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
Care and love, tea and toast: Off the Octagon
Care and love, tea and toast: Off the Octagon

We are on our summer break and the editorial office is closed until 13 January. In the meantime, please enjoy our Summer Hiatus series, in which our journalists curate an eclectic mix from our news and clinical archives throughout the year, The Conversation and other publications we share content with. Please note the comment function has been turned off while we are away. Happy reading!
This article was first published online on 13 September.
From Barbara: Throughout the year, freelancer and former staffer Zahra Shahtahmasebi profiled practices around the country. The Servants Health Centre in Dunedin appeared on our cover in September with the “Civil Servants” photographed in the Octagon close to their free, high needs general practice
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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