Graduate radiographers' experience of learning MRI practice: A pilot study using constructivist grounded theory methodology.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally radiographers, specialising in MRI practice, would have first worked in a general imaging department, however due to the shortage of MRI radiographers within the UK, opportunities have now arisen for graduate radiographers to enter MRI practice directly. There are no requirements to undertake formal MRI qualifications or competency frameworks for UK MRI practitioners. Consequently, training is often conducted in house by other MRI practitioners and is not regulated or audited. The aim of this pilot study was to explore graduate radiographers' experiences of learning MRI practice. METHODS: A constructivist grounded theory methodology was implemented.  Purposeful sampling was employed, and participants were recruited via social media. Participants (n3) had all entered MRI practice directly from graduation within the last 5 years and were currently working in the UK. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, undertaken virtually and audio recorded. Analysis of the data was conducted using the constructivist grounded theory process, as set out by Charmaz and NVivo software was used to manage the data. RESULTS: Five core categories emerged from the data, 1) aspirations to enter MRI practice, 2) engaging in the learning process, 3) influences of the learning environment, 4) confidence in competence, 5) identification of the need for further learning. These core categories describe the stages of the participants' experience of learning MRI practice. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study demonstrate the pathway taken by graduate MRI radiographers through their MRI educational experience. Undergraduate placements, within MRI, influenced their choice to enter MRI practice, however it did not sufficiently prepare them and further education was necessary. All the participants were provided with a structure to their learning and assessment of competence was required, although the complexity of which varied between participants. Despite feeling competent to undertake MRI imaging examinations all participants sought out opportunities to engage with more formalised MRI radiographer education. Consequently, there may be a need for a standardised national training programme for MRI radiographers to ensure consistency of training and assessment. Further research with a larger participant size is required to consolidate these findings.

Advancing Our Understanding of Corneal Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Immune Evasion Mechanisms and Future Therapeutics.

Herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) is a disease that commonly affects the cornea and external eye and is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus infects approximately 66% of people worldwide; however, only a small portion of these people will develop symptoms in their lifetime. There is no cure or vaccine available for HSV-1; however, there are treatments available that aim to control the inflammation caused by the virus and prevent its recurrence. While these treatments are beneficial to those suffering with HSK, there is a need for more effective treatments to minimise the need for topical steroids, which can have harmful effects, and to prevent bouts of disease reactivation, which can lead to progressive corneal scarring and visual impairment. This review details the current understanding of HSV-1 infection and discusses potential novel treatment options including microRNAs, TLRs, mAbs, and aptamers.