The fibronectin-targeting PEG-FUD imaging probe shows enhanced uptake during fibrogenesis in experimental lung fibrosis.

Progressive forms of interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are deadly disorders lacking non-invasive biomarkers for assessment of early disease activity, which presents a major obstacle in disease management. Excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition is a hallmark of these disorders, with fibronectin being an abundant ECM glycoprotein that is highly upregulated in early fibrosis and serves as a scaffold for the deposition of other matrix proteins. Due to its role in active fibrosis, we are targeting fibronectin as a biomarker of early lung fibrosis disease activity via the PEGylated fibronectin-binding polypeptide (PEG-FUD).

Employment and deployment of additional roles: What works for whom, how and why?

Background Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) was introduced in England in 2019 to alleviate workforce pressures in general practice by funding additional staff such as clinical pharmacists, paramedics, first contact physiotherapists and from 2024/25, the scheme will fund recently qualified GPs. However, the employment and deployment models of ARRS staff present ongoing complexities and challenges that require further exploration. Aim This study explores the decision-making processes behind Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and general practice staffing choices, and how these choices influence the operationalisation of ARRS.

Why are pharmacy technicians leaving? Factors contributing to turnover intention and strategies for retention.

Background: Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system to enable pharmacists to focus on clinical services. However, a lack of recognition for their role and contribution leads to high turnover rates.

Objective: To identify the reasons behind pharmacy technicians leaving, or intending to leave, pharmacy practice.

Workforce development in community pharmacies in England: Opportunities and tensions for a private sector provider of NHS services.

Background: The intention to more effectively mobilise and integrate the capabilities of the community pharmacy workforce within primary care is clearly stated within National Health Service (NHS) England policy. The Pharmacy Integration Fund (PhIF) was established in 2016 to support the development of clinical pharmacy practice in a range of primary care settings, including community pharmacy.

Objective: This study sought to determine how PhIF funded learning pathways for post-registration pharmacists and accuracy checking pharmacy technicians enabled community pharmacy workforce transformation, in what circumstances, and why.