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
Perinatal deaths highest in decade – inequities continue
Wednesday 17 July 2024, 04:00 AM

In 2021, there were 707 perinatal-related deaths, the highest number since 2010 [Image: Edward Cisneros on Unsplash]
Fiona Cassie looks at the latest perinatal and maternity mortality figures, finding that ethnic disparities continue, along with higher rates of perinatal loss among people in high-deprivation areas
Reporting these disparities over a long period of time has not resulted in any meaningful action to address them
Perinatal-related deaths in 2021
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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