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
Clear patient protocols must be followed to avoid gaps in care
Wednesday 22 May 2019, 12:00 PM

In one case, retesting of an elevated PSA level was not followed up and patient was later diagnosed with cancer
Jane King looks at two recent cases about inadequate assessments and subsequent delays in cancer diagnoses, which serve as reminders of the need to do the basics well
At that time, the practice had not recognised how easily patients were able to request prescriptions without having a face-to-face consultation
W, Jane King HDC, Jane King is associate commissioner, legal, in the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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