Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a biosimilar ranibizumab (Razumab) on outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) for the first time. Methods: This retrospective study included infants presenting with stage 3+ ROP either in zone 1 or zone 2 posterior or aggressive posterior ROP (APROP). All eligible infants received intravitreal razumab (0.25 mg/0.025 ml) monotherapy. Follow-up was continued monthly till complete retinal vascularization was achieved while retreatment with razumab was given when recurrent neovascularization was noted. In case of no recurrence but incomplete vascularization, laser photocoagulation was done to the residual avascular retina. Results: We included 118 eyes of 59 infants with a median gestational age of 30 weeks and median birth weight of 1250 grams. At presentation, APROP was found in 28 eyes (24%) of 14 babies while stage 3 disease was seen in zone 1 in another 28 eyes (24%) and the remaining 62 eyes (52%) had stage 3 ROP in zone 2 posterior region. Complete resolution of ROP along with complete vascularization was seen in 22 eyes (19%) at a median of 55 days (IQR = 31–56 days) and 42 eyes (35%) showed a recurrent neovascularization at a median of 51 days post razumab (IQR = 42–55 days). The cumulative incidence of recurrence of neovascularization (21%, 95% CI = 14%–29%) peaked at seven weeks and was significantly higher in eyes with APROP (43%, 95% CI = 27%–63%) compared to eyes without APROP (13.4%, 95%CI, 8%-22%) ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Razumab appears to be safe and effective in treating ROP, with about a third requiring reinjection at seven weeks after the first dose.

Background General practices in primary care across England are increasingly employing clinical pharmacists to help tackle the workforce crisis and alleviate pressure. Clinical pharmacists can provide administrative and clinical duties, including non-medical prescribing, advice on polypharmacy and medicines optimisation. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of clinical pharmacists in general practice across England, and explore the relationship between the distribution and regional demography. Methods This study used publicly available government database from various sources pertaining to primary care general practice workforce and population demographics of England. The number and distribution of pharmacists working within general practices in England were analysed and compared across practices considering general practitioner (GP), nurse and patient population in the practices, patients age ≥ 65 years and over and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores. Results Twenty two percentage (1469 of 6674) of practices in England were found to have access to a clinical pharmacist, equating to 1358 full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacists and a mean pharmacist FTE of 10.07 (95% CI 8.40, 11.75, SD = 9.84) per Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). A significant relationship between pharmacist FTE and the number of patients 65 years and older [r (132) = 0.75, P < 0.001)] was observed; however, the distribution was not related to population deprivation scores. Conclusions Approximately one in five general practices in England have access to a clinical pharmacist. Further research is needed to ensure wider and equitable distribution based on workforce needs and practice population demography.

Objectives: Advanced clinical practice (ACP) (pharmacy) aims to address workforce challenges within the rapidly changing, complex National Health Service (NHS) landscape in England. This review explores the current role, scope of practice and impact of ACP, with a focus on pharmacists. Methods: An integrative review across three databases from April 2019 to June 2019. Key criterion for inclusion was ACP and pharmacist in England. Key findings: Thirteen articles were used. Four key themes identified: ACP scope of practice and benefits; facilitators, challenges and barriers to ACP role implementation; role implementation and sustainability; and the patient’s perspective. Most studies found it difficult to formally evaluate the impact of ACP. Positive anecdotal feedback was often reported. Conclusion: To further develop and sustain ACP, it is essential for future work to focus on evaluating impact of the role.

The eLearning was particularly for those returning to work or being redeployed. In the year March 2020-21, 3412 users registered to access portfolios and opened an aggregate of 17 198 modules. Each user completed a median of 2 (range 1-50, interquartile range [IQR] 1-7) assessed learning modules. Marks improved from pre-test to post-test by a median of 2 (IQR 0-3) marks out of 10. The most frequently selected modules were Adherence and Concordance (1109 users), Fluids (981 users) and Diabetic Emergencies (818 users). A total of 878 users accessed the unassessed COVID-19 module. The SCRIPT modules provided standardised education in core principles relating to prescribing and therapeutics, and were used by professionals from many healthcare disciplines.