For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Could pharmacies be an alternative healthcare option for young people?
+Practice
In print
YOUNG PEOPLE
Could pharmacies be an alternative healthcare option for young people?
Wednesday 12 October 2022, 12:20 AM

Some pharmacies might be in a position to offer low-cost, readily accessible, youth-friendly services [Image: Dean Mitchell on iStock]
With waiting times and costs to see a GP increasing, specialist GP Cathy Stephenson looks at whether pharmacies might be able to fill some of the healthcare gaps for rangatahi
Key points, Rangatahi face barriers to seeing a GP, including cost, appointment availability, location and the requirement to be registered with a practice.
For, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
- Horsfield E, Kelly F, Clark T, et al. How youth-friendly are pharmacies in New Zealand? Surveying aspects of accessibility and the pharmacy environment using a youth participatory approach. Res Social Adm Pharm 2014;10(3):529–38.
- Horsfield E, Sheridan J, Kelly F, et al. Filling the gaps: opportunities for community pharmacies to help increase healthcare access for young people in New Zealand. Int J Pharm Pract 2014;22(3):169–77.
- Horsfield E, Kelly F, Sheridan J, et al. Could community pharmacies help to improve youth health? Service availability and views of pharmacy personnel in New Zealand. Int J Public Health 2014;59(5):789–98.