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
Failing patients: Managers as accountable as doctors?
Wednesday 31 July 2024, 12:40 AM

Following a diagnosis of cancer, the distress of waiting to be seen is immense [Image: Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash]
Wellington barrister Gaeline Phipps discusses whether the Health and Disability Commissioner treats managers and GPs equally when patients are failed
This Practice article has been endorsed by the RNZCGP and has been approved for up to 0.25 credits for continuing professional development purposes (1, Educate small, BACK panel - grey
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
1. HDC. Commissioner-Initiated Investigation into delays in provision of non-surgical cancer services (Case 22HDC01310). 22 February 2024.
2. HDC. Annual Report 2023.
3. HDC. GP fails in management of man’s melanoma (Case 19HDC02131). 6 September 2021.
4. New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. 1298/Med22/554D. 17 March 2023.