SECOND YEAR STUDENTS PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Evidence-Based Clinical Pharmacy
Anthea Abela
To investigate documented evidence showing the impact of clinical pharmacy in both the primary and
secondary care scenarios. The study will deal with the effect of clinical pharmacy on quality of life,
cost-effectiveness of treatment and management of side-effects and how the interventions of clinical
pharmacists positively influence clinical practice.
Point-of-Care Testing: Faecal Occult Blood
Adrian Agius
The availability of Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) point-of-care testing kits will be assessed. FOB test
kits will be compared with respect to cost, reliability, user-friendliness and applicability to the primary
care setting. Standard Operating Procedures for applicable professional services will be developed.
Care Issues in a Heart Failure Clinic
Marie Claire Aquilina
To introduce and validate the pharmacist’s role in the relatively new Heart Failure Clinic (HFC) at
Mater Dei Hospital by analysing the degree of patient awareness and compliance towards prescribed
pharmacological treatment, providing instructions on the use of these medications and identifying
pharmaceutical care issues to improve the patients’ compliance, safety and quality of life.
Pharmacist Intervention in the Use of Diuretics in Elderly Patients
Sean Ryan Atkins
Geriatric patients on diuretic treatment will be investigated. The study will evaluate the impact of
the clinical pharmacist’s intervention in diuretic prescribing according to previously developed
protocols, compliance with the protocols and effect on the quality of life of patients. The effect of
implementation of the protocols on patient outcomes will be assessed.
Protocols in Dental Conditions
Daniela Attard
Treatment protocols for common dental conditions, such as xerostomia, dental abscess and recurrent
oral aphthous ulcers will be developed and evaluated in local community pharmacies and dental clinics.
Practicality and compliance with the protocols will be evaluated using questionnaires.
The Pharmacy Practice Resource Unit
Jaclyn Azzopardi
The Pharmacy Practice Resource Unit (PPRU) is a mock pharmacy set up in the Department of
Pharmacy. This unit will be updated by increasing the number of medications and medical devices
and by providing additional information about these items. The aim is to provide access to medicines
and related information for use by tutors and students.
Development of Diabetes Outcome Indices
Sarah Baldacchino
The robustness and reliability of previously locally developed Diabetes Outcome Indices will be
studied. The indices will be implemented in the monitoring of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Adverse Drug Reactions Database
Stephanie Marie Bezzina
A computerised database of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) organised alphabetically according to
the body system on which they exert an effect (for example: constipation and gastric ulceration within
the gastro-intestinal system). Each ADR will be linked to a list of drugs which cause this reaction
and the frequency at which it occurs.
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Human Papilloma Virus Screening and Vaccination
Angie Marie Brincat
Screening techniques for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) will be evaluated in terms of cost and patient
acceptability. Epidemological data on screening carried out and follow-up of results will be collected.
Implementation of prophylaxis of HPV infection is assessed.
Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Women by Community
Pharmacists
Katya Busuttil
A locally developed protocol ‘Treatment of urinary tract and vaginal infections in pregnancy by
community pharmacists’ will be updated and evaluated. The protocol will be used to assess the
management of these infections in pregnancy and to provide a tool for community pharmacists to
support a valid pharmacist intervention.
Pancreatic Amylase Assessment
Gabriella Buttigieg
This study will evaluate pancreatic amylase activity in gastric juice. Samples of gastric juice will be
obtained from patients undergoing gastroscopy, and who are currently not on any proton pump inhibitor.
The results obtained from these samples will be compared to data obtained from previous local studies.
Quality Improvements in Good Distribution Practice
Suzanne Buttigieg
The process involved in the distribution of medicines will be reviewed. Improvements which can be
applied to the Good Distribution Practice system will be identified and evaluated. Trials of this updated
system will be carried out and evaluated.
Devices Used for Dispensing
Deborah Cachia
Practicality aspects of implementing pill box organisers in different settings will be assessed.
Time factors, economic aspects and stability of medicines will be evaluated. Patient groups and
settings that are most likely to benefit from these systems will be identified.
Formulary for Non-BNF Cited Items
Daniela Camilleri
Updating and maintenance of the publication which presents information on medication and medical
devices not listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) will be undertaken. The formulary will
be updated using the list of medicinal products available from the Medicine's Authority and by
contacting local importers. Feasibility and practicality of presenting the document in an electronic
version will be assessed.
Side-Effects of Biological Agents in Rheumatology
Florinda Camilleri
The side-effects caused by biological agents in the treatment of rheumatic conditions will be investigated.
The treatment course of patients receiving biological agents at Mater Dei Hospital will be followed
and the occurrence of side-effects will be analysed.
Directory of Pharmacists
Sephora Camilleri
An update and publication of a new edition of the ‘Maltese Directory of Pharmacists’ will be undertaken.
Data of enlisted pharmacists is updated and new data compiled from the new graduates since the last
publication. This data will be used to analyse the trends in the pharmacists’ workforce compared to
the previous edition.
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Oral Anti-Cancer Treatment
Stephen Camilleri
The study will evaluate the patient safety issues and care issues relating to the use of oral anti-cancer
treatment. Pharmacist intervention with respect to patient compliance will be evaluated.
Dissemination of Protocols: Gastro-Intestinal Disorders
Marija Carmen Carbonaro
To review previously developed treatment protocols for gastro-intestinal disorders and to enhance
their applicability to pharmacists within the community setting. The protocols will be updated and
published to increase community pharmacists’ acceptance and compliance.
Creation of Two- and Three- Dimensional Molecular Databases Using
Antihypertensive Drugs and Hypoglycaemic Agents as Case Studies
Jerome Caruana
Transformation of two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) structures is fundamental in
education. Molecular visualisation software and cue depth enhanced computer graphics now enable
the computational construction of rotatable 3D structures. This project will compile a series of 2D
and 3D structures of antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic molecules which will be presented and
validated in the context of undergraduate chemistry and pharmacy practice tuition.
Drug Administration Systems in Elderly Patients
Angela Cassar
Drug administration systems to elderly patients at elderly institutions will be assessed to ensure that
the correct drug is administered to the patient via the right route, in the right dose and at the right time.
Designing High Affinity Ligands for HER2 Receptors using Herceptin as a Template
Maria Cassar
Herceptin is the monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast cancer against the HER2 receptor
which is found over expressed in about 20 to 30% of patients suffering from breast cancer. This study
aims to investigate the binding modality of Herceptin to the HER2 receptor in order to design ligands
with improved affinity for the receptor.
Drug Design at the Peroxisome Proliferator Receptor
Julienne Ciantar
The Peroxisome Proliferator Receptor (PPAR) forms part of the Nuclear Receptor Superfamily. It
is a subject of contemporary research owing to the fact that its activation by the thiazolidinedione
group of antidiabetic drugs increases insulin sensitivity. This project aims to design molecules with
the potential to act as leads in a drug design process and ultimately producing molecules capable of
agonistic activity at the PPAR.
Nutrition in Diabetic Patients
Ramona Cini
Previously developed special menus catered for diabetic patients in local restaurants will be reviewed
and updated and applied to hotel restaurants. Pharmacists will be interviewed to assess the education
they provide to diabetic patients regarding their diet.
Storage of Chemicals and Equipment
Daphne Cristine Coleiro
The effect of temperature in community pharmacies on the storage of medicines and medical devices
will be studied. The storage condition of medicines and medical devices in the hospital setting will
be assessed and compared to standard requirements.
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Aeromonas hydrophila Gastroenteritis in the Maltese Population: Diagnosis,
Epidemiology and Treatment
Lisa Cuschieri
Aeromonas hydrophila, which is a soil and aquatic organism, is a cause of gastro-intestinal disease
contracted through the consumption of contaminated foods or beverages such as water and raw sea
food. Since this organism is not tested for at the bacteriology laboratory at Mater Dei Hospital, this
study will serve to determine the incidence of Aeromonas gastroenteritis and to improve treatment.
GMP: Packaging in a Small Manufacturing Plant
Aaron Demanuele
Several issues related to packaging that Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines address will
be looked into and evaluated, using the example of a small manufacturing plant. A comparison will
be carried out between the European and American GMP guidelines. Examples of aspects of GMP
that could be improved are training requirements, inspections, validation, packaging and materials.
The Creation of Two- and Three- Dimensional Molecular Databases Using Steroids
and NSAIDs as Case Studies
Luke Doublet
Chemistry is an area which benefits from the use of visual aids. A two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D) database using steroids and NSAIDs as case studies will represent interactions with
receptors, visualisation of torsion, orientation of rings and individual atoms. The databases will be
tested through a pilot study carried out among undergraduate pharmacy students.
Design of Novel Analgesics Targeting the TRPV-1 Receptor
Deborah Louise Farrugia
Drugs acting at TRPV-1 receptors could potentially treat neuropathic pain associated with multiple
sclerosis, chemotherapy or amputation, as well as pain associated with the inflammatory response of
damaged tissue, such as osteoarthritis. This study will use TRPV-1 receptors as a target to produce
high affinity drug-like ligands with the potential to antagonise this receptor and consequently produce
pain relief.
Women’s Health
Daniela Fenech
Information and guidelines concerning conditions and diseases unique or more prevalent in women
will be electronically accessible on www.sahhti.org, an MPSA-run website and evaluated. A prospective
study will be carried out in community pharmacy to evaluate the impact of dissemination of leaflets
addressing women’s health.
Barcoding in Pharmacy
Marie Colette Galea
The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the potential applications of barcodes in the community
and hospital pharmacy settings. This would include barcoding medications and patient medication
records to facilitate the reduction of medication errors.
Intellectual Property and Pharmacy
Lara Giudice
Legislation affecting intellectual property will be examined to determine its effects on the pharmaceutical
industry. The provisions created by the legislation by which the industry must abide and the
consequences which may arise when these provisions are not respected will be studied.
Androgen Receptor Binding Modalities and Prostate Cancer
Alexandra Grima
A structure activity relationship will be carried out on the antiandrogenic drug abiraterone. Abiraterone
blocks formation of testosterone by inhibiting CYP17A1 (CYP450c17), an enzyme known as 17
alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase. This enzyme is involved in the formation of dehydroepiandrosterone
and androstenedione which may be metabolised into testosterone. Phase II clinical trials are indicative
of the validity of abiraterone in the management of prostate cancer.
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Dissemination of Protocols: Common Cold
Lawrence Mayo
Previously locally developed common cold protocols will be reviewed and distributed to community
pharmacies by means of a booklet and evaluated. The practicality of the availability of the protocols
in electronic format will also be evaluated.
Blood Pressure Control in Maltese Dialysis Patients
Anne Marie Mercieca
A prospective study will be carried out to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure in Maltese
dialysis patients. Quality of life issues, compliance to prescribed antihypertensive treatment and
control of blood pressure in these dialysis patients will be investigated. The improvement of these
factors through effective patient education will be evaluated.
Newsletter for Community Pharmacy
Caroline Mercieca
A newsletter for community pharmacists, providing articles on various contemporary topics of interest
and areas such as the importance of protocols in the community pharmacy, will be published bimonthly.
Special emphasis is given to a regular feature on the Pharmacy Of Your Choice (POYC) scheme.
Design of Ligand Families for the HIV-1-Protease Enzyme
Chantelle Micallef
HIV-1 protease (HIV-PR) is essential in the life cycle of HIV. HIV-PR cleaves newly synthesised
polyproteins to create mature components of an infectious HIV virion. Inhibition of HIV-PR disrupts
the ability of HIV to replicate, making HIV-PR inhibition the subject of much pharmaceutical research.
This project aims to design a series of leads whose structure and activity relationship studies indicate
their suitability as HIV-PR inhibitors.
The Creation of Two- and Three- Dimensional Molecular Databases Using Drugs
Acting on the CNS and Antibiotics as Case Studies
Michael Miller
Advanced computer software offers realistic three-dimensional (3D) representations of molecules in
isolation, or bound to receptors. Such representations are considered as invaluable educational tools
in chemistry and the biosciences. This project aims to create 2D/3D databases using drugs acting on
the CNS and antibiotics as case studies. Their use as valid educational tools will be evaluated on a
student cohort.
Dissemination of Protocols: Paediatrics
Martina Muscat
Six previously locally developed protocols on vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain,
cough and fever will be reviewed. The protocols will be disseminated to local community pharmacies.
Applicability and practicality will be assessed and pharmacist compliance with the protocols will be
evaluated.
Good Laboratory Practice
Corinne Muscat Terribile
A quality system based on Good Laboratory Practice guidelines will be developed for the laboratories
at the Department of Pharmacy. The system will be evaluated and implemented. Organisational,
safety and technical aspects pertaining to particular settings will be developed.
Development of Computational Chemistry Practicals
Noel Pace
Computational chemistry practical sessions will be developed to be synergistic with the traditional
didactic tuition so that a more holistic approach to education is delivered. Their applicability and
practicality will be validated among undergraduate pharmacy students to whom these practicals will
be addressed.
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The Pharmaceutical Services in Lifestyle Modifications
Vanessa Petroni
This study concerns the pharmacist intervention in the maintenance of patients’ health status. Various
factors affecting a healthy life including weight control, drug abuse, smoking, alcohol abuse and sexual
health will be discussed. The study will focus on the outcome of the latter three on the population
and pharmacist interventions will be assessed.
Compendium of Medicines Used in Veterinary Practice
Bernard Soler
To compile a practical and concise, yet comprehensive, veterinary pharmaceutical compendium as a
source of reference to veterinarians, pharmacists in the agroindustry and community pharmacists.
The compendium will be available in electronic format to provide the user with information on the
selection and use of veterinary medicine available in Malta in different animal species.
Herbal Medicine Formulary
Maria Spiteri
A previously developed formulary on herbal medicine available locally will be evaluated. Updating
and maintenance of the formulary will be undertaken. New herbal medicines with a local Marketing
Authorisation will be identified and added to the formulary. The updated formulary will be evaluated.
Protocols for Eye Conditions
Bianca Maria Stivala
New protocols will be designed as a tool to set up standards for implementation by pharmacists when
presented with ocular conditions of varying severity in both the hospital and community setting. The
protocols will focus on the pharmacist’s role in the management and follow-up of patient care.
Pharmacist compliance with the protocols will be assessed.
Point-of-Care Testing in Gynaecological Disorders
Anne Marie Zammit
The feasibility of the provision of point-of-care testing for gynaecological disorders from primary
care settings will be evaluated. The tests may be used to prevent, identify or monitor treatment of
such disorders. Pharmacist intervention in the management of gynaecological disorders and the
implementation of point-of-care testing will be assessed.
Quality of Medical Devices
Kimberly Zammit
The safety and efficacy of medical devices will be tested on a group of patients using different medical
devices. Statistical tests will be used to determine whether the recordings obtained from the different
medical devices show a good correlation. The project will also aim to assess whether the quality of
performance of medical devices is improved when the user is informed appropriately on the use of
the device.
Mini-Scale Production Facility
Ruth Zerafa
A feasibility study will be carried out on the current available mini-scale production facilities so as
to identify which of these facilities can be incorporated in the local scenario for teaching and training
purposes. This will involve the assessment of cost, size, materials required, maintenance and other
criteria with respect to each mini-scale production facility considered.
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