^ Back to Top

BPJ 67 April 2015

Best Practice Journal

Seasonal influenza vaccines are now available

The Ministry of Health has announced that the first shipments of the two subsidised seasonal influenza vaccines for 2015, Influvac and Fluarix, have been sent to providers who pre-ordered the vaccines. After an initial delay, a continuous supply of the vaccines is expected to be available until the end of the influenza season. View Article

An update on antithrombotic medicines - What does primary care need to know?

Antithrombotic medicines, such as aspirin and warfarin, have been routinely prescribed in primary care for decades for the prevention or treatment of arterial or venous thrombi. In 2011, we published a consensus statement on the use of antithrombotic medicines in general practice. In the last few years the indications for some oral antithrombotic medicines have expanded, e.g. dabigatran, and access to other medicines has increased, e.g. ticagrelor has been added to the Pharmaceutical Schedule. In this article we examine recent developments in the use of antithrombotic medicines, provide prescribing information for newer medicines commonly used in primary care, and update the evidence available to clinicians who are discussing the benefits and risks of antithrombotic treatment with patients. View Article

The immediate management of acute coronary syndromes in primary care

The majority of patients who present to general practice with chest pain are unlikely to have an acute coronary syndrome. However, all patients who present with current or recent symptoms consistent with a cardiac cause require immediate investigation and treatment. Additional interventions may be appropriate for patients where there will be a significant delay in transport to the nearest Emergency Department.

An update to clarify some issues in this article has been published here

 View Article

Treating childhood eczema - a topical solution for a topical problem

Emollients, topical corticosteroids and avoidance of triggers remain the mainstays of treatment in children with eczema. Under-use of topical treatment continues to be more of a concern than overuse. This highlights the importance of providing comprehensive education to the child’s parents or caregivers and overcoming “corticosteroid phobia”. Although most children with eczema can be managed with topical treatments in primary care, referral to secondary care may be required in severe cases. View Article

The Integrated Performance and Incentive Framework (IPIF): A Healthy Start

IPIF is a quality improvement programme designed to enhance the quality, accessibility, and integration of the New Zealand healthcare system. One of the five high-level system performance measures proposed within IPIF is a “Healthy Start” to life. Providing the best possible start to life for an infant begins with optimising the health of the mother before and during pregnancy. Providing good pre-conception advice, continuity of care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period all contribute to giving an infant the optimal chance to thrive.

The IPIF healthy start targets will no longer be implemented from 1 July, 2015. For further information, see: Latest news

 View Article

News Update

Brand changes for cardiovascular medicines: carvedilol, ezetimibe and ezetimibe with simvastatin View Article

Upfront - NICE-bpacnz Symposium

Guidelines and Pathways – what role do they have in the United Kingdom and New Zealand health sectors? View Article

Correspondence: Opioid prescribing; Parkinson’s disease

Quality indicators for opioid prescribing | Early treatment in Parkinson’s disease View Article