February 2024

Hepatitis C targeted for global eradication

February 29, 2024

A short course of oral antivirals can cure hepatitis C, but the challenge lies in overcoming stigma and identifying those with chronic infection, as they may be asymptomatic for many years. Nurse prescribers and specialists, and those in primary care generally, have a role to play in identifying hepatitis C patients and ensuring they get the best care.

Read more... Hepatitis C targeted for global eradication

November 2023

Navigating youth mental health

October 26, 2023

Mental health is a dynamic spectrum that ranges from a state of wellbeing, through mental distress, to mental disorder or illness. Consultations with young people (rangatahi) may be challenging due to the various presentations of mental health issues and the range of services and treatment options they may require.

Read more... Navigating youth mental health

August 2023

Managing patients’ antibiotic expectations

July 17, 2023

Tackling inappropriate use of antibiotics is vital to preserving the effectiveness of these important drugs. In this country, for example, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid remains the second most-used antibiotic, despite very limited indications for its use.

Inappropriate use of antibiotics may stem partly from meeting patient expectations for treatment. The following case study highlights how both prescribers and non-prescribers can help to ensure antibiotics are used appropriately.

Read more... Managing patients’ antibiotic expectations

July 2023

How to provide culturally safe care in the Aotearoa perioperative environment

June 20, 2023

Perioperative nurses must provide safe patient care. An important aspect of safe care is culturally safe practice. This article discusses nurses’ responsibilities for reducing inequities and providing culturally safe care in operating rooms in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read more... How to provide culturally safe care in the Aotearoa perioperative environment

March 2023

Asthma: Thinking SMART, using AIR and making a difference

February 22, 2023

Nurses have an important role in asthma care, whether as prescribers, or as asthma educators in primary care, hospital clinics or with the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. This article looks at the latest guidelines for asthma management and discusses strategies for reducing the disproportionate asthma burden in Māori and Pacific peoples.

Read more... Asthma: Thinking SMART, using AIR and making a difference

March 2023

How primary care can improve antimicrobial stewardship

December 9, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance — when pathogens develop resistance to drugs used to fight them — is a serious threat to health care in New Zealand and around the world. Antimicrobial stewardship — ie careful and appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs (including antibiotics) — is vital to preserving the effectiveness of these medicines.

This article explains the key role of primary care in antimicrobial stewardship. There is a clear role for prescribers, but nonprescribers such as primary health care nurses also have an important part to play in supporting the appropriate use of antimicrobials.

Read more... How primary care can improve antimicrobial stewardship