reproducibility of several different laser-Doppler-derived parameters in the measurement of postocclusive reactive hyperemia at forearm skin in healthy subjects.

Fulltext Outcomes of infected grade IIIB open tibial fractures

Yusof NM, Halim AS

Singapore Med J, 2012 Sep;53(9):591-4.

PMID: 23023900

Infection following grade IIIB open tibial fracture is common. The primary aim of managing this condition is to achieve control of infection before the bone reconstruction procedure is performed. The outcomes for such patients have not been evaluated in the literature. This study was conducted to examine the outcome of a multi-stage procedure for the treatment of infected grade IIIB open tibial fractures.

Laminated pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for single-stage reconstruction of a composite anterior neck and tracheal defect

Wu LY, Halim AS, Sain AH

J Otolaryngol, 2005 Feb;34(1):69-72.

PMID: 15966482

Fulltext Successful ankle replantation in two cases with different presentations

Wen APY, Jusoh MH, Saad AZM, Halim AS, Faisham NWIW, Azman WSW

Arch Plast Surg, 2020 Mar;47(2):182-186.

PMID: 31462030 DOI: 10.5999/aps.2018.00514

We report our experience of treating two patients with ankle amputation with different presentations. The first case was a clean-cut sharp amputation. The second case was an avulsion injury following a motor vehicle accident in a patient who arrived 8 hours after the injury. Replantation was successful in both cases. In avulsion injuries, a secondary operation for wound coverage is required at a later stage. With good strategy and a support team, encouraging limb survival outcomes are possible post-replantation.

Physical properties and biocompatibility of oligochitosan membrane film as wound dressing

Ujang Z, Abdul Rashid AH, Suboh SK, Halim AS, Lim CK

J Appl Biomater Funct Mater, 2014 Dec 30;12(3):155-62.

PMID: 24700269 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000190

BACKGROUND: The physical and biological characteristics of oligochitosan (O-C) film, including its barrier and mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility, were studied to assess its potential use as a wound dressing.

METHODS: Membrane films were prepared from water-soluble O-C solution blended with various concentrations of glycerol to modify the physical properties of the films. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations were performed using primary human skin fibroblast cultures and subcutaneous implantation in a rat model, respectively.

RESULTS: Addition of glycerol significantly influenced the barrier and mechanical properties of the films. Water absorption capacity was in the range of 80%-160%, whereas water vapor transmission rate varied from 1,180 to 1,618 g/m2 per day. Both properties increased with increasing glycerol concentration. Tensile strength decreased while elongation at break increased with the addition of glycerol. O-C films were found to be noncytotoxic to human fibroblast cultures and histological examination proved that films are biocompatible.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the membrane film from O-C has potential application as a wound-dressing material.

Dependence of human forearm skin postocclusive reactive hyperemia on occlusion time

Tee GB, Rasool AH, Halim AS, Rahman AR

J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods, 2004 Jul-Aug;50(1):73-8.

PMID: 15233971 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2004.02.002

Human postocclusive forearm skin reactive hyperemia is not only a potential means of identifying early signs of cardiovascular diseases, it can also be used in the assessment of local microvascular response to topically applied compounds on skin. The method is not fully characterized. In this study, we investigated the influence of occlusion time on postocclusive forearm skin reactive hyperemia using laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF).

Fulltext The antibacterial properties of Malaysian tualang honey against wound and enteric microorganisms in comparison to manuka honey

Tan HT, Rahman RA, Gan SH, Halim AS, Hassan SA, Sulaiman SA, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2009;9:34.

PMID: 19754926 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-9-34

Antibiotic resistance of bacteria is on the rise, thus the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents is urgently needed. Honey possesses therapeutic potential, including wound healing properties and antimicrobial activity. Although the antimicrobial activity of honey has been effectively established against an extensive spectrum of microorganisms, it differs depending on the type of honey. To date, no extensive studies of the antibacterial properties of tualang (Koompassia excelsa) honey on wound and enteric microorganisms have been conducted. The objectives of this study were to conduct such studies and to compare the antibacterial activity of tualang honey with that of manuka honey.

Breakage of an intramedullary rod after bone union in congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia: a report of two cases

Sulaiman AR, Simbak N, Wan Ismail WF, Wan Z, Halim AS

J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2011 Aug;19(2):250-3.

PMID: 21857057

We report 2 patients with congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia who underwent intramedullary Rush rod transfixation through the ankle joint following refracture and nonunion of vascularised fibular grafting 6 and 8 months earlier. After 9 and 5 years, both Rush rods were broken at the level of the ankle joints, while the reconstructed area was solidly united. The growth of the distal tibia increased the distance of the tips of the broken rod and hence the ankle joint motion. The broken tips may damage the articular cartilage and result in valgus deformity of the ankle and limb length discrepancy.

Residual nonunion following vascularised fibular graft treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: a report of two cases

Sulaiman AR, Nordin S, Faisham WI, Zulmi W, Halim AS

J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong), 2006 Apr;14(1):64-6.

PMID: 16598090

Resection and reconstruction using a vascularised fibular graft is a viable alternative treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, although distal junctional nonunion and residual deformity are known complications that are difficult to treat. We illustrate 2 cases in which bony union was achieved following a technique using fibular grafting and intramedullary nailing, without additional bone grafting. This technique was feasible because of hypertrophy of the fibular graft.

Fulltext Fillet flap: a successful procedure to preserve the optimum length of below-the knee-amputation stump in congenital constriction band of the leg

Sulaiman AR, Sallehudin AY, Shahidan Y, Iskandar MA, Halim AS

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl C:119-21.

PMID: 16381298

The use of 'spare part' tissue from an amputated segment to cover a stump with soft tissue deficiency is a viable option for augmenting the shape of the stump and preserving functional length of the stump without additional donor morbidity. The procedure requires no microsurgical skill if the tissues are used as pedicle fillet flaps transfer. This concept of fillet flap makes the amputation distal to an unfavourable definitive amputation site such as in congenital constriction band possible. We report herein a case of amputation distal to constriction ring to illustrate the application of fillet flap in reconstruction surgery.

Long-term effect on foot and ankle donor site following vascularized fibular graft resection in children

Sulaiman AR, Wan Z, Awang S, Che Ahmad A, Halim AS, Ahmad Mohd Zain R

J Pediatr Orthop B, 2015 Sep;24(5):450-5.

PMID: 26049965 DOI: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000197

This study was carried out to evaluate the long-term effect on the donor side of the foot and ankle following vascularized fibular graft resection in children. Eight patients underwent resection of the fibula for the purpose of a vascularized fibular graft by a surgical team who practiced leaving at least 6 cm residual distal fibula. The age of these children at the time of surgery was between 3 and 12 years. They were reviewed between 3 and 12 years after surgery. Two patients who underwent resection of the middle shaft of the fibula at 3 and 5 years of age developed abnormal growth of the distal tibia, leading to ankle valgus. They were treated with growth modulation of the distal tibial physis and supramalleolar osteotomy with tibiofibular synostosis. Another patient who underwent the entire proximal fibula resection at the age of 6 years had developed hindfoot valgus because of weakness of the tibialis posterior muscle. He required talonavicular fusion and flexor hallucis to tibialis posterior muscle transfer. Patients operated at the age of older than 8 years neither had ankle nor hindfoot deformity. We concluded that resection of the middle shaft of the fibula for the purpose of a vascularized fibula graft, leaving a 6 cm distal fibular stump in children younger than 6 years old, may give rise to abnormal growth of the distal tibial physis, leading to valgus ankle. The entire proximal fibular resection for the similar purpose in a 6-year-old child may give rise to weakness of tibialis posterior and hindfoot valgus.

Fulltext Reconstruction of severe patellar infera syndrome with free vascularised composite tensor fascia lata flap

Sulaiman AR, Halim AS, Azman WS, Eskandar H

Singapore Med J, 2008 Aug;49(8):e205-7.

PMID: 18756334

Post-traumatic severe patella infera and intra-articular adhesion may lead to a severe knee stiffness. We report a 29-year-old man, a muslim prayer leader, who had a previous knee injury. He presented with knee movement from ten degrees to 30 degrees, patellar infera with a length of patella to length of patellar tendon ratio of 2:5, and severe knee arthrofibrosis. He underwent incision of the patella ligament and open arthrofibrosis release, leaving a tendon gap and skin defect of 5 cm. Reconstruction was successfully done using a free vascularised composite tensor fascia lata flap. He regained full range of knee motion with normal strength quadriceps mechanism at five months after surgery, and remained in full function at 18 months follow-up.

Fulltext Evaluations of bacterial contaminated full thickness burn wound healing in Sprague Dawley rats Treated with Tualang honey

Sukur SM, Halim AS, Singh KK

Indian J Plast Surg, 2011 Jan;44(1):112-7.

PMID: 21713196 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.81459

AIM: The effect of Tualang honey on wound healing in bacterial contaminated full-thickness burn wounds was evaluated in 36 male Sprague Dawley rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 12/group). Three full-thickness burn wounds were created on each rat. Each group of rats was inoculated with a different organism in the burn wounds: Group A was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group B was inoculated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Group C was inoculated with Acinetobacter baumannii. One wound on each rat was dressed with either Tualang honey, Chitosan gel or Hydrofibre silver. Each wound size was measured on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 of the study.

RESULTS: The mean wound size of the Tualang honey-treated wounds was not statistically different than that of the Chitosan gel or Hydrofibre silver-treated wounds when the wounds were compared throughout the entire experiment (P > 0.05). However, comparing the mean wound size on day 21 alone revealed that the Tualang honey-treated wounds were smaller in comparison to that of the Chitosan gel and Hydrofibre silver-treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that topical application of Tualang honey on burn wounds contaminated with P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii gave the fastest rate of healing compared with other treatments.

Fulltext An extensive sinonasal osteosarcoma mimicking chondrosarcoma

Shahid H, Baharudin A, Halim AS, Biswal BM, Jihan WS

Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):171-2.

PMID: 18705458 MyJurnal

Osteosarcoma is a rare tumour in the sinonasal region. Early diagnosis is essential for adequate management and better prognosis and this requires a meticulous histopathological examination. Reported is a case of osteosarcoma misdiagnosed as chondrosarcoma and treated by surgery followed by radiotherapy. However, appropriate diagnosis and pre-operative chemotherapy would have been significant in the prognosis. The pitfall of accurate diagnosis and the subsequent treatment is discussed in order to find the ways to maximize five years survival which is not more than 25% in this type of lesions.

The Practice of First Aid for Burn Injuries Among the Population of East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia for 2012-2016

Seow SN, Halim AS, Wan Sulaiman WA, Mat Saad AZ, Mat Johar SFN

J Burn Care Res, 2020 Jul 03;41(4):905-907.

PMID: 32166315 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa025

Burns are a devastating public health problem that result in 10 million disability-adjusted life-years lost in low- and middle-income countries. Adequate first aid for burn injuries reduces morbidity and mortality. The rate of proper first aid practices in other countries is 12% to 22%.1,2 A 5-year retrospective audit was performed on the database of the Burn Unit in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for 2012-2016; this involved 485 patients from the east coast of Malaysia. The mean age of the patients is 17.3 years old. The audit on first aid practices for burn injury showed poor practice. Out of 485 burned patients, 261 patients (53.8%) claimed that they practiced first aid. However, only 24 out of 485 patients (5%) practiced the correct first aid technique where they run their burn wound under cool water for more than 20 minutes. Two hundred and twenty-two patients had not received any first aid. Two patients did not respond to the question on the first aid usage after burn injury. The mean age of patients who practiced first aid was 15.6 years old. Out of the 261 patients who practiced first aid, 167 (64%) run their wound under tap water for different durations. Others practiced traditional remedies such as the application of "Minyak Gamat" (6.5%), soy sauce (5.5%), other ointments (3.6%), milk (1.8%), and eggs (0.7%), as well as honey, butter, and cooking oil (0.4% each). First aid practices for burn injuries in the population of east coast Malaysia are still inadequate. The knowledge and awareness of school children and the general Malaysian population must be enhanced.

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 124 in total