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  1. Ibrahim NM, Shohaimi S, Chong HT, Rahman AH, Razali R, Esther E, et al.
    Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord, 2009;27(3):247-53.
    PMID: 19246909 DOI: 10.1159/000203888
    BACKGROUND/AIMS: In view of the differing sensitivity and specificity of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in the non-English-speaking populations, we conducted the first validation study of the Malay version (M-MMSE) in Malaysia among 300 subjects (from the community and outpatient clinics).
    METHODS: Three versions were used: M-MMSE-7 (serial 7), M-MMSE-3 (serial 3) and M-MMSE-S (spell 'dunia' backwards). Dementia was assessed using the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV. The optimal cutoff scores were obtained from the receiver operating characteristics curves.
    RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (24.3%) had dementia and 227 (75.7%) were controls. Three hundred patients completed the M-MMSE-7, 160 the M-MMSE-3 and 145 the M-MMSE-S. All 3 versions were valid and reliable in the diagnosis of dementia. The optimal cutoff scores varied with each version and gender. In the control group, significant gender differences were observed in the patients with the lowest educational status. Increasing educational levels significantly improved the M-MMSE performance in both genders.
    CONCLUSION: All 3 versions of the M-MMSE are valid and reliable as a screening tool for dementia in the Malaysian population, but at different cutoff scores. In those with the lowest educational background, gender-adjusted cutoff scores should be applied.
    Study site: Community, neurology and dementia outpatient clinics, Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  2. Tan BK, Tan SB, Chen LC, Chang KM, Chua SS, Balashanker S, et al.
    Patient Prefer Adherence, 2017;11:1027-1034.
    PMID: 28652712 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S132894
    PURPOSE: Poor adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) could compromise the control of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and contributes to poorer survival. Little is known about how medication-related issues affect CML patients' adherence to TKI therapy in Malaysia. This qualitative study aimed to explore these issues.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: Individual face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted at the hematology outpatient clinics of two medical centers in Malaysia from August 2015 to January 2016. CML patients aged ≥18 years who were prescribed a TKI were invited to participate in the study. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed.

    RESULTS: Four themes were identified from 18 interviews: 1) concerns about adverse reactions to TKIs, 2) personal beliefs regarding the use of TKIs, 3) mismanagement of TKIs in daily lives, and 4) financial burden in accessing treatment. Participants skipped their TKIs due to ineffective emesis control measures and perceived wastage of medication from vomiting. Participants also modified their TKI therapy due to fear of potential harm from long-term use, and stopped taking their TKIs based on belief in curative claims of traditional medicines and misconception about therapeutic effects of TKIs. Difficulty in integrating the dosing requirements of TKIs into daily lives led to unintentional skipping of doses, as well as the risk of toxicities from inappropriate dosing intervals or food interactions. Furthermore, financial constraints also resulted in delayed initiation of TKIs, missed clinic appointments, and treatment interruptions.

    CONCLUSION: Malaysian CML patients encountered a range of medication-related issues leading to a complex pattern of nonadherence to TKI therapy. Further studies should investigate whether regular contact with patients to improve understanding of treatment rationale, to elicit and address patients' concerns about adverse reactions, and to empower patients with skills to self-manage their medications might promote better adherence to TKIs and improve CML patients' outcome.

    Study site: hematology outpatient clinics of Ampang Hospital (AH) and University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  3. Srisurapanont M, Likhitsathian S, Chua HC, Udomratn P, Chang S, Maneeton N, et al.
    J Affect Disord, 2015 Nov 1;186:26-31.
    PMID: 26226430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.06.032
    BACKGROUND: Little has been known regarding the correlates of severe insomnia in major depressive disorder (MDD). This post-hoc analysis aimed to examine the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of severe insomnia in psychotropic drug-free, Asian adult outpatients with MDD.
    METHODS: Participants were psychotropic drug-free patients with MDD, aged 18-65 years. By using the Symptom Checklist-90 Items, Revised (SCL-90-R), a score of 4 (severe distress) on any one of three insomnia items was defined as severe insomnia. Other measures included the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the nine psychopathology subscales of SCL-90-R, the Physical and Mental Component Summaries of Short Form Health Survey (SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS).
    RESULTS: Of 528 participants, their mean age being 39.5 (SD=13.26) years, 64.2% were females, and 239 (45.3%) had severe insomnia. The logistic regression model revealed that low educational qualifications (less than secondary school completion), high SCL-90-R Depression scores, high SCL-90-R Anxiety scores, and low SF-36 PCS scores were independently correlated with severe insomnia (p's
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  4. Jayanath S, Lee WS, Chinna K, Boey CC
    Pediatr Int, 2014 Aug;56(4):583-7.
    PMID: 24617982 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12335
    BACKGROUND: Children with chronic illness may have depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among children attending a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic in Malaysia, and whether it differed by age, gender and diagnosis.
    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with data collected over a 16 month period (April 2010-July 2011). Patients aged 7-17 years on follow up at the pediatric gastroenterology clinic at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, were recruited consecutively. They were classified into high, average and low scores based on responses to questions in the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI; high, T-score >55; average, T-score 45-55; low, T-score <45). Children with high scores were considered to have depressive symptoms.
    RESULTS: The response rate was 93%. One hundred children (44 boys; 56 girls) were studied. Major diagnoses were: functional abdominal pain (n = 22), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 26), biliary atresia (n = 17) and miscellaneous gastrointestinal conditions (n = 35). The overall prevalence of high CDI for depressive symptoms was 27.0%, while 43.0% and 30.0% had average and low scores, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of high scores among children with different diagnoses.
    CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms were common among children attending a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. It is important to recognize symptoms of depression in children with gastrointestinal disorders.
    KEYWORDS: Children's Depression Inventory; depression; gastrointestinal disorders; outpatient; pediatric

    Study site: Pediatric gastroenterology clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  5. Jayanath, S., Boey, C.M.
    MyJurnal
    Depressive symptoms exist within the paediatric population. Nonetheless, clear clinical manifestations are often absent in this group. Objective: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among siblings of paediatric outpatients. The outpatients presented for acute complaints only. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with data collected over a 16-month period (April 2010 to July 2011). Participants were siblings of paediatric outpatients at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur. They were recruited via convenience sampling. They were classified into high, average and low scores based on their responses to questions in the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI; T-score >55: high, T-score 45-55: average; Tscore

    Study site: paediatric outpatients at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  6. Hsu VP, Abdul Rahman HB, Wong SL, Ibrahim LH, Yusoff AF, Chan LG, et al.
    J Infect Dis, 2005 Sep 1;192 Suppl 1:S80-6.
    PMID: 16088810
    BACKGROUND: Accurate national estimates of the disease burden associated with rotavirus diarrhea are essential when considering implementation of a rotavirus vaccination program. We sought to estimate rotavirus disease-associated morbidity and mortality in Malaysia, using available sources of information.
    METHODS: We analyzed national data from the Ministry of Health (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) to derive rates of hospitalization, clinic visits, and deaths related to acute gastroenteritis (AG) among children <5 years of age. The number of events attributable to rotavirus infection was estimated by multiplying age-stratified rates of detection of rotavirus from 2 hospital surveillance sites by national data.
    RESULTS: In 1999 and 2000, an average of 13,936 children (1 in 187 children) were hospitalized annually for AG. Surveillance of visits to outpatient clinics for AG identified an average of 60,342 such visits/year between 1998 and 2000. The AG-associated mortality rate was 2.5 deaths/100,000 children. On the basis of the finding that 50% of children were hospitalized for rotavirus diarrhea, we estimated that 1 in 61 children will be hospitalized for rotavirus disease and that 1 in 37 children will seek treatment as an outpatient.
    CONCLUSIONS: Among Malaysian children, there is a significant burden associated with AG- and rotavirus disease-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits, and this burden potentially could be prevented by the use of rotavirus vaccines.
    Data source: (1) hospital discharges, (2) clinic visits for AG, and (3) registration of deaths, together with (4) new data from hospital-based rotavirus surveillance studies
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  7. Connolly SJ, Eikelboom JW, Bosch J, Dagenais G, Dyal L, Lanas F, et al.
    Lancet, 2018 01 20;391(10117):205-218.
    PMID: 29132879 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32458-3
    BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and is a consequence of acute thrombotic events involving activation of platelets and coagulation proteins. Factor Xa inhibitors and aspirin each reduce thrombotic events but have not yet been tested in combination or against each other in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

    METHODS: In this multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, outpatient trial, patients with stable coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease were recruited at 602 hospitals, clinics, or community centres in 33 countries. This paper reports on patients with coronary artery disease. Eligible patients with coronary artery disease had to have had a myocardial infarction in the past 20 years, multi-vessel coronary artery disease, history of stable or unstable angina, previous multi-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention, or previous multi-vessel coronary artery bypass graft surgery. After a 30-day run in period, patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive rivaroxaban (2·5 mg orally twice a day) plus aspirin (100 mg once a day), rivaroxaban alone (5 mg orally twice a day), or aspirin alone (100 mg orally once a day). Randomisation was computer generated. Each treatment group was double dummy, and the patients, investigators, and central study staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome of the COMPASS trial was the occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01776424, and is closed to new participants.

    FINDINGS: Between March 12, 2013, and May 10, 2016, 27 395 patients were enrolled to the COMPASS trial, of whom 24 824 patients had stable coronary artery disease from 558 centres. The combination of rivaroxaban plus aspirin reduced the primary outcome more than aspirin alone (347 [4%] of 8313 vs 460 [6%] of 8261; hazard ratio [HR] 0·74, 95% CI 0·65-0·86, p<0·0001). By comparison, treatment with rivaroxaban alone did not significantly improve the primary outcome when compared with treatment with aspirin alone (411 [5%] of 8250 vs 460 [6%] of 8261; HR 0·89, 95% CI 0·78-1·02, p=0·094). Combined rivaroxaban plus aspirin treatment resulted in more major bleeds than treatment with aspirin alone (263 [3%] of 8313 vs 158 [2%] of 8261; HR 1·66, 95% CI 1·37-2·03, p<0·0001), and similarly, more bleeds were seen in the rivaroxaban alone group than in the aspirin alone group (236 [3%] of 8250 vs 158 [2%] of 8261; HR 1·51, 95% CI 1·23-1·84, p<0·0001). The most common site of major bleeding was gastrointestinal, occurring in 130 [2%] patients who received combined rivaroxaban plus aspirin, in 84 [1%] patients who received rivaroxaban alone, and in 61 [1%] patients who received aspirin alone. Rivaroxaban plus aspirin reduced mortality when compared with aspirin alone (262 [3%] of 8313 vs 339 [4%] of 8261; HR 0·77, 95% CI 0·65-0·90, p=0·0012).

    INTERPRETATION: In patients with stable coronary artery disease, addition of rivaroxaban to aspirin lowered major vascular events, but increased major bleeding. There was no significant increase in intracranial bleeding or other critical organ bleeding. There was also a significant net benefit in favour of rivaroxaban plus aspirin and deaths were reduced by 23%. Thus, addition of rivaroxaban to aspirin has the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease worldwide.

    FUNDING: Bayer AG.
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  8. Jackson AA, Manan WA, Gani AS, Carter YH
    PMID: 15689100
    Studies have shown that smokers rationalize smoking by self-exempting beliefs. This study explored lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia, using focus groups among outpatients, medical students and staff, and a questionnaire survey of 193 male smokers. In focus groups, patients said they could do something to make smoking safe. When asked, 'Do you think there are any safe ways to smoke?' 132/193 (68%) male smokers described at least one way. The commonest were 'drink water' (69/193, 36%), 'use a filter' (60/193, 31%), 'smoke after food' (27/193, 14%), and 'take sour fruit' (21/193, 11%). At three- or six-month follow-up, numbers agreeing with these beliefs were: for 'drink water' 67/115 (58%), for 'take sour fruit' 61/115 (53%), and for 'smoke after food' 38/115 (33%), with 88/115 (77%) supporting at least one. The main explanations for water were that it cleaned or moistened the lungs or throat. Sour fruit was described as cleaning, and sometimes as 'sharp', able to scrape out the essence of cigarettes. The conclusion is that self-exempting false beliefs about smoking are widespread, and here they probably represent an extension of the traditional humoral system. Anti-smoking campaigns and health workers in smoking cessation services should address these beliefs.
    Study site: outpatients clinic (Klinik Perubatan Masyarakat, KPM), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  9. Jackson AA, Manan WA, Gani AS, Eldridge S, Carter YH
    PMID: 15689099
    Smoking deception is often ignored, but is important in health care. In this trial it was assessed at both study entry and outcome. At study entry, 1,044 males at a primary care clinic were asked smoking status and tested for breath carbon monoxide (CO). Of self-reported non-smokers, 57/402 (14%) were actually smokers, as were 59/251 (24%) of self-reported ex-smokers. The self-reported smokers (n=387) entered a randomized, controlled trial where the intervention comprised four questions on knowledge and beliefs about smoking, standardized verbal advice against smoking, and a leaflet. At follow-up, subjects were also questioned about beliefs. Follow-up was difficult, but 191/387 (49%) attended at three or six months. Of 27 who claimed to have quit, 6 (22%) were deceivers and 21 were confirmed quitters. Cessation did not differ between intervention and control groups. Overall confirmed cessation at six months was 16/387 (4.1 %). Confirmed quitters were significantly lighter smokers than deceivers and still smokers. There were non-significant trends between the outcome groups whereby deceivers had least knowledge and most lay beliefs, and quitters had most knowledge and fewest lay beliefs. The lay beliefs may prevent some smokers from quitting.

    Study site: open-access outpatients
    clinic (KPM) attached to the teaching hospital
    (HUSM) of Universiti Sains Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  10. Govindarajan KK, Chai FY
    Malays J Med Sci, 2011 Apr;18(2):66-9.
    PMID: 22135589
    Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination for protection against tuberculosis has been in use for long. Although the vaccine is safe, its administration can result in complications such as BCG adenitis. We report here a series of children with BCG adenitis with a view to recognise and manage this condition. It is hoped that this case series would encourage the increased identification of this condition.
    Study site: Paediatric Surgical Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  11. Kamarul T, Razif A, Elina R, Azura M, Chan KY
    Malays Orthop J, 2007;1(2):11-16.
    MyJurnal
    A study to determine average knee laxity in the Malaysian population and how it affects daily living was conducted at the University Malaya Medical Centre between January and April 2004. Fifty two male and 76 female subjects were recruited for this study, all of whom were healthy volunteers with no ambulatory problems. Side to side knee laxity testing was performed using a KT-1000 arthrometer. Significant differences in knee laxity were noted among different races and between sexes. For instance, overall, Chinese and female study participants had higher knee laxity: (left knee, 2.17 mm (SD=1.30) and right knee was 2.88 mm (SD= 1.51)). On average, the difference between knees was 0.70 ± 1.26 mm (less than 1 mm) which is a smaller variation than reported in previous studies which suggested 3 mm. Despite finding knee laxity ranging from 0 to 8mm, no correlations were found between Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner knee outcome scores and the degree of knee laxity. No other predictors such as height, weight and age correlated with levels of knee laxity. We therefore conclude that knee laxity is a common occurrence in the normal population and is therefore not suitable as a sole predictor of knee function and should not be used as the only criteria for surgical intervention.
    Study site: Orthopedic clinic, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  12. Chan SC
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Sep;54(3):329-37.
    PMID: 11045059
    Appropriateness of medical admissions from a Malaysian public primary care clinic (Outpatient Department, Hospital Ipoh) was assessed by two physicians using a modified appropriateness evaluation protocol. Of 122 admissions between 16/6/96 and 15/7/96, 107 records (88%) could be traced from the records office. Eighty percent (86/107) were found to be appropriate and 20% (21/107) inappropriate admissions. Inappropriate admissions included admissions to the wrong discipline and patients who could be investigated and stabilised as outpatients or could be referred to specialist clinics. Protocols, provisions for urgent referrals and medical updates for doctors are recommended.

    Study site: Outpatient Department, Hospital Ipoh
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  13. Chan SC
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Dec;54(4):433-7.
    PMID: 11072459
    The practice of breast self-examination (BSE) amongst 1,303 women registered with the Well Person's Clinic, Outpatient Department, Hospital Ipoh between April 1995 and March 1997 were assessed through a questionnaire. Majority (98.2%) were never taught and did not practise BSE, 17(1.3%) practised BSE while 6 (0.5%) were taught BSE but failed to put it into practice. Only 5.8% of 52 women with past/family history of breast cancer/lump and 2.9% of 207 women with past/family history of other cancers were practising BSE regularly. Three out of 64 women with breast lumps found on clinical breast examination discovered the lumps themselves. Five of the 64 women were subsequently confirmed to have breast carcinoma.
    Study site: Outpatient clinic, Hospital Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  14. Chan SC
    Med J Malaysia, 1997 Mar;52(1):53-9.
    PMID: 10968053
    The Well Man & Well Woman's Clinic in Ipoh Hospital provides screening for coronary risk factors and early detection of cancer. This retrospective review of 1095 patients screened between April and December 1995 showed 48% had one or more coronary risk factors--1 risk (29%), 2 risks (14%), 3 or more risks (5%). Modifiable risks included hypertension (10%), obesity (9%), diabetes mellitus (8%) and smoking (7%). Sixteen abnormal Papanicolaou smears and six cancers (three cervical, two breast and one ovarian) were detected. Public response was good. There is a need for clinics offering comprehensive screening in Malaysian primary health care.

    Study site: The Well Man & Well Woman's Clinic in Ipoh Hospital
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  15. Chan SC
    Family Physician, 1995;7:3-10.
    This study aimed to established baseline data on patients' demographic and morbidity patterns over three months in the Outpatients Department (OPD) Ipoh Hospital. Entry of the first ten thousand patients into a computerised database for analysis showed that the majority were unemployed and from the low income group. There were more Malays and Indians, less Chinese. Respiratory infections accounted for 18.5 % while major chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma) were common. Overall a wide spectrum of illnesses were seen. A career structure for OPD doctors and incorporation of Family Medicine concepts were proposed to improve primary care in OPD.
    Study site: Outpatients Department (OPD), Hospital Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  16. Remli R, Chan SC
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Dec;58(5):688-93.
    PMID: 15190655 MyJurnal
    The use of Complementary Medicine (CM) amongst diabetic patients attending the Diabetes/Hypertension, Clinic. Out Patient Department, Ipoh Hospital was studied: Forty-three patients were selected by systematic random sampling (1:5) over a one-week period starting 5/12/01. Data were collected by patient interview, from medical records and through a questionnaire. 56% were using CM together with conventional therapy. Most commonly used were herbal therapy, homeopathy and reflexology. The majority took CM daily with a mean duration of 7 years. Over half had subjective relief of pain with increased energy. Patients on CM or conventional therapy both showed poorly controlled FBS levels. There is a need to assess the effect of these therapies on diabetic outcome.
    Study site: Diabetes/Hypertension, Clinic. Out Patient Department, Hospital Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  17. Chung WW, Chua SS, Lai PS, Chan SP
    Patient Prefer Adherence, 2014;8:1185-94.
    PMID: 25214772 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S66619
    Background: Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong chronic condition that requires self-management. Lifestyle modification and adherence to antidiabetes medications are the major determinants of therapeutic success in the management of diabetes.
    Purpose: To assess the effects of a pharmaceutical care (PC) model on medication adherence and glycemic levels of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
    Patients and methods: A total of 241 people with type 2 diabetes were recruited from a major teaching hospital in Malaysia and allocated at random to the control (n=121) or intervention (n=120) groups. Participants in the intervention group received PC from an experienced pharmacist, whereas those in the control group were provided the standard pharmacy service. Medication adherence was assessed using the Malaysian Medication Adherence Scale, and glycemic levels (glycated hemoglobin values and fasting blood glucose [FBG]) of participants were obtained at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 months.
    Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences in demographic data, medication adherence, and glycemic levels between participants in the control and intervention groups. However, statistically significant differences in FBG and glycated hemoglobin values were observed between the control and intervention groups at months 4, 8, and 12 after the provision of PC (median FBG, 9.0 versus 7.2 mmol/L [P<0.001]; median glycated hemoglobin level, 9.1% versus 8.0% [P0.001] at 12 months). Medication adherence was also significantly associated with the provision of PC, with a higher proportion in the intervention group than in the control group achieving it (75.0% versus 58.7%; P=0.007).
    Conclusion: The provision of PC has positive effects on medication adherence as well as the glycemic control of people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the PC model used in this study should be duplicated in other health care settings for the benefit of more patients with type 2 diabetes.
    Keywords: pharmaceutical care, medication adherence, glycemic control, type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Study site: major teaching hospital in Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  18. Lai PS, Chua SS, Chan SP
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2013 Aug;35(4):629-37.
    PMID: 23677816 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-013-9784-x
    BACKGROUND: This study describes the analysis of secondary outcomes from a previously published randomised controlled trial, which assessed the effects of pharmaceutical care on medication adherence, persistence and bone turnover markers. The main focus of this manuscript is the effect of the provision of pharmaceutical care on these secondary outcomes, and details on the design of the intervention provided, the osteoporosis care plan and materials used to deliver the intervention.
    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of pharmaceutical care on knowledge, quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction of postmenopausal osteoporotic women prescribed bisphosphonates, and their associating factors.
    SETTING: Randomised controlled trial, performed at an osteoporosis clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.
    METHODS: Postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis (T-score ≤-2.5/lowtrauma fracture), just been prescribed weekly alendronate/risedronate were randomly allocated to receive intervention or standard care (controls). Intervention participants received a medication review, education on osteoporosis, risk factors, lifestyle modifications, goals of therapy, side effects and the importance of medication adherence at months 0, 3, 6 and 12.
    MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE: Knowledge, QOL and satisfaction.
    RESULTS: A total of 198 postmenopausal osteoporotic women were recruited: intervention = 100 and control = 98. Intervention participants reported significantly higher knowledge scores at months 3 (72.50 vs. 62.50 %), 6 (75.00 vs. 65.00 %) and 12 (78.75 vs. 68.75 %) compared to control participants. QOL scores were also lower (which indicates better QOL) at months 3 (29.33 vs. 38.41), 6 (27.50 vs. 36.56) and 12 (27.53 vs. 37.56) compared to control participants. Similarly, satisfaction score was higher in intervention participants (93.67 vs. 84.83 %). More educated women, with back pain, who were provided pharmaceutical care had better knowledge levels. Similarly, older, more educated women, with previous falls and back pain tend to have poorer QOL, whilst women who exercised more frequently and were provided pharmaceutical care had better QOL. Satisfaction also increased as QOL increases and when provided pharmaceutical care.
    CONCLUSION: The provision of pharmaceutical care improved knowledge, QOL and satisfaction in Malaysian postmenopausal osteoporotic women, showing that pharmacists have the potential to improve patients' overall bone health. Policymakers should consider placing a clinical pharmacist in the osteoporosis clinic to provide counselling to improve these outcomes.
    Study site: Osteoporosis clinics, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  19. Mafauzy M, Hussein Z, Chan SP
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Aug;66(3):175-81.
    PMID: 22111435 MyJurnal
    DiabCare Malaysia 2008 evaluated the current status of diabetes care in Malaysia as a continuation of similar cross-sectional studies conducted previously in 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2003. The current study recruited 1670 patients from general hospitals, diabetes clinics and referral clinics to study current scenario of diabetes management. We report the results of type 2 diabetic population who constituted 92.8% (n = 1549). Results showed deteriorating glycaemic control with mean HbA1c of 8.66 +/- 2.09% with only 22% of the patients achieving ADA target of < 7%. 80.3% of patients were hypertensive and 75% were on anti-hypertensive medication. 46% of patients had LDL levels > 2.6 mmol/L; 19.8% had triglycerides > 2.2 mmol/L; 27.4% had HDL < 1 mmol/L despite 85% of the patients being on lipid lowering agents. Microvascular, macrovascular and severe late complications were reported in 75%, 28.9% and 25.4% patients respectively. The rates of diabetic complications were cataract 27.2%, microalbuminuria 7%, neuropathy symptoms 45.9%, leg amputation 3.8% and history of angina pectoris was 18.4%. Quality of life evaluation showed that about one third of patients have poor quality of life. Also, there was poor adherence to diet, exercise and self testing of blood glucose. In conclusion, majority of the patients were still not satisfactorily controlled. There is an urgent need for effective remedial measures to increase adherence to practice guidelines and to educate both patients and healthcare personnel on importance of achieving clinical targets for metabolic control.
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
  20. Ong CT, Kalantzis G, Yap JF, Chang B
    Cureus, 2016;8(4):e569.
    PMID: 27186451 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.569
    Purpose: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate fundamental photographic techniques and standardized views in oculoplastic disease and surgery outside of a photographic studio.
    Methods: A Canon EOS 60D digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which was fitted with a Canon EF-S 60 mm USM macro lens, was used to photograph the subject. A Canon MR-14EX Macro Ringlite was used to illuminate the subject. Informed written consent was obtained for publication of the photographs used in this study. The photographs were taken in an ophthalmology clinic using standardized photographic settings at various magnification ratios. The magnification ratios were recalibrated and adjusted to accommodate the smaller sensor size in-line with standardized medical photography guidelines.
    Results: We present a series of core views for various oculoplastic and orbital disease presentations.
    Conclusions: It is possible to capture quality standardized digital photographs in a busy clinical environment without the need for a dedicated photographic studio.
    Matched MeSH terms: Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
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