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
Policy goes back to the future
Wednesday 26 March 2025, 05:00 AM

New policies from health minister Simeon Brown have a hint of back to the future for the sector [Image: Fraz]
Health minister Simeon Brown’s policy playbook feels eerily familiar, echoing Tony Ryall’s era with its focus on targets, efficiency and private sector involvement. But is it just a patch on the potholes on an increasingly fragile road? Tim Tenbensel ponders
Over the summer, it was clear that prime minister Christopher Luxon knew that health could turn into a significant electoral liability in 2026. It pro, Lorenz butterfly effect CR University of Houston , The Lorenz butterfly effect [Image: University of Houston]
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
Ashton T, Tenbensel T. Health reform in New Zealand: short-term gain but long-term pain? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2012;12(5):565–68.