1.Development of Components for A Glaucoma Screening Programme in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study
Hui WX WX ; Sharanjeet-Kaur S ; Hairol M M ; Abd Rahman MH ; Nasaruddin RA ; Md Isa Z ; Ismail R ; Che Hamzah J
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):55-63
INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent blindness, often going
undetected in its early, asymptomatic stages, especially in older age groups. In
Malaysia, glaucoma is a growing public health issue due to an increase in the ageing
population. While screening is essential for early glaucoma detection, the most
suitable strategy for Malaysia's healthcare system remains unclear. This study
explored the perspectives of eye healthcare professionals on the most suitable
glaucoma screening strategies for Malaysia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 19 eye health professionals
(ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, ophthalmic technicians, and assistant
medical officers) practicing in the Klang Valley. The interviews were conducted
face-to-face in their workplace or via a video conferencing platform. All interviews
were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six
major themes were identified: types of glaucoma screening programmes, accessible
screening locations, target screening population, instruments and use of digital
technology, trained personnel, and referral criteria. Opportunistic case finding and
population-based programmes were identified as the glaucoma screening
programmes in which trained personnel conducted screening at accessible
locations. Glaucoma screening for high-risk individuals was recommended,
focusing on visual acuity testing, tonometry, anterior chamber angle assessment,
funduscopy, perimetry, and retinal nerve fibre assessment. A lack of clear referral
criteria due to low awareness and poor implementation of existing guidelines was
observed. CONCLUSION: Further investigations are required to identify the best
combination of components for glaucoma screening. This will enable policymakers
to develop an effective glaucoma screening programme in Malaysia.
2.Comparing Teachers and Medical Students as Trainers of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among Secondary School Students
ISA MH ; SHAMSURIANI MJ ; AFLIZA AB ; TAN TL ; DAZLIN MASDIANA S ; FADZLON MY ; SITI NIDZWANI MM ; EMILIA MR ; NIK AZLAN NM
Medicine and Health 2019;14(2):180-188
Bystander rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is still low worldwide because of inadequate skills and knowledge. Training the public on CPR is one of the methods to increase the bystander CPR rate. This study aimed to compare the efficacy in acquiring and retaining CPR skills and knowledge among secondary school students in Klang Valley trained by school teachers and medical students. We recruited five school teachers and five medical students as trainers. They were trained in several sessions by American Heart Association (AHA)-certified instructors using the video-assisted CPR training module. The recipients were 44 secondary school students divided between the teacher’s group and the medical student’s group. We compared knowledge and psychomotor skills between these two groups prior, immediately after and at three months after CPR training. Students in the teacher’s group showed a higher increase in knowledge comparable to the medical student’s group (median score difference 3 vs 2, p>0.05) and in psychomotor skill (median score difference 5 vs. 7, p<0.05). The level of knowledge and skills decreased after 3 months but remained significantly higher than at baseline for both groups. In conclusion, teachers could provide CPR training to their students as effective and retainable as medical students. This study aims to create an opportunity to teach CPR to the public in a larger scale.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail