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
Using Lightning Process to break cycle of fatigue in long COVID
Using Lightning Process to break cycle of fatigue in long COVID

This article discusses the Lightning Process, which is being found to be effective for some people with long COVID, with no harms reported
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
1. Baker M, Lorgelly P, Crossan J, Tate W. Long COVID – Are we taking it seriously enough? [webinar] The Helen Clark Foundation, 3 April 2024.
2. Arroll B, Moir F, Jenkins E, et al. Long COVID: An audit of 12 cases of long COVID following the Lightning Process intervention examining benefits and harms. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 2025; in press.
3. Parker P, Aston J, de Rijk L. A systematic review of the evidence base for the Lightning Process. Explore (NY) 2021;17(4):372–79.