Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 93 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Implementing standard setting into the Conjoint MAFP/FRACGP Part 1 examination - Process and issues
    Chan SC, Mohd Amin S, Lee TW
    Malays Fam Physician, 2016;11(2-3):2-8.
    PMID: 28461851
    BACKGROUND: The College of General Practitioners of Malaysia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners held the first Conjoint Member of the College of General Practitioners (MCGP)/Fellow of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) examination in 1982, later renamed the Conjoint MAFP/FRACGP examinations. The examination assesses competency for safe independent general practice and as family medicine specialists in Malaysia. Therefore, a defensible standard set pass mark is imperative to separate the competent from the incompetent.

    OBJECTIVE: This paper discusses the process and issues encountered in implementing standard setting to the Conjoint Part 1 examination.

    DISCUSSION: Critical to success in standard setting were judges' understanding of the process of the modified Angoff method, defining the borderline candidate's characteristics and the composition of judges. These were overcome by repeated hands-on training, provision of detailed guidelines and careful selection of judges. In December 2013, 16 judges successfully standard set the Part 1 Conjoint examinations, with high inter-rater reliability: Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.926 (Applied Knowledge Test), 0.921 (Key Feature Problems).
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  2. Fulltext Is it as dangerous as it looks?
    Che Ibrahim NH, Md Shukri N
    Malays Fam Physician, 2017;12(1):35-36.
    PMID: 28503274 MyJurnal
    A common bony protrusion that occurs over the hard palate is sometimes mistaken for a malignancy especially when it is large. This bony growth is a torus palatinus (TP), which is a benign bony prominence over the hard palate. It occurs most commonly in bilateral multiple form, and is often located at the canine to premolar area. A basic knowledge of the assessment and management of TP is important, particularly for the first-line family physician to ensure that the correct information is given to the patient.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  3. Fulltext Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding atrial fibrillation among primary care physicians: the potential role of postgraduate training
    Ooi PC, Ramayah G, Omar SR, Rajadorai V, Nadarajah T, Ting CH, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):39-49.
    PMID: 33948141 DOI: 10.51866/oa0002
    Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to lead to stroke and thromboembolism, causing a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke and almost doubling the mortality rate. Optimal anticoagulant therapy is effective in reducing AF-related death. However, prescription of anticoagulants in AF in East Asian countries has been low, ranging from 0.5% to 28%. This study aimed to determine whether vocational training in family medicine improves primary care physicians' knowledge, attitude, and practice in the management of AF.

    Method: This investigation was a cross-sectional study carried out during centralized workshops for two groups of trainees using a validated questionnaire: (i) junior trainees were newly enrolled postgraduate trainees in the Graduate Certificate in Family Medicine (GCFM) program, and (ii) senior trainees were postgraduate trainees in Advance Training in Family Medicine (ATFM) programs of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM).

    Results: A total of 223 trainees (127 junior and 96 senior) participated in this study. Only 55.2% of the trainees passed the knowledge test; senior trainees were more likely to pass the knowledge test compared to junior trainees (69.8% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.001). Female trainees were significantly more likely to pass the knowledge test than male trainees. While the attitude of senior and junior trainees was similar, more of the latter group worked in public clinic that provide better support where there is better support for outpatient anticoagulation treatment (e.g., same-day INR test, direct access echocardiogram, and warfarin in in-house pharmacy).

    Conclusion: Vocational training in family medicine appears to improve primary care physicians' knowledge regarding the management of AF. Better knowledge will help vocationally trained primary care physicians to provide anticoagulation treatment for AF within primary care clinics. More optimal AF management within primary care can take place if the identified barriers are addressed and a shared care plan can be implemented.

    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  4. Leprosy for general practitioners
    Rajagopalan K, Lim QJ
    Family Practitioner, 1982;5:47-63.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  5. Fulltext Malaysian family physicians: are they satisfied with their job?
    Sharifah Nurul Aida Syed Ghazaili, Norwati Daud
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(2):24-29.
    MyJurnal
    Job satisfaction is defined as pleasurable or positive emotional state which results from the appraisal of one’s job or job experience. It is often determined by how well outcome meet or exceed expectations. There are many factors which are related to job satisfaction among family physicians. Data on satisfaction among family physicians varies from country to country. This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction among family physicians in Malaysia and its associated factors. A cross sectional study was performed among 117 family physicians in Malaysia between July 2012 and December 2012. A questionnaire consists of socio-demographic characteristic, professional and health clinic characteristics and Warr-Cook-Wall job satisfaction scale was used. The results showed that 85% of Malaysian family physicians are satisfied with their job. They are mostly satisfied with hours of work, colleagues and fellow workers, and freedom to choose own method of working. They are least satisfied with physical working condition, rate of pay and recognition. Female gender and less number of health clinics in-charged were associated with increased in overall job satisfaction. Most of the family physicians in Malaysia are satisfied with their job. However there are certain areas that should be looked into which are physical working condition, rate of pay and recognition. Malaysian family physicians should receive equal career opportunity, promotion and salary scale like other specialties
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family*
  6. Management of Dyslipidemia in Individuals with Low-to-Moderate Cardiovascular Risk: Role of Nutraceuticals
    Dolzhenko MM, Barnett OY, Grassos C, Dragomiretska NV, Goloborodko BI, Ilashchuk TO, et al.
    Adv Ther, 2020 11;37(11):4549-4567.
    PMID: 32979190 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01490-z
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature deaths globally and in Ukraine. Dyslipidemia is a recognized risk factor for the development of CVD. Therefore, early detection and appropriate management of dyslipidemia are essential for the primary prevention of CVDs. However, currently, there is a lack of Ukraine-specific guideline recommendations focusing on the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk, thus creating an urgent need for structured and easily implementable clinical recommendations/guidelines specific to the country. An expert panel of cardiologists, endocrinologists, and family physicians convened in Ukraine in March 2019. The expert panel critically reviewed and analyzed the current literature and put forth the following recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate risk of CVDs specific to Ukraine: (1) family physicians have the greatest opportunities in carrying out primary prevention; (2) lipid-lowering interventions are essential for primary prevention as per guidelines; (3) a number of nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations with clinically established lipid-lowering properties can be considered for primary prevention; they also have a suggested role as an alternative therapy for statin-intolerant patients; (4) on the basis of clinical evidence, nutraceuticals are suggested by guidelines for primary prevention; (5) red yeast rice has potent CV-risk-lowering potential, in addition to lipid-lowering properties; (6) in patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, a nutraceutical combination of low-dose red yeast rice and synergic lipid-lowering compounds can be used as integral part of guideline-recommended lifestyle interventions for effective primary prevention strategy; (7) nutraceutical combination can be used in patients aged 18 to 75+ years; its use is particularly appropriate in the age group of 18-44 years; (8) it is necessary to attract the media (websites, etc.) to increase patient awareness on the importance of primary prevention; and (9) it is necessary to legally separate nutraceuticals from dietary supplements. These consensus recommendations will help physicians in Ukraine effectively manage dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  7. Fulltext Management of erectile dysfunction: barriers faced by general practitioners
    Low WY, Ng CJ, Tan NC, Choo WY, Tan HM
    Asian J Androl, 2004 Jun;6(2):99-104.
    PMID: 15154082
    Aim: To explore the barriers faced by general practitioners (GPs) in the management of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).
    Methods: This was a qualitative analysis of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews involving 28 Malaysian GPs.
    Results: GPs' perception of ED being not a serious condition was a major determinant of their prescribing practice. Doctor's age (younger), gender (female), short consultation time and lack of experience were cited as barriers. The GPs' prescribing habits were heavily influenced by the feedback from the first few patients under treatment, the uncertainty of etiology of ED without proper assessment and the profit margin with bulk purchase. Other barriers include Patients' coexisting medical conditions, older age, lower socio-economic status, unrealistic expectations and inappropriate use of the anti-impotent drugs. Cardiovascular side effects and cost were two most important drug barriers.
    Conclusion: The factors influencing the management of ED among the general practitioners were multiple and complex. An adequate understanding of how these factors (doctors, patients and drugs) interact can assist in the formulation and implementation of strategies that encourage GPs to identify and manage ED patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family*
  8. Managing Women with Sexual Dysfunction: Difficulties Experienced by Malaysian Family Physicians
    Muhamad R, Horey D, Liamputtong P, Low WY
    Arch Sex Behav, 2019 04;48(3):949-960.
    PMID: 30238183 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1236-1
    Recognizing barriers to managing sexual issues makes it more likely that effective ways to overcome them will be found. In Malaysia, where discussion of sexual issues is taboo, sociocultural factors may influence how physicians manage patients with these types of problems. This article focuses on the challenges encountered by 21 Malay family physicians when women experiencing sexual problems and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) attended their clinics, an uncommon occurrence in Malaysia, despite their high prevalence. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological framework and conducted face-to-face in-depth interviews. Three main barriers to managing women with sexual problems were identified that can hinder assessment and treatment: insufficient knowledge and training; unfavorable clinic environments; and personal embarrassment. Some barriers were associated with physician characteristics but many were systemic. These were further evaluated using social cognitive theory. Professional attitudes appear important as those physicians with an interest in managing women's health seemed to make greater effort to explore issues further and work to gain trust. Physicians who appeared indifferent to the impact of FSD showed greater reluctance to find solutions. Systemic issues included unfavorable clinical settings, lack of training, and lack of local evidence. Any strategy to address FSD needs to be underpinned by appropriate policies and resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family/psychology*
  9. Medical emergencies and the general practitioner
    Lau J
    Family Practitioner, 1977;2:4-4.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  10. Mentoring for the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia
    Ch'ng KS
    Family Physician, 2000;11:16-7.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  11. Fulltext Modifying antibiotic prescribing: the effectiveness of academic detailing plus information leaflet in a Malaysian primary care setting
    Teng CL, Achike FI, Phua KL, Nurjahan MI, Mastura I, Asiah HN, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Aug;61(3):323-31.
    PMID: 17240584
    We assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention in reducing antibiotic prescribing in public primary care clinics in Malaysia. Twenty-nine medical officers in nine clinics received an educational intervention consisting of academic detailing from the resident Family Medicine Specialist, as well as an information leaflet. The antibiotic prescribing rates were assessed for six months - three months before and three months after the intervention. A total of 28,562 prescriptions were analyzed. Among participating doctors, general antibiotic prescribing rates for pre- and post-intervention phases were 14.3% and 11.0% (post-intervention vs pre-intervention RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.83). The URTI-specific antibiotic prescribing rates for pre- and post-intervention phases were 27.7% and 16.6%, respectively (post-intervention vs pre-intervention RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.66). No significant change in antibiotic prescribing rates was observed among primary care practitioners who did not participate in the study. This low cost educational intervention using both active and passive strategies focusing on URTI produced a statistically significant (and clinically important) reduction in antibiotic prescribing.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family/education*
  12. Nephrology and the family physician
    Fauziah K
    Family Physician, 1991;3:5-6.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  13. Fulltext Night calls at a doctor's residence
    Chua WT
    Family Practitioner, 1987;10(2):36-41.
    Night calls at the doctor's residence are part of the family physician's service to the community. not all night calls are emergencies. Many of the cases can be managed at home if they keep simple remedies at home or they are properly instructed by the doctor. But because some of the calls are medical, surgical or gynaecolofical emergencies, the doctor must respond to all night calls. Some common illnesses necessitating night calls are identified and a list of drugs either to be stocked in the house clinic or in the doctor's emergency bad are identified. Reduction in night calls can be achieved by educating our patients regarding self-management of minor illnesses, use of hospital emergency services, setting up of group practices, a private hospital with emergency service or a community night clinic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  14. Noncardiac chest pain--an Asia-Pacific survey on the views of primary care physicians
    Cheung TK, Lim PW, Wong BC
    Dig Dis Sci, 2007 Nov;52(11):3043-8.
    PMID: 17436083 DOI: 10.1007%2Fs10620-007-9764-x
    Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is common and has a significant impact on health care. Primary care physicians (PCPs)' attitudes, clinical approach, preference of diagnostic tests, referral patterns, and comfort in managing patients with NCCP in the Asia-Pacific region are not known. Consequently, we performed this survey in the Asia-Pacific region. The self-completed questionnaire was sent to PCPs in the Asia-Pacific region. A 28-item questionnaire contained questions on demographic information, characteristics of practice, preferences of diagnostic tests, referral patterns, treatment plans, and opinion on Helicobacter pylori and NCCP. A total of 108 (74%) PCPs returned the questionnaire. A mean of 18% of the patients were diagnosed with NCCP by PCPs in the past 6 months. Ninety-four percent of PCPs had treated NCCP patients in the last 6 months. Only 38% of the PCPs were comfortable in diagnosing NCCP but 85.2% believed that they should manage NCCP patients. PCPs in Malaysia and Philippines were more likely to refer patients to subspecialists. Fifty-seven and four-tenths percent of PCPs believed that H. pylori infection plays a role in the development of NCCP. The study demonstrates clearly that the understanding, diagnostic strategies, and treatment strategies of NCCP in the Asia-Pacific region are suboptimal and thus highlights the importance of educational and training programs tailored for PCPs in NCCP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family*
  15. On managing emergency contraception
    Kwa SK
    Family Physician, 2000;11(1):12-3.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  16. Otitis media - how the family physician should manage
    Ong CC
    Family Physician, 2001;11:27-29.
    Otitis media is a common disease presenting to family practitioners all over the world. There have been many changes in the way these patients were managed over the years. This article attempts to provide an overview to family physicians regarding the latest approach in managing this common condition. Keywords: Otitis, otitis media, otoscopy, eardrops.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  17. Outpatient surgical procedures in ophthalmology for the general practitioner
    Pall S
    Family Physician, 1989;1:15-17.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  18. Fulltext Over-prescription of antibiotics: both doctors and patients need education
    Norsa'adah B
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):181.
    PMID: 18705463
    Principally, there are two problems in prescribing . They are prescribing decision and prescribing writing process, which contribute to 39% and 61% of prescription problems respectively. The first type of problem has more serious consequences and may even cause mortality. In that study, the issue is the appropriateness of prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Over-prescribing of antibiotics in primary health care, especially for respiratory tract diseases is a problem worldwide . There are concerns about the rising prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, cost and the potentially harmful consequences of unnecessary prescription such as drug interaction and allergy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family/education*
  19. Pay-for-performance challenges in family physician program
    Gharibi F, Dadgar E
    Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(2):19-29.
    PMID: 32843941
    Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system in Iran's family physician program.

    Study design: Qualitative.

    Place and duration of study: The study was conducted with 32 key informants at the family physician program at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between May 2018 and June 2018. Method: This is a qualitative study. A purposeful sampling method was used with only one inclusion criterion for participants: five years of experience in the family physician program. The researchers conducted 17 individual and group non-structured interviews and examined participants' perspectives on the challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system in the family physician program. Content analysis was conducted on the obtained data.

    Results: This study identified 7 themes, 14 sub-themes, and 46 items related to the challenges in the implementation of pay-for-performance systems in Iran's family physician program. The main themes are: workload, training, program cultivation, payment, assessment and monitoring, information management, and level of authority. Other sub-challenges were also identified.

    Conclusion: The study results demonstrate some notable challenges faced in the implementation of the pay-for-performance system. This information can be helpful to managers and policymakers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
  20. Fulltext Peritonsillar swelling is not always quinsy
    Mohamad I, Yaroko A
    Malays Fam Physician, 2013;8(2):53-5.
    PMID: 25606284 MyJurnal
    Quinsy is a common encounter in family physician practice. It is defined as a collection of purulent material in the peritonsillar space, giving appearance of unilateral palatal bulge. Presenting symptoms include trismus, muffled voice, odynophagia, and ipsilateral otalgia. When the diagnostic needle aspiration reveals no pus, the diagnosis is changed into peritonsillar cellulitis or also known as perintonsillitis. Peritonsillitis is sufficiently treated with antibiotics unlike a quinsy which warrants surgical incision and drainage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Physicians, Family
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links