University Of Kelaniya Research Articles

Balance Scorecard: Translating Corporate Plan into Action. A Case Study on University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

The main objective of this paper is to suggest Balanced Scorecard techniques to support the corporate plan preparation and implementation process in the Sri Lankan universities. This study was carried out selecting the University of Kelaniya (UOK) as a case study method. Through this study a balanced corporate plan framework was developed under five strategic themes for UOK and proposed a strategy map for communicating the corporate plan for implementation. The framework and the strategic map proposed by this study are recommended as a visual aid in the planning, communicating and resource allocation for the University system in Sri Lanka.

Training medical students in general practice: a qualitative study among general practitioner trainers in Sri Lanka.

Introduction:Worldwide Family Medicine has gained an important place in the undergraduate medical curriculum over the last few decades and general practices have become training centers for students. Exposure to patients early in the disease process, out patient management of common problems, follow up of chronic diseases and psychosocial aspects of health and disease are educational advantages of community based training but such training could have varying impact on patients, students and trainers. This study explored the views of General Practitioner (GP) trainers on their experience in training students.Methodology:This qualitative study was conducted among GP trainers of the faculty of medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, to explore their experience on wide range of issues related to their role as GP trainers. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes expressed were identified.Results:Altruistic reasons, self-satisfaction, self-esteem and opportunity to improve their knowledge were the motivations for their involvement in teaching. Teachers were confident of their clinical and teaching skills. They perceived that patients were willing participants of the process and benefited from it. There was a positive impact on consultation dynamics. Time pressure was the major problem and ideal number of trainees per session was two. They were willing to attend teacher training workshops to update their knowledge.Conclusions:GP trainers driven by altruistic reasons were willing participants of student training process. The perceived advantages of involvement of teaching for trainers and patients were an encouragement for potential trainers. University should organize training sessions for trainers which will boost their knowledge, confidence and teaching skills which will eventually benefit students.

Association between the Number of Chondrocytes of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs and Age, Abdominal Aorta Atherosclerosis and Lumbar Artery Arteriosclerosis Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Background: The effect of age, atherosclerotic changes of abdominal aorta and arteriosclerotic changes of lumbar arteries on number of chondrocytes of lumbar intervertebral discs has not been studied. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional post mortem study was carried out in Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka to determine the association between the mean number of chondrocytes in the fifth lumbar intervertebral disc and age, the level of atherosclerotic changes of the lumbar abdominal aorta and arteriosclerotic changes of right and left, fourth lumbar arteries. The presence or absence of atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta lumbar region was studied. To assess arteriosclerotic changes, the Intima Media thickness (IMT) and the total thickness (TT) of lumbar arteries were measured and the ratio IMT/TT was calculated. Bivariant analysis and a multi variant analysis were done. Results: There were 51 samples in total. Their ages ranged from 18 to 96 years. The mean age (SD) was 43 (± 17.1) years. The samples were obtained from 38 males and 13 females. There was a significant negative association (P<0.001; Beta Coefficient=- 0.95) between the age of the subject and the mean number of chondrocytes in the intervertebral disc. There was no significant association between atherosclerotic changes of abdominal aorta and arteriosclerotic changes of lumbar arteries and the mean number of chondrocytes. Conclusion: Only the age had a significant negative association with the mean number of chondrocytes of the intervertebral disc.

Evaluation of teaching and learning in family medicine by students: a sri lankan experience.

Background:Family Medicine occupies a prominent place in the undergraduate curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The one month clinical attachment during the fourth year utilizes a variety of teaching methods. This study evaluates teaching learning methods and learning environment of this attachment.Methodology:A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among consenting students over a period of six months on completion of the clinical attachment using a pretested self administered questionnaire.Results:Completed questionnaires were returned by 114(99%) students. 90.2% were satisfied with the teaching methods in general while direct observation and feed back from teachers was the most popular(95.1%) followed by learning from patients(91.2%), debate(87.6%), seminar(87.5%) and small group discussions(71.9%). They were highly satisfied with the opportunity they had to develop communication skills (95.5%) and presentation skills (92.9%). Lesser learning opportunity was experienced for history taking (89.9%), problem solving (78.8%) and clinical examination (59.8%) skills. Student satisfaction regarding space within consultation rooms was 80% while space for history taking and examination (62%) and availability of clinical equipment (53%) were less. 90% thought the programme was well organized and adequate understanding on family medicine concepts and practice organization gained by 94% and 95% of the students respectively.Conclusions:Overall student satisfaction was high. Students prefer learning methods which actively involve them. It is important to provide adequate infra structure facilities for student activities to make it a positive learning experience for them.

Editorial Note

Abstract not availableThe Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol. 3(1); 2014:iii

Writing-Reading Relationships: Effectiveness of Writing Activities as Pre-Reading Tasks to Enhance L2 Inferential Reading Comprehension

The study examines the interaction between reading and writing processes in general and more specifically the impact of pre-reading tasks incorporating writing tasks (referred to as “prw tasks”) in helping the development of inferential reading comprehension. A sample of 70 first year ESL students of the University of Kelaniya were initially selected with one group (experimental group) engaging in “prw tasks” while the other group (control group) performing the tasks without a pre-reading component. The intervention was for 6 sessions (one hour in each session). At the end of each session, the performance of the two groups was measured and the test scores were analyzed using the data analysis package SPSS to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. The results indicated that the experimental group had significantly performed better than the control group which indicated the effectiveness of the prw tasks in improving reading comprehension.

From the professionalism of a profession to the professionalism of a multiprofessional team

Medical EducationVolume 48, Issue 4 p. 345-347 Commentary From the professionalism of a profession to the professionalism of a multiprofessional team Madawa Chandratilake, Corresponding Author Madawa Chandratilake Kelaniya, Sri LankaCorrespondence: Dr Madawa Chandratilake, Medical Education Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Tel: 00 94 112961000; E-mail: mnchandratilake@kln.ac.lkSearch for more papers by this author Madawa Chandratilake, Corresponding Author Madawa Chandratilake Kelaniya, Sri LankaCorrespondence: Dr Madawa Chandratilake, Medical Education Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Tel: 00 94 112961000; E-mail: mnchandratilake@kln.ac.lkSearch for more papers by this author First published: 09 March 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.12418Citations: 3Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume48, Issue4April 2014Pages 345-347 RelatedInformation

The Impact of Perceived Desirability and Perceived Feasibility on Entrepreneurial Intention among Undergraduate Students in Sri Lanka: An Extended Model

Particularly, at the outset the researcher writes that, the insight of conducting and model specification for the study was gained from, Guerrero, Rialp, &amp; Urbano, (2006). Due to the proven validity of intention based models to assess entrepreneurial intention and the non-validity of assessing entrepreneurial intention based on psychological characteristics, general dispositions, and personality traits and demographic factors, the researcher investigates the most appropriate model specification to assess entreprnenurial intention which is named as Krueger and Brazeal’s Entrepreneurial Potential Model. Particularly, the study was conducted in the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, among the undergraduates of the Department of Commerce and Financial Management. Multiple regression analysis of the study was used to prove the stated hypothesis of the study and the researcher concludes that behavioral beliefs, self efficacy and credibility affect significantly towards the entrepreneurial intention within the selected undergraduates. Finally, the researcher suggests the prerequisite of conducting qualitative assessment in this regard and suggests some actions to implement to strengthen new venture creation in Sri Lanka.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v2i1.6543 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.2(1) 2013:39-57

Editorial Note Vol.1(2)

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6449Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:iii

The Impact of Perceived Desirability and Perceived Feasibility on Entrepreneurial Intention Among Undergraduate Students in Sri Lanka: An Extended Model

Particularly, at the outset the researcher writes that, the insight of conducting and model specification for the study was gained from, Guerrero, Rialp, & Urbano, (2006). Due to the proven validity of intention based models to assess entrepreneurial intention and the non-validity of assessing entrepreneurial intention based on psychological characteristics, general dispositions, and personality traits and demographic factors, the researcher investigates the most appropriate model specification to assess entrepreneurial intention which is named as Krueger and Brazeal’s Entrepreneurial Potential Model. Particularly, the study was conducted in the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, among the undergraduates of the Department of Commerce and Financial Management. Multiple regression analysis of the study was used to prove the stated hypothesis of the study and the researcher concludes that behavioral beliefs, self efficacy and credibility affect significantly towards the entrepreneurial intention within the selected undergraduates. Finally, the researcher suggests the prerequisite of conducting qualitative assessment in this regard and suggests some actions to implement to strengthen new venture creation in Sri Lanka.

Impact of Employer Branding on Job Satisfaction: with Special Reference to Insurance Company

Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management is the journal of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Kelaniya. The objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge of research as conducted by the academic scientists and practitioners in the field of HRM. The journal contains research and review papers.

The Relationship between Performance Appraisal Satisfaction and Employee Outcomes: With Special Reference of Bank of Ceylon Head Office

Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management is the journal of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Kelaniya. The objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge of research as conducted by the academic scientists and practitioners in the field of HRM. The journal contains research and review papers.

Gastric emptying and antral motility parameters in children with functional dyspepsia: Association with symptom severity

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is an important gastrointestinal problem with obscure etiology. Abnormal gastric motility is suggested as a possible pathophysiological mechanism for symptoms. The main objective of this study was to assess gastric motility in Sri Lankan children with FD. Forty-one children (19 [46.3%] males, age 4-14 years, mean 7.5 years, SD 2.6 years) referred to the Gastroenterology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, from January 2007 to December 2011, were screened. Those fulfilling Rome III criteria for FD were recruited. None had clinical or laboratory evidence of organic disorders. Twenty healthy children were recruited as controls (eight [40%] males, age 4-14 years, mean 8.4 years, SD 3.0 years). Liquid gastric emptying rate (GE) and antral motility parameters were assessed using an ultrasound-based method. Average GE (45.6% vs 66.2% in controls), amplitude of antral contractions (58.2% vs 89.0%) and antral motility index (5.1 vs 8.3) were lower and fasting antral area (1.5 cm(2) vs 0.6 cm(2)) was higher in patients with FD (P < 0.01). Frequency of antral contractions (8.8 vs 9.3) did not show a significant difference (P = 0.07). Scores obtained for severity of abdominal pain negatively correlated with GE (r = -0.35, P = 0.025). Children with FD, exposed to stressful events had higher fasting antral area (1.9 cm(2)) than those not exposed to stress (1.0 cm(2)) (P = 0.02). GE and antral motility parameters were significantly impaired in children with FD compared with controls. GE negatively correlated with severity of symptoms. This study points to disturbances in gastric motility as an etiological factor for FD.

Measuring Employees’ Performance in the Public Sector in Sri Lanka: Testing of Two Models

Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management is the journal of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Kelaniya. The objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge of research as conducted by the academic scientists and practitioners in the field of HRM. The journal contains research and review papers.

Referral letter with an attached structured reply form: Is it a solution for not getting replies

Background:Communication between primary care doctors and specialists/hospital doctors is vital for smooth functioning of a health care system. In many instances referral and reply letters are the sole means of communication between general practitioners and hospital doctors/specialists. Despite the obvious benefits to patient care, answers to referral letters are the exception worldwide. In Sri Lanka hand written conventional letters are used to refer patients and replies are scarce.Materials and Methods:This interventional study was designed to assess if attaching a structured reply form with the referral letter would increase the rate of replies/back-referrals. It was conducted at the Family Medicine Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. A structured referral letter (form) was designed based on guide lines and literature and it was used for referral of patients for a period of six months. Similarly a structured reply form was also designed and both the referral letter and the reply letter were printed on A4 papers side by side and these were used for the next six months for referrals. Both letters had headings and space underneath to write details pertaining to the patient. A register was maintained to document the number of referrals and replies received during both phases. Patents were asked to return the reply letters if specialists/hospital doctors obliged to reply.Results:Total of 90 patients were referred using the structured referral form during 1st phase. 80 letters (with reply form attached) were issued during the next six months. Patients were referred to eight different specialties. Not a single reply during the 1st phase and there were six 6 (7.5%) replies during the 2nd phase.Discussion:This was an attempt to improve communication between specialists/hospital doctors and primary care doctors. Even though there was some improvement it was not satisfactory. A multicenter island wide study should be conducted to assess the acceptability of the format to primary care doctors and specialists and its impact on reply rate.

Factors Affecting Early Outcome in Sri Lankan Patients with Stroke (P06.234)

Objective: To identify factors associated with early outcome after stroke in Sri Lankan patients. Background Majority of strokes and stroke-related deaths occur in the developing world, but little is known about the factors affecting stroke outcomes in developing countries. Design/Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective hospital-based Sri Lankan stroke registry (Ragama Stroke Registry). All patients with acute stroke admitted to the Colombo North Teaching Hospital (Ragama, Sri Lanka) over a one year period were studied. Factors associated with poor early outcome were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Poor early outcome was defined as severe disability at discharge [modified Barthel index (BI) of 0-12], severe handicap at discharge [modified Rankin score (mRS) of 3-5] or in-hospital death. Results: We studied 547 patients with stroke - 59.4% males; mean age (SD) 64(12.8) years. Of them, 460 patients (87.2%) had ischaemic strokes. 379 patients (69.3%) had severe disability at discharge [BI 0-12], and 435 (79.6%) had severe handicap at discharge [mRS 3-5]. There were 26 (4.7%) in-hospital deaths. Age ≥65 years, female sex and stroke severity (NIHSS score) were independent predictors of both disability [BI] and handicap [mRS] at discharge. Stroke severity was the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. High waist circumference (overweight/ obese) and a history of previous transient ischaemic attack were negatively associated with poor outcome. Type of stroke (ischaemic/ haemorrhagic), delay to hospital admission, previous stroke, systolic blood pressure on admission, prior antiplatelet therapy and presence of common stroke risk factors were not associated with functional outcome. Conclusions: Older age, female sex and stroke severity were the main predictors of poor early outcome after stroke in Sri Lankan patients with stroke. Supported by: University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan. Disclosure: Dr. Ranawaka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alexander has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nawaratne has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liyanage has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kulatunga has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tissera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cooray has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kasthuriratne has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wickramasinghe has nothing to disclose.

Completeness of consent forms in research proposals submitted to an ethics review committee

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which analysed the consent forms submitted to the ethics review committee at the faculty of medicine of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, between January 2007 and December 2008. Of the 145 consent forms reviewed, 94.5% (137) explained the purpose of the study, 77% (111) included a statement that participation was voluntary, 44% (64) stated that refusal of participation did not affect care, 65.5% (95) mentioned the ability to withdraw consent at any time, 79% (115) that confidentiality of records would be maintained and 45.5% (66) that further clarifications were possible. Thirty nine (75%) of 52 eligible consent forms described the potential benefits and 19% (18) of 93 consent forms explained that there were no benefits to the participants. Twenty eight (59%) of 47 eligible consent forms described possible risks or discomfort to patients and 30% (29) of 98 consent forms explained that there were no risks to the participants. In conclusion, essential elements of the consent forms were missing in this study. It is recommended that a checklist of compulsory elements to include on forms be used before proposals are submitted to an ethics review committee.

Patients′ Attitudes Towards Medical Students in a Teaching Family Practice: A Sri Lankan Experience

Background:Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka conducts a one month under graduate training programme during their fourth year at the University family practice centre. Students get training in history taking, clinical examination, patient management and practice management during this attachment. This study was conducted to look at the patients’ attitude towards student participation during consultation.Materials and Methods:This was a descriptive cross sectional study. All the patients who were 16 years and above during a 2 month period were included in the study. Structured questionnaire was administered by demonstrators following a consultation where students were present. Their demographic data, number of consultations with student participation and questions related to presence of students at various stages of the consultation were asked.Results:Total of 85 patients took part in the study and 81.3% of them were females. 88.8% were of the opinion that they benefited by the interaction with medical students while 93.8% thought students understood their problems. 26.3% patients preferred a medical student of the same sex during consultation while 71.3 had not expressed any opinion in this regard. Only 3.8% and 5% wanted the doctor alone during history taking and examination respectively. Almost every patient was happy that they could help the undergraduate training.Discussion:As expected results of the study showed that patients were willing to take part in undergraduate training without any reservation. These results are compatible with the previous studies done in the western world and data is not available form either Sri Lanka or other Asian countries.

Knowledge and practices of paracetamol administration among caregivers of pediatric age group patients

Introduction:Paracetamol is a widely used over the counter drug for pyrexia and mild to moderate pain in all age groups.Objective:To assess the knowledge and practices of paracetamol administration among caregivers of the pediatric age group patients attending the university family practice.Materials and Methods:A clinic-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among clients attending the family practice of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka using pretested interviewer administrated questionnaire.Results:Ninety eight caregivers Participated. Majority were females (97%) with a mean age of 32 years. Age of the patients ranged from 1 to 132 (mean: 48 months). The commonest indication for paracetamol was fever (98%) and in 99% of the patients, mother was the administrator. Forty three percent of the children received a supra-therapeutic dose (>15 mg/kg/dose). None exceeded 20 mg/kg/dose. 16% exceeded the recommended dosing frequency. Children above 3 years were at an increased risk of receiving incorrect paracetamol dose (χ2 =19.55, df=1, P>0.001) A majority (75%) said they followed doctors’ advice on paracetamol dose. There was no association between level of education of care giver, deciding dose as directed by doctor and product information leaflet and dosing accuracy. Only one caregiver was able to calculate the paracetamol dose according to weight. A majority (85%) knew about paracetamol poisoning but it was not associated with dosing accuracy.Conclusion and Recommendations:Administration of supratheraputic doses of paracetamol is common and risk increased with child's age. Knowledge on calculating the weight appropriate paracetamol dose is poor. Physicians should educate care givers on judicious use of paracetamol.

Impact of chronic urticaria on the quality of life in Australian and Sri Lankan populations

BackgroundChronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to assess that impact and to compare differences by culture, gender, age or duration of treatment.MethodsWe used the modified chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire, consisting of 15 questions. Over the course of 6 months, patients attending Immunology clinics at Campbelltown Hospital and private rooms in Australia and at the faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka were asked to fill out the questionnaires. We have obtained the data from 125 patients (43 Australian vs. 82 Sri Lankan). There were significantly more female patients (P < 0.01). The data was analysed using SAS.ResultsOverall, patients were affected mostly by itch and wheals and least affected by the side effects of treatments. Sri Lankan populations were more affected by wheals and by interference on activities, mood and food choices but were less affected by tiredness due to sleep disturbances (P < 0.01). Females were more affected by sleep disturbance (P < 0.05) while those older than 40 years of age were more impacted by tiredness and by the side effects from medications (P < 0.05), though the complaints themselves were mild. Those who suffered from CIU for more than 1 year were more affected by wheal, tiredness and irritability (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThe questionnaire highlighted some differences between patients attending Australian versus Sri Lankan outpatients. Significant differences were found in one third of parameters which include mood, sleep, daily activities and food choices.