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
Controversy grows around physician associates and their future in general practice
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Controversy grows around physician associates and their future in general practice
Thursday 24 October 2024, 03:55 PM

Physician associates aren’t currently registered as health professionals under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 but the New Zealand Physician Associate Society is hoping to see that change [Image: Soc7 on Pixabay]
In a landmark decision last week, the British Medical Association voted to phase out the use of physician associates in general practice. Meanwhile, the Coalition Government is looking at allowing them to register here to address workforce shortages. Reporter Stephen Forbes looks at what’s happened in debate around the use of physician associates in primary care
ESSENTIALS
The British Medical Association voted to phase out the use of physician associates in general practice.
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Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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