Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand

Adverse drug reactions and interactionsAllergies and immunologyAntibiotic resistance and stewardshipBiochemistryCardiovascular systemChild healthComplementary and alternative medicinesCorrespondenceDebatesDermatologyDiabetesEar, nose and throatEndocrinology (excl diabetes)Feature lettersGastroenterologyGeneticsGenitourinary system (male)GuidelinesGynaecology and urinary tract disorders (female)HaematologyHealth informaticsHepatologyImmunisationInfectionsIntegrated Performance and Incentive FrameworkMaori healthMedicine indicationsMedicine subsidyMedicines managementMedico-legal issuesMental healthMusculoskeletalNephrologyNeurologyNewsNutritionOccupational medicineOlder person’s healthOncologyOphthalmologyOral healthPacific peoples healthPain managementPalliative carePeer group discussionsPharmacologyPHO Performance ProgrammePregnancy and reproductive healthProfessional practice and developmentPublic healthReportsResearch updatesRespiratory conditionsRheumatologySexual healthSmoking, alcohol, and drug misuseTrauma and surgical proceduresVirology

News Update: The influenza immunisation programme is starting early in 2020

This year’s influenza immunisation programme has the earlier start date of 18^th March, 2020, for people eligible for funded vaccines. Other people should be asked to delay purchasing the vaccine until on or after 13^th April, 2020.

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March 2020

News Update: cilazapril with hydrochlorothiazide will no longer be available in New Zealand

Dementia is a growing healthcare challenge. There are an estimated 70,000 people with dementia in New Zealand.

March 2020

Recognising and managing early dementia

Patients currently prescribed cilazapril + hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets will need to transition to a different combination medicine or antihypertensive regimen.

February 2020

Age-related cognitive decline: prevention and future planning

Declining cognitive function can be a difficult topic to raise with patients and their families.

February 2020

Referral of patients with features suggestive of bowel cancer: Ministry of Health guidance

Bowel cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in New Zealand.

February 2020

Biosimilars: the future of prescribing biological medicines

Biological medicines are an important advancement in the pharmaceutical treatment of patients with...

January 2020

Reducing the burden of melanoma in New Zealand Part 1: Prevention and risk assessment

Limiting UV radiation exposure through sun smart behaviour is the key to preventing melanoma.

January 2020

Reducing the burden of melanoma in New Zealand Part 2: Early detection of melanoma

Identification of melanoma at the earliest possible clinical stage improves outcomes; lesion thickness is the strongest predictor of prognosis.

January 2020

Menopausal hormone therapy: where are we now?

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is an effective treatment for symptoms associated with menopause...

December 2019

Diagnosing and managing primary ovarian insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency is the loss of ovarian function before age 40 years, resulting in menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms.

December 2019

Up-to-date COVID-19 information and health advice is available on the Ministry of Health website: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/novel-coronavirus-covid-19

For RNZCGP resources and news, see: https://rnzcgp.org.nz/RNZCGP/Im_a_member/Support/Covid-19/COVID-19_support.aspx

COVID-19 planning: We would like to reassure readers that bpac.org.nz will remain online and continue to be updated. We will also be assisting our colleagues in disseminating any urgent messages to primary care.

Although the team will be working remotely, we will be available as usual to answer any queries and assist with website or log-in issues. Stay safe everyone.

Antibiotics Guide Updated

Antibiotics Guide 2017 edition

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The COPD prescribing tool Updated

Pharmacological treatment options for patients with COPD

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Coming up...

Our current theme is “Cognitive impairment and dementia”, including articles on age-related cognitive decline and the journey from early dementia to end-stage care.

Coming soon...

Our next theme will be respiratory health

News Update: The influenza immunisation programme is starting early in 2020

News Update: cilazapril with hydrochlorothiazide will no longer be available in New Zealand

Recognising and managing early dementia

Age-related cognitive decline: prevention and future planning

Referral of patients with features suggestive of bowel cancer: Ministry of Health guidance

Biosimilars: the future of prescribing biological medicines

Reducing the burden of melanoma in New Zealand Part 1: Prevention and risk assessment

Reducing the burden of melanoma in New Zealand Part 2: Early detection of melanoma

Menopausal hormone therapy: where are we now?

Diagnosing and managing primary ovarian insufficiency