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
Help! I’m drowning in tick-box exercises and black-hole dreaming
Wednesday 28 May 2025, 05:00 AM

GPs, who must juggle patient care with endless policy consultations, are frustrated by “tick-box” exercises that ignore clinical insight [Image: artisteer on iStock]
As trust in health leadership erodes, it’s time for meaningful, bipartisan dialogue on New Zealand’s long-term health strategy, argues Orna McGinn
Believing that clinical leadership depends on having “skin in the game”, I continue to see patients three days a week. I also consult on my days off.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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