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
PHOs offer valuable services but not enough money goes to patient care
+Opinion
Rotorua GPCME 2025
PHOs offer valuable services but not enough money goes to patient care
Friday 13 June 2025, 03:32 PM

Mark Devcich is a specialist GP at Waikohu Health Centre in Gisborne [Image: Canva composite]
This year’s GPCME, held at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre from 5 to 8 June, took place against a backdrop of change in the health sector. Reporter Zach Thompson asked attendees what role they see PHOs playing in the future of primary care
PHOs were a promising idea, but direct contracting may offer a better path forward, says Gisborne specialist GP Mark Devcich.
“At the time, it was
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.