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
GPs know: Trust your ‘gut feelings’ when providing care to older patients
+Practice
In print
ELDER HEALTH
GPs know: Trust your ‘gut feelings’ when providing care to older patients
Wednesday 7 October 2020, 12:45 AM

Modern medicine is epitomised by slow analytical approaches, yet fast thinking also has its place
Professor of general practice Ngaire Kerse discusses the role of gut feelings in clinical decision-making – recent research suggests they should not be ignored
Key points, Gut feelings have been conceptualised by the theory of fast thinking, which encompasses pattern recognition and intuition, and are used by many doctor, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
Smith CF, Drew S, Ziebland S, et al. Understanding the role of GPs’ gut feelings in diagnosing cancer in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing evidence. Br J Gen Pract 2020;70(698):e612–21.