Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Unimas

Living the Shift: Understanding the Human Experience Behind the Journey from Peritoneal Dialysis to Haemodialysis in Sarawak

For many patients living with kidney failure, dialysis is not only a medical treatment — it becomes a major part of everyday life. A change from one dialysis method to another can bring new routines, uncertainties, and emotional challenges.
This is the focus of a research study by Serene Tian Li Ping, a Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) student from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), exploring the experiences of patients who transitioned from peritoneal dialysis (PD) to haemodialysis (HD) at a private dialysis centre in Kuching, Sarawak.
The study focuses on patients who have experienced this significant treatment transition, particularly those adapting from a home-based dialysis approach to a centre-based treatment setting. This issue is increasingly relevant as kidney failure continues to affect communities in Sarawak.
According to Malay Mail (2025), Sarawak records approximately 700 to 800 new kidney failure cases annually, with around 4,800 individuals currently undergoing dialysis treatment. As the number of people living with dialysis increases, understanding their personal experiences becomes essential in providing more holistic and patient-centred care.
The research highlights that transitioning from PD to HD is not simply a change in treatment routine, but a major life adjustment involving physical, emotional, and social experiences. Patients may initially experience uncertainty, fear, and concerns about losing independence due to the structured schedule of haemodialysis. The move from managing dialysis at home to attending regular dialysis sessions at a centre may affect patients’ daily routines, family roles, and sense of control over their treatment.
Through exploring patients’ stories, the study aims to uncover the realities behind the transition — including the challenges faced, the ways patients adapt, and the support that helps them move forward. While previous studies have examined dialysis outcomes and quality of life measurements, fewer studies have focused on the lived experiences of patients undergoing this transition, particularly within the Asian and Malaysian context.
The findings from this research provide valuable insight into how healthcare providers, especially nurses, can better support patients before, during, and after transitioning between dialysis modalities. By understanding patients’ perspectives, nursing care can move beyond treatment delivery towards improving communication, emotional preparation, and personalised support throughout the dialysis journey.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

FMHS UNIMAS x REFORM STUDIO
“Pilates for Beginners”
Strengthen • Stretch • Recharge

Dear all,
We are pleased to invite you to a fun and beginner-friendly Pilates session designed to improve your overall well-being through mindful movement and controlled exercises.

✨ Why join?
✓ Improve core strength and stability
✓ Enhance flexibility and posture
✓ Increase body awareness and balance
✓ Learn proper breathing techniques
✓ Reduce stress and promote relaxation
✓ Suitable for all fitness levels (especially beginners)

📍 Venue: Atrium, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), UNIMAS, Kota Samarahan
💰 Fee: RM45 per session
⏱️ Duration: 50 minutes
👩‍🏫 Trainer: Ting Nee (Reform Studio)

🗓️ Available Sessions:
* 18 July 2026 (Saturday) | 3:00 PM
* 29 July 2026 (Wednesday) | 1:00 PM
* 8 August 2026 (Saturday) | 3:00 PM
* 19 August 2026 (Wednesday) | 1:00 PM

👥 Who should attend?
UNIMAS staff, students, and members of the public with little or no prior Pilates experience.

Take a short break from your routine and discover how Pilates can help you move better, feel stronger, and live healthier 🌿

📌 Registration & Enquiries:
Dr Melissa Lim Siaw Han
Organising Chairperson
📞 012-887 5558

💳 Payment Details:
UNIMAS EDU SDN BHD
Maybank: 5612 3960 8898
(IBG transfer only)

We look forward to seeing you there!

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

Mark your calendars because the ultimate longhouse experience is hitting FPSK next Friday!

Huge congratulations to our Faculty on being honored with the Anugerah Kebolehpasaran Graduan (GM) 2025 and Anugerah Kebolehkerjaan Graduan (GE) 2025!

UNIMAS Medical Students Clinch Best Oral Scientific Presentation at International Conference

Read more, please click:
https://gazette.unimas.my/2026/06/18/unimas-medical-students-clinch-best-oral-scientific-presentation-at-international-conference/

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

💡 Turn Your Ideas into Impact at the Healthcare AI Hackathon 2026!

Calling all university and college students with a passion for AI, healthcare, innovation, and technology — this is your chance to build something that matters.

🚀 Form a team of up to 5 members and create a working healthcare AI prototype in just one day. Get hands-on mentorship, tackle real-world healthcare challenges, and pitch your solution live to government officials, healthcare leaders, professors, investors, and industry experts.

🏆 Win cash prizes up to RM3,000
📅 1 August 2026
📍 Sheraton Hotel, Kuching
🆓 No registration fee for top 6 selected participants
⏰ Apply by 14 July 2026

Whether you're studying computer science, medicine, engineering, business, design, or any other discipline, your ideas could help shape the future of healthcare.

✨ Innovate. Collaborate. Make an impact.

Register now: https://mentormates.ai/events/healthcare-ai-hackathon-2026

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

10 Jun 2026 l Muzium Anatomi dan Patologi UNIMAS amat berbesar hati menerima lawatan sambil belajar daripada para pelajar dan guru pengiring dari Tadika SeDidik.

Melalui lawatan ini, para pelajar didedahkan dengan asas struktur anatomi manusia secara visual dan mudah difahami, bersesuaian dengan peringkat umur mereka.

Syabas diucapkan kepada pihak pengurusan Tadika SeDidik atas inisiatif hebat ini, dan terima kasih kepada pasukan muzium yang mengendalikan sesi lawatan dengan jayanya!

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

Clinical Experience Shapes Family-Centred Care Among UNIMAS Nursing Students

Nur Intan Syahira Bt Arfarizal, a Bachelor of Nursing student from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), recently presented her research examining the relationship between clinical experience and attitudes towards family engagement in patient care among undergraduate nursing students.

Conducted at UNIMAS in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, the study involved 132 undergraduate nursing students from Years 2 to 4. Family engagement is a key component of patient-centred healthcare, as family members often play an important role in supporting patients throughout their treatment and recovery.

However, despite its recognised importance, healthcare professionals may differ in how actively they involve families in the care process. Understanding the factors that influence nursing students’ attitudes towards family engagement is therefore essential in preparing future nurses for holistic and collaborative care.

The findings revealed that students generally reported positive clinical learning experiences, with a mean clinical experience score of 4.22 out of 5. In addition, all respondents demonstrated positive attitudes towards family engagement in patient care, with a mean attitude score of 3.89 out of 5. Most notably, the study identified a statistically significant positive relationship between clinical experience and attitudes towards family engagement. Students who reported better clinical experiences were more likely to demonstrate positive attitudes towards involving family members in patient care.

These findings highlight the important role of clinical placements in shaping future nurses’ perspectives and professional values. Supportive learning environments, meaningful patient interactions, and effective clinical supervision not only strengthen students’ clinical competence but also encourage a greater appreciation of family-centred care. As healthcare increasingly emphasises collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering positive attitudes towards family involvement during nursing education becomes increasingly important.

The study underscores the need for nursing education programmes to continue strengthening clinical learning experiences and integrating family-centred care principles throughout the curriculum. By doing so, nursing graduates will be better prepared to provide compassionate, inclusive, and holistic care that benefits both patients and their families.

Join us at the Final Year Nursing Students’ Research Colloquium Week (NURCOL 2026) on 8-12 June 2026 to explore more innovative nursing research projects and celebrate the achievements of our future nursing professionals.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

Huge rounds of applause to our Group 3 Year 1 Nursing students (MPU3182) for their stellar achievement at Hari MPU UNIMAS 2026!

The team secured Third Place in the Creative Video Competition for MPU3182 (Falsafah dan Isu Semasa).

Their thought-provoking video, titled "Penjagaan Warga Emas: Perbandingan Nilai Keluarga Asia dan Barat", beautifully explores and compares Eastern and Western family values regarding eldercare.

The Brilliant Minds Behind the Video:
Virginia Umang anak Bennet
Jennifer Subang anak Tommy
Khairunnisa Aqilla binti Abd Hamid
Andrina Recheall
Isemabella anak Dungat
Nur Ellisa binti Bes
Kricsie Naimon
B. Wionna Octavia Zaffin
Alysha Jawai anak Gundai
Ann Claries Sawad

Mentor & Lecturer: Mdm Amelia Mohamad

🎬 Watch their award-winning video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOIJH0OHpHw

Thank you for making the faculty proud and showcasing incredible creativity alongside your academic insights. Keep up the amazing work, future nurses!

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said

Bright Smiles, Better Nurses? What a Study of UNIMAS Nursing Students Reveals About Oral Health Habits in Sarawak

At the Final Year Nursing Students’ Research Colloquium Week (NURCOL 2026), Anatasia Frela, a final-year student in the Bachelor of Nursing programme, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), presented a research study exploring the knowledge, attitude, and practice of personal oral health care among undergraduate nursing students.

Conducted among nursing students at UNIMAS in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, the study focused on a population that will one day play a crucial role in promoting health and preventive care within the community. Oral health is often viewed as a personal responsibility, yet it remains an important public health concern. Since nurses are expected to educate patients on healthy lifestyles, understanding their own oral health behaviours provides valuable insight into future healthcare practice.

What makes this study particularly interesting is the gap it uncovered between knowing and doing. The findings showed that 90.8% of students demonstrated good oral health knowledge, while 82.2% reported positive attitudes toward oral health care. However, when it came to actual behaviour, only 58.3% achieved a moderate level of oral health practice, with fewer students reaching an optimal level of daily oral care practices. This suggests that knowledge and positive attitudes alone may not always translate into consistent healthy behaviours.

The study also found significant positive relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice, indicating that students with better understanding and more positive attitudes were generally more likely to engage in healthier oral care habits. Interestingly, the strongest relationship was observed between attitude and practice, highlighting the importance of motivation, personal beliefs, and behavioural reinforcement in maintaining good oral health routines. These findings are highly relevant to today’s community, where health information is widely available but healthy habits are not always consistently practised.

As future healthcare professionals, nursing students serve as role models and health educators. Strengthening oral health promotion programmes within nursing education could help bridge the gap between awareness and action, ultimately benefiting both healthcare providers and the patients they serve.

Interested in discovering more student-led healthcare research? Visit the Final Year Nursing Students’ Research Colloquium Week – NURCOL 2026 on 8-12th June and explore innovative research projects that address real-world health challenges and contribute to the future of nursing practice.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Pgmed Unimas
UNIMAS Medical Society
Dr. Asri Said