Communities of practice: An alternative approach to bridging the theory-practice gap in radiography?

OBJECTIVES: There is an increasing need to engage with evidence-based practice (EBP) and continuing professional development (CPD) to effectively respond to the current healthcare demands and challenges. This review critically synthesises key knowledge diffusion and implementation theories, with particular emphasis on Communities of Practice (CoPs), a theory as yet unexplored in radiography practice. KEY FINDINGS: Prominent theories including implementation science, translational science and knowledge diffusion theories have previously been proposed to bridge the theory-practice gap. However, the radiography profession is a fast-paced, complex and a highly regulated profession which makes the application of rigid theories more challenging. CoPs, which have their origins in Social Learning Theory, represents a potentially more viable approach to bridging the theory-practice gap. CONCLUSION: Cultivating and maintaining CoPs is a more practical approach to improve knowledge dissemination, EBP and CPD, allowing radiographers in practice to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences out with an organisational hierarchy. The collective pool of knowledge, and history created may contribute to further establishing the radiography profession and the radiographer identity as the CoPs connect, expand, and advance over time. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: CoPs may be cultivated and further investigated in radiography practice to improve knowledge dissemination, EBP and CPD, with the ultimate aim of improving individual and organisational performance in radiography practices.

Long pentraxin 3 and vitamin D receptor mRNA expression pattern of cumulus granulosa cells isolated from PCOS oocytes at different stages of nuclear maturation.

BACKGROUND: A fine-tuned pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory balance in the follicular unit is essential for cumulus expansion and successful ovulation. While the long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) gene is required for the expansion of cumulus cells (CCs), ovulation, resumption of meiosis and fertilization, the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR-X2) is required for intra-follicle redox balance. This study was planned to determine the expression pattern of VDR-X2 and PTX3 mRNA in CCs isolated from germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase I (MI), and metaphase II (MII) oocytes of PCOS patients with ovulatory dysfunction. METHODS: The relative expression of CC-PTX3 and CC-VDR-X2 mRNA were evaluated using qRT-PCR in a total of 79 CC samples collected from individual cumulus-oocyte complex of 40 infertile patients (20 PCOS and 20 non-PCOS normal responders) who underwent ovarian stimulation with the GnRH antagonist protocol. RESULTS: Relative PTX3 mRNA expressions of CCMI-control and CCMII-control showed 3- and 9-fold significant upregulation compared to CCGV-control, respectively. The relative PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMII-control increased approximately three fold compared to CCMI-control. Compared to CCGV-pcos, a 3-fold increase was noted in the relative PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMI-pcos and an approximately 4-fold increase in the PTX3 mRNA expression of CCMII-pcos. Relative PTX3 mRNA expression values of CCMII-pcos and CCMI-pcos were similar. A 6-fold upregulation of relative PTX3 mRNA and a 4-fold upregulation of VDR-X2 mRNA were detected in CCMII-control compared to CCMII-pcos. CC-VDR-X2 expression patterns of the PCOS and control groups overlapped with the CC-PTX3 pattern. Fertilization rates of the PCOS group exhibiting failed transcript expression were similar to normal responders. CONCLUSION: The fact that relative CC-PTX3 and CC-VDR mRNA expression does not increase during the transition from MI to MII stage in PCOS as in normal responders suggests that PTX3 and VDR expression may be defective in cumulus cells of PCOS patients with ovulatory dysfunction.

Exploring the implementation of evidence-based optimisation strategies: A qualitative study of the experience of diagnostic radiographers.

INTRODUCTION: Radiographers are responsible for ensuring safe and effective use of ionising radiation. Through evidence-based practice (EBP), valuable optimisation strategies can be implemented to fulfil these responsibilities. This study aimed to explore radiographers' attitudes, perceptions, and experience of using evidence-based optimisation strategies. METHODS: A Grounded Theory approach using in-depth interviews. UK-based radiographers were recruited. Discussions focused on (1) the role of evidence-based optimisation strategies in daily practice, (2) assistance in implementing evidence-based optimisation strategies, and (3) the role of EBP and optimisation strategies in the future. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using open and axial coding. RESULTS: Participants (n = 13) stated that EBP is not frequently used to implement optimisation strategies. Participants relied on the knowledge taught in education settings and their professional skills to optimise in daily practice, alongside departmental protocols. Barriers identified as affecting the implementation of optimisation strategies related to reluctance to change, a lack of support from superiors, and a lack of resources to engage with EBP. Some participants expected the use of optimisation strategies to become unnecessary due to technology advancements. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that effective operationalisation of EBP is not part of daily practice among radiographers to implement valuable optimisation strategies in daily practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The potential barriers to implementing evidence-based optimisation strategies highlighted in this study suggest that improving access to resources and empowerment of individual radiographers is required to enable radiographers to implement optimisation strategies.