Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: Improving initial investigations with the implementation of a COVID-19 blood request panel.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust produced trust guidelines for the initial blood investigation of COVID-19 inpatients. However, insufficient education meant inconsistent adherence to this guidance.

Objective: To examine whether the implementation of a COVID-19 blood request panel improves adherence to local trust guidelines.

Correction: Aflibercept for treatment-naïve diabetic macula oedema in a multi-ethnic population: Real-world outcomes from North West London.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Factors Influencing Response to Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Oedema Patients in a Diverse North West London Population: A Real-World Study.

Background: Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is the leading cause of sight impairment in working age populations in developed countries. Current first line treatment for centre-involving DMO involves intravitreal anti-VEGF but treatment response can be variable. In this retrospective, real world, multi-centre cohort study, we aim to identify ocular and systemic characteristics that correlate with anatomical and functional outcomes for treatment-naive DMO patients treated with intravitreal aflibercept.

Aflibercept for treatment-naïve diabetic macula oedema in a multi-ethnic population: Real-world outcomes from North West London.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with treatment-naïve diabetic macula oedema (DMO) treated with Aflibercept in routine clinic settings in ethnically diverse North West London (NWL) and compare to outcomes reported in the VIVID and VISTA clinical trials.

Methods: This was a retrospective multicentre interventional case series. Two hundred and seventy eyes of 221 treatment-naïve patients at three NWL hospitals initiated on Aflibercept and who had at least 12 months follow-up were included in the study.

The Differential Effect of Antibodies on Radiographic Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background/objectives: The presence of bony erosions in patients with RA is a marker of disease severity and once present they are largely irreversible. Previous studies have shown that the presence of both rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA) antibodies is associated with erosive burden. The aim of our study is to determine the strength of relationship between antibody status and the presence of radiographic erosions at diagnosis.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on final year medical students in the United Kingdom: a national survey.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic has resulted in unprecedented public health measures. This has impacted the UK education sector with many universities halting campus-based teaching and examinations. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of COVID-19 on final year medical students' examinations and placements in the United Kingdom (UK) and how it might impact their confidence and preparedness going into their first year of foundation training.

Interventional radiology training: a comparison of 5 English-speaking countries.

Objective: To compare key characteristics of interventional radiology (IR) training in the UK with four other English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) and summarise requirements for training.

Methods: Main features examined were career pathway and requirements, examinations required, specific competition for IR and the process of applying for training as an international medical graduate. Data were collected from official governing body publications, literature and personal experience.