Evidence divorced from policy: Research should be powering action on non-communicable diseases

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Opinion

Evidence divorced from policy: Research should be powering action on non-communicable diseases

21 June 2023

By Jim Mann

Wednesday 21 June 2023, 12:20 AM

Researchers are often finding it difficult to bring relevant research to the attention of policy makers [Image: Healthier Lives National Science Challenge, CC BY-SA]

New Zealand’s evidence-based response to COVID has saved lives – but we could do better when it comes to other major diseases, writes Jim Mann

In a nutshell, Better use of research evidence could save lives and healthcare dollars, as shown in The Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes in 2021. New Ze, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

1. Baker M, Kvaslvig A, Harwood M. It’s been 3 years since COVID entered New Zealand – here are 3 ways to improve our response. The Briefing. Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, online 27 February.

2. Cause of death, by non-communicable diseases (% of total), New Zealand. Data; The World Bank, online (no date).

How to Treat

+How to treat

Polypharmacy

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

Wednesday 28 May 2025, 12:50 AM