Recent Submissions
Item type: Item , Tele-therapy-based tele-clinical learning in Speech and Hearing Sciences–Evaluation and validation of an evaluation tool(The Asia Specific Scholar, 2025-10) Atapattu-Bakmeewewa, D.; Devagiri, B.; Kodituwakku, G.; Chandratilake, M.INTRODUCTION: Tele-clinical training is an effective approach, increasingly adopted post-pandemic and in resource-limited settings. However, it requires systematic development. This study details the first-time implementation of a tele-clinical training in an undergraduate Speech and Hearing Sciences programme, exploring student experiences and validating a novel evaluation tool, specifically designed for tele-clinical training programmes. METHODS: The study used a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data were gathered from 128 students using the developed 23-item Kelaniya Tele-Clinical Evaluation Tool (KeTCET), which covers three broad areas: Learning Environment, Supervisory Attributes, and Telehealth Teaching Practices. Qualitative insights from 13 participants were thematically analysed. The tool was validated for reliability and psychometric robustness using expert feedback and statistical evidence. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed high domain scores: Learning Environment 80.64%, Supervisory Attributes 81.67%, and Telehealth Teaching Practices 80.31%. Strong positive correlations between domains (r > 0.86, p < 0.001) indicated interconnectedness. The 23-item evaluation tool demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach Alpha = 0.98) and a single-factor structure (Eigenvalue = 17.12, 74.44% variance explained). Qualitative data highlighted strengths in supervisor interaction and resource availability, also noting challenges such as issues in connectivity and limited peer learning. Students appreciated structured feedback and supervisor presence during tele-clinical sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The successful development of a tele-clinical programme requires consideration of multiple elements broadly categorised as pedagogical environment, supervisory characteristics, and virtual teaching practices. Well-structured programmes can effectively meet training needs in resource-limited settings, although strengths and challenges may vary across learning environments. The validated 23-item KeTCET offers a reliable framework for evaluating and improving tele-clinical programmes.Item type: Item , Late onset e.coli septicaemia presenting as acute liver failure(24th Annual Scientific Congress of the Perinatal Society of Sri Lanka 2025, 2025-10) Madawala, P.; Mettananda, S.Item type: Item , Psychosocial and contextual risk factors of adolescent deliberate poisoning: a multicentre case-control study in Sri Lanka(London : BMJ Publishing Group, 2026-10) Dayasiri, K.; Thadchanamoorthy, V.; Ranasinghe, A.; Hettiarachchi, N, M.; Suraweera, N.; Perera, T.; Gunarathna, G.INTRODUCTION: Deliberate self-poisoning is a leading method of self-harm among adolescents globally. This study aimed to identify psychosocial, familial and contextual risk factors associated with deliberate self-poisoning among Sri Lankan adolescents. METHODS: A multicentre prospective case-control study was conducted across selected tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka over a 2-year period. Adolescents aged 10-17 years admitted with deliberate poisoning were recruited as cases. Age- and sex-matched controls were recruited from the same study settings. Structured interviews were conducted using a pretested tool assessing sociodemographic, psychological, family and school-related factors. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted ORs (AORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: A total of 326 case-control pairs (n=652) were included. The majority of cases were female (74.5%) and aged 15-17 years. The most frequently ingested agents were paracetamol (45.1%) and oleander (10.7%). In multivariable analysis, personal history of psychiatric illness (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.92 to 5.41), previous self-injury (AOR 4.17, 95% CI 1.92 to 10.77), previous deliberate poisoning (AOR 4.02, 95% CI 2.86 to 5.19), non-heterosexual orientation (AOR 26.9, 95% CI 12.18 to 75.45), school dropout (AOR 4.01, 95% CI 2.06 to 6.57), home violence (AOR 8.93, 95% CI 3.27 to 26.47) and feeling depressed (AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.20) were independently associated with deliberate poisoning. CONCLUSION: Deliberate self-poisoning among Sri Lankan adolescents is strongly associated with psychiatric comorbidity, family adversity, sexual identity-related distress and school disengagement. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, adolescent-friendly mental health services, school-based screening and psychosocial support mechanisms.Item type: Item , Incidental Finding of Severe Hypertriglyceridaemia and Diagnosis of Familial Chylomicronaemia Syndrome in a Family(Melbourne ; Boston : Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2026-10) Thadchanamoorthy, V.; Dayasiri, K.; Yoganathan, H.; Majitha, S.I.; Hooper, A.J.; Burnett, J.R.No abstract availableItem type: Item , Transient epileptic amnesia: temporal progression of partially treated disease-a case report(BioMed Central, 2025-10) Mettananda, C.; Mettananda, S.; Gunarathne, K.; Caldera, M.BACKGROUND: Transient memory loss with preserved consciousness needs precise diagnosis, as it could be owing to different causes requiring different management approaches. Differentiation between causes is difficult on first presentation, but it is important, as different causes have different management approaches and can have serious implications on a patient's life, especially in regards to driving. Transient epileptic amnesia is a treatable condition if diagnosed correctly but can have major consequences when not treated. Transient epileptic amnesia is reported in literature, but reports on the temporal progression of partially treated transient epileptic amnesia are sparse; however, this knowledge could help someone diagnose the disease at least by the second encounter. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a previously healthy, independent, right-handed 72-year-old Sinhalese Sri Lankan man, who had experienced five to seven brief periods of episodic memory loss since 2018, which were attributed to age, anxiety, and stress. He was involved in a car accident in 2000 and remained conscious but had retrograde amnesia. An extensive investigation conducted during his evaluation did not reveal a secondary cause for the accident. He later presented in 2022 with repeated generalized tonic-clonic seizures without secondary cause and an electroencephalogram showed epileptiform activity involving the left temporal lobe during the postictal period. He was diagnosed with transient epileptic amnesia and was started on carbamazepine. His seizures and amnestic episodes settled with the initiation of treatment, and now he is seizure-free after 6 years from the initial presentation of amnestic episodes. However, he has a mild degree of persistent interictal memory impairment. CONCLUSION: Transient epileptic amnesia is difficult to diagnose on the first presentation, as it mimics several conditions where there is nonspecific memory loss, and there are often no involuntary movements. However, recurrent and brief amnestic episodes should lead to suspect transient epileptic amnesia over other causes. Transient epileptic amnesia requires a positive diagnosis, as it is treatable if diagnosed. A contraindication to driving and consequences of untreated disease could cause serious consequences, posing a risk to life. This case shows the temporal progression of the disease in a patient with partially treated transient epileptic amnesia.