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Introduction: The clinical pathway (CP) is one of the most recommended tools for ensuring the best quality of care and has been proven to reduce the cost and time spent in hospital. The development of a CP for influenza is crucial, especially for the elderly, as they are vulnerable to influenza-related complications. The main aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive protocol for each component of influenza management among the elderly in Malaysia. Methods: An expert group meeting was conducted involving family medicine specialists, public health specialists, geriatricians, respiratory physicians and infectious disease physicians. The CP was designed following a 6-step protocol: 1) Selection of expert panel, 2) discussion and information gathering, 3) development of CP draft, 4) refinement of CP draft, 5) implementation of CP, and 6) finalisation of CP. The CP for influenza was designed based on service type and disease severity. Results: The panel described both outpatient and inpatient CPs for managing elderly patients with influenza. The outpatient CP covered mild and moderate influenza cases, while the inpatient CP addressed the management of moderate and severe influenza. The estimated length of hospital stay for moderate and severe influenza cases with pneumonia was 6 and 14 days, respectively. Conclusions: The CP for influenza supports existing treatment according to illness severity leveraged on current clinical practice guidelines and the best-care practices in primary and tertiary care settings. Continuous use of the CP is required to assess its effectiveness, thereby enabling optimisation of the healthcare process in influenza treatment.

A strong and robust Primary Health Care system is essential to achieving universal health coverage and to save lives. The Global Conference on Primary Health Care 2018: from Alma-Ata towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals at Astana, Kazakhstan provided a platform for low‐ and middle‐ income countries to join the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI). At this Global Conference, Malaysia has declared to become a Trailblazer Country in the PHCPI and pledged to monitor her Vital Signs Profiles (VSP). However, the VSP project requires an honest and transparent data collection and monitoring of the Primary Health Care system, so as to identify gaps and guide policy in support of Primary Health Care reform. This is a huge commitment and can only be materialised if there is a collaborative partnership between Primary Care and Public Health providers. Fundamental to all of these, is the controversy concerning whether or not ‘Primary Care’ and ‘Primary Health Care’ represent the same entity. Confusion also occurs with regards to the role of ‘Primary Care’ and ‘Public Health’ providers in the Malaysian Primary Health Care system. This review aims to differentiate between Primary Care, Primary Health Care and Public Health, describe the relationships between the three entities and redefine the role of Primary Care and Public Health in the PHCPI-VSP in order to transform the Malaysian Primary Health Care system.

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Diabetic foot requires careful attention and coordinated management by a dedicated team. Screening, prevention, adequate assessment, and appropriate referral are crucial to prevent complications. Multimodal treatment and rehabilitation are recommended to ensure a better quality of life and reduction of amputation rate in people with diabetic foot.