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
A meet in the east
Keep it small, keep it local was the rationale behind the conference organised by East Health Trust PHO. Held on Saturday, 28 October at Waipuna Hotel in Auckland, it was an occasion for education and socialising, attracting 115 GPs, nurses and practice staff.
For the second such annual event the theme was “Superbugs, know your enemy” with plenary speeches were delivered by Auckland infectious disease specialist Mark Thomas and intensive care specialist Les Galler.