/library/oar/handle/123456789/26426 2026-11-06T21:34:17Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150386 Title: Navigating ethical challenges faced by professionals within the pharmaceutical industry in Malta Abstract: Objective The pharmaceutical industry operates at the intersection of medical innovation and commercial profit, creating a dual mission that poses significant ethical challenges. Apart from identifying the practices within the local pharmaceutical sector that cause most concern, this dissertation investigates the ethical orientation, recognition of ethical breaches, and levels of moral distress among pharmaceutical professionals in Malta and which factors bear most impact on the traits under investigation. Method Utilizing a quantitative research design, an anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to members of the Association of Medical Representatives (AMR), the central organization for medical representatives in Malta. The research employed the Ethics Position Questionnaire-5 (EPQ-5) to assess ethical orientation, vignette-based scenarios to measure recognition and tolerance of misconduct, and a scale composed of industry-specific items to evaluate moral distress. Key Findings Based on a response rate of 42.1%, findings indicate that marketing practices (70.3%) are perceived as the primary source of ethical concern. The local workforce is predominantly principled, with 39.1% classifying as Absolutists and 29.7% as Situationists, reflecting a collective priority on patient safety and harm avoidance. Ethics training appears to contribute significantly to ethical recognition, significantly improving a professional’s ability to identify misconduct such as misleading claims or the withholding of safety information. Notably, Maltese nationality was the strongest predictor of high moral distress, while pharmacists reported significantly higher distress than non-pharmacists, particularly regarding safety information and unethical incentives. Furthermore, a clear shift in ideology was observed with tenure, moving from Subjectivism at entry-level to Absolutism among more experienced professionals. Conclusion The study concludes that while the Maltese pharmaceutical workforce is fundamentally principled, individuals face significant distress when commercial pressures conflict with professional integrity. Description: M.A. Bus. Ethics(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150385 Title: Guardianships and older adults from the perspective of dignity Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, classified under major neurocognitive disorder. According to Alzheimer Europe’s 2025 report, an estimated 9,476 people in Malta are living with dementia, and this number is expected to double by 2050. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience severe cognitive decline, affecting their ability to carry out daily tasks and make important healthcare decisions. In such cases, guardianship may be introduced to support decision-making. Guardianship refers to the legal relationship between a guardian and a person unable to manage their own affairs due to mental or physical incapacity. Despite its protective role, guardianship may threaten the dignity and autonomy of older adults when applied in a paternalistic manner within Maltese healthcare settings. This creates an ethical dilemma: balancing the protection of vulnerable individuals with respect for their autonomy and dignity. This dissertation critically examines Maltese guardianship law and explores how it may either support or undermine the dignity and autonomy of older adults under guardianship. The study addresses two main questions: Do guardianships in Malta adequately protect the dignity and autonomy of older adults in practice? If not, how can guardianship be reformed to better safeguard both? The study adopts a bibliographic approach using secondary sources, including peer reviewed articles, books, policy documents, medical society publications, and legal texts. Some anecdotal experiences observed by the researcher are also included. The dissertation is divided into three chapters: the first examines Maltese guardianship law and its ethical implications; the second explores the philosophical concepts of dignity and autonomy; and the third proposes recommendations for reform. Ultimately, this research aims to promote ethical discussion surrounding guardianship and raise awareness of the challenges it presents, while offering recommendations to better protect the human rights, dignity, and autonomy of older adults in healthcare decision-making. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146072 Title: Recognising treasures in the dross : prayer according to Ruth Burrows OCD Abstract: The main focus of this dissertation is to elucidate the nature of prayer as understood by Sr. Ruth Burrows, OCD. Her experiences led her to believe that prayer should be viewed as our primary way of communicating with God. Therefore, we must have the confidence to stand before Him as we truly are—His children—while surrendering to and trusting Him as our Father. We need to embrace our humanness, with its inherent limitations, as a necessary aspect of our fundamental obedience to God. This calls us to follow the perfect example of Jesus Crucified, who fully emptied Himself in order to receive all that God wanted to offer. Burrows asserts that it is precisely our emptiness that creates the capacity to receive God and His love, which she believes is the essence of authentic prayer. Description: M.A. Spirit.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145401 Title: Electronic tagging and tracking of dementia patients : ethical concerns Abstract: Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which affects millions of individuals worldwide. This disorder presents significant challenges for affected patients, and also for families, caregivers and healthcare systems. Patients suffering from this condition often experience disorientation and wandering behaviour, which could put them at risk of harm, injury, or death. Technological solutions in response to these risks include electronic tracking and tagging devices. These tools have been introduced in various institutions as potential solutions for safeguarding individuals affected by this disorder. Such devices while providing reassurance to caregivers and reduce logistical and safety concerns, they also raise pressing ethical questions regarding autonomy, dignity, privacy, human rights, and the potential for discrimination and stereotyping. This dissertation aims to identify various types of electronic tagging and tracking devices used internationally, and to examine critically the ethical implications of using electronic tagging and tracking devices in dementia care, in the context of Malta. This research aims to balance the evaluation of potential benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced caregiver burden, and practical management of wandering behaviour, against significant concerns, including infringement upon freedom of movement and privacy, threats to personal dignity, and the risk of stereotyping or discrimination. The key guiding questions include: Does tagging and tracking affect human rights, related to freedom of movement, personhood and human safety? What are the benefits and detriments of human electronic tagging and tracking? Would the use of electronic tagging and tracking of dementia sufferers help to increase their safety? With the use of electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia, would primary care givers and legal guardians feel more at ease when caring for these individuals and reassured should any issues arise? Would electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia be discriminatory towards these individuals? Would electronic tagging and tracking of individuals who suffer from dementia bring about stereotyping of these individuals? To what extent would the use of human tagging and tracking be a viable solution to combat issues arising from wandering behaviour of the older person living with dementia? This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, relying primarily on secondary data sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, policy reports, legal documents, and case studies. The dissertation is organised into three substantive chapters. The first chapter identifies the types of electronic tagging and tracking devices, their applications and benefits, situating them within both Maltese and international contexts and illustrating real-world consequences of wandering behaviour. The second chapter addresses legal considerations, including informed consent in the context of diminished capacity, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The third chapter engages in sustained ethical analysis, critically examining autonomy, dignity, wellbeing, safety, and the risks of stereotyping and discrimination. The conclusion summarises key findings, acknowledges limitations, and identifies gaps for future research. By undertaking this critical and balanced analysis, the dissertation aims to contribute meaningfully to contemporary bioethical discourse on the integration of emerging technologies in healthcare, specifically within dementia care. It seeks to clarify whether electronic tagging and tracking can be justified as both a practical and ethical means of safeguarding vulnerable individuals with dementia, while simultaneously respecting their fundamental human rights. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z