Lizzie Wesley-Smith, Anthony Dowell, Nikki Turner, Sue Huang, Christine McIntosh, Michelle Balm, Isabella Cheung, Lorraine Castelino
{"title":"'No, it is a virus, your body will fight it.' The value of diagnostic testing for managing respiratory viruses in primary care: an observational study from a post-COVID pilot programme.","authors":"Lizzie Wesley-Smith, Anthony Dowell, Nikki Turner, Sue Huang, Christine McIntosh, Michelle Balm, Isabella Cheung, Lorraine Castelino","doi":"10.1071/HC26003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>International studies suggest that advancing diagnostic technologies have the potential to reduce uncertainty and improve management of acute respiratory infections.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to observe the impact that laboratory-based polymerase chain reaction testing for respiratory viruses, alongside a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, had on patient management during a pandemic. Observations may enhance knowledge about the utility of respiratory virus testing in primary care.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The electronic medical records of patients tested at one urban general practice in New Zealand were examined 90 days before and after respiratory virus testing to record and analyse data on test results, patient characteristics, antibiotic prescribing, presentations, and follow-up communications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 298 presentations reviewed, 53% tested positive via polymerase chain reaction test. Antibiotics were prescribed for 37% of all presentations. Patients who tested positive for a respiratory virus were more likely to receive an antibiotic prescription than those who tested negative, both before and after test results. Notes showed texts and emails being used effectively to convey test results although some lacked evidence of test result communication. No impact on presentation patterns was identified.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Test results were used for effective follow-up with some patients, but there were also gaps in communication of results and variation in prescribing patterns following receipt of test results. Test-based limitations as well as broader environmental, clinical, and psychological factors are hypothesised as influencing test use. Advancing point-of-care technologies which offer faster result availability may address some, but not all of these issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148813452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From continuity to emergence: a new conceptual framework for primary care.","authors":"Jonathan Edward Simon","doi":"10.1071/HC26190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26190","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148679047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Motivation for engagement in a Māori- and Pacific-driven exercise programme in New Zealand: a community-based system dynamics approach.","authors":"Emery Grant, Boyd Swinburn, Fa'asisila Savila, Truely Harding, Warwick Bagg, Felicity Goodyear-Smith","doi":"10.1071/HC26034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Brown Buttabean Motivation (BBM) is a community-based, Māori- and Pacific-led organisation providing free exercise classes and other support services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Ongoing participant engagement is critical for the success of community lifestyle programmes.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to co-develop a systems logic model (Causal Loop Diagram) of the drivers of long-term engagement in BBM classes and activities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two cognitive mapping interviews and three group model-building workshops with BBM participants were used to create a CLD of the motivations and dynamics of engagement with BBM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The foundations of Māori and Pacific cultures underpinned the four domains, and 19 feedback loops created the motivations for ongoing engagement. Within the organisational design domain, BMM culture, leadership, and lived experiences were prominent. In the social network domain, social media, storytelling, and mutual accountability maintained high connectivity. Engagement with other BBM activities reinforced the community support domain. Within the health domain, positive reinforcement from improved mental health was more prominent than from weight loss.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This systems analysis of participant motivations to continued engagement with exercise classes shows how Māori and Pacific cultural values and ways of engaging have been incorporated into BBM to build ongoing participation and, thus, potential positive health outcomes. The multiple feedback loops provide further opportunities to refine the programme. The study also demonstrates the value of systems thinking for complex health challenges such as sustained weight loss. With reliable resourcing, BBM is well placed to make a difference to the obesity-related health inequities that disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific people.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148679023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emergency-ready primary health care in Aotearoa New Zealand: time for a system rebalance at the frontline.","authors":"Lesley Gray, Samantha Murton","doi":"10.1071/HC26144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26144","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148679094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi, Tiana Marni McFarlane Verweij, Noreen Hassan, Chelsea Harris, Dee Mangin, Ben Hudson
{"title":"Evaluating the implementation and structure of the annual diabetes review in Aotearoa New Zealand general practices: a national survey.","authors":"Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi, Tiana Marni McFarlane Verweij, Noreen Hassan, Chelsea Harris, Dee Mangin, Ben Hudson","doi":"10.1071/HC25202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC25202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Annual Diabetes Reviews (ADRs) are a key Ministry of Health initiative designed to ensure comprehensive annual assessment for people with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand. Although national guidance outlines core components, the consistency with which ADRs are delivered across primary care remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to assess the structure, components, and delivery of ADRs in general practices, identifying gaps and opportunities for improving diabetes care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A National cross-sectional survey was conducted among a 10% random sample (n = 85) of Foundation Standard-certified practices. Practices were invited via email and phone, yielding a 40% response rate (n = 34). Data were collected through an anonymized online or phone survey covering ADR structure, provider roles, and recall systems.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 34 participating practices, 32 (94%) conducted ADRs. Nurses were the primary providers (91%), other providers included GPs, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, and Māori health workers. All practices included blood pressure checks, foot examinations, and retinal screening, whereas mental health assessment (56%) and contraception counselling (28%) were less common. Electronic recall systems were used by 94% of practices, though strategies varied.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Most practices have established processes for delivering ADRs, but implementation of key elements remains inconsistent. The proportion of patients receiving a comprehensive ADR is unclear. Further research involving medical record reviews across sociodemographic groups and qualitative studies of patient and whānau experiences could improve ADR processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Harriet Jun, Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi, Esala Vakamacawai, Paul Bridgford, Dee Mangin, Ben Hudson
{"title":"Epidemiology of Pacific peoples in Canterbury primary care: a cross-sectional study of five priority ethnicity subgroups.","authors":"Harriet Jun, Ibrahim S Al-Busaidi, Esala Vakamacawai, Paul Bridgford, Dee Mangin, Ben Hudson","doi":"10.1071/HC26109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pacific peoples experience significant health inequities. National health data often aggregate diverse Pacific communities into a single category, potentially masking important differences in social-context health needs between subgroups.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and health indicators of Pacific Peoples enrolled at Pegasus Health Primary Health Organisation (PHO), Waitaha Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), from the five largest ethnic subgroups: Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, and Fijian peoples.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This cross-sectional study used anonymised administrative data from Pegasus Health PHO, NZ. All enrolled patients with Pacific ethnicity recorded at any level were identified (n = 14,209). Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic deprivation, smoking status, and diabetes diagnoses were analysed by ethnicity using descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Samoan patients comprised 52.8% of Pacific peoples enrolled (n = 7,498), followed by Fijian (18.4%), Tongan (14.3%), Cook Islands Māori (11.2%), and Niuean (3.4%). The population was predominantly young (mean age ranged from 27 to 32 years). Socioeconomic deprivation varied substantially: 33% of Samoan and 25% of Tongan patients lived in the most deprived areas (quintile 5), compared to 17% of Fijians who lived in quintile 5. Smoking prevalence ranged from 7.2% (Fijian) to 13.1% (Cook Islands Māori). Diabetes ranged from 5.5% (Cook Islands Māori) to 9.3% (Samoans).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Substantial heterogeneity exists across Pacific subgroups in Canterbury regarding demographics, socioeconomic circumstances, and key health indicators. Disaggregated ethnicity data reveal distinct patterns that are obscured when Pacific peoples are treated as a single homogeneous group. This has important implications for targeting health services and designing interventions to achieve health equity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karen Wright, Jennifer Woods, Lily Fraser, Anecita Gigi Lim, Leanne Te Karu
{"title":"Whānau Māori perspectives on antibiotic guideline use in Aotearoa: a qualitative study.","authors":"Karen Wright, Jennifer Woods, Lily Fraser, Anecita Gigi Lim, Leanne Te Karu","doi":"10.1071/HC26091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) experience large and persistent inequities in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Appropriate antibiotic prescribing is one component of effective care that can be supported by the use of antibiotic guidelines.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to gain insights into the perspectives of Māori regarding antibiotic guideline use in primary care and explore alignment with their expectations and aspirations for health and wellbeing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative research methods were grounded in Kaupapa Māori theory and practice, supporting critical analysis that prioritised Māori and Māori knowledge. Participants aged 18 years and over who identified as Māori were recruited from an urban Māori health provider to attend a focus group. Sub-themes and themes were identified through inductive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen Māori participants attended focus groups. Four interconnected themes that underpin the use of antibiotic guidelines in primary care were identified: Whakapono (trust and confidence), Māramatanga (clarity and understanding), Kairangi (culturally safe and quality care) and Hauora (holistic health and wellbeing aspirations).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Antibiotic guideline use is a relational practice situated within systems of trust, power and quality of care. When used within culturally safe, respectful and holistic models of care, guidelines can support high-quality care, build understanding and strengthen confidence in antibiotic decision-making. As NZ implements its first national antibiotic guidelines Te Whata Kura, there is a critical opportunity to ensure that use is culturally safe, barriers to access are addressed and that rongoā Māori (the traditional healing system of Māori) is accessible alongside biomedical approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charon Lessing, Mark Fisher, Harry Hillebrand, Robbie Hannon
{"title":"Enhancing access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through a community-based project in New Zealand.","authors":"Charon Lessing, Mark Fisher, Harry Hillebrand, Robbie Hannon","doi":"10.1071/HC26104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>New Zealand has maintained a low HIV prevalence through comprehensive screening, treatment, and prevention programmes. However, challenges remain with access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for at-risk populations, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of a community-based project that expanded PrEP access via a Standing Order authorising peer HIV testers and pharmacists to initiate short-term PrEP prior to general practitioner follow-up.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Conducted between May 2020 and July 2021, the project involved collaboration between a community-based HIV support organisation, a general medical practice, and a community pharmacy in Auckland. Participants received an initial 10-day PrEP supply following a negative HIV rapid test and screening for contraindications, with follow-up laboratory testing and prescriptions managed by the practitioner and pharmacist team.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-six clients enrolled (aged 22-60 years). Most identified as European (n = 16), Asian (n = 10), or Māori (n = 8). No participants seroconverted to HIV during the study. Six sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed and treated. A degree of hepatocellular damage was reported in one participant, and mild but transient liver enzyme elevation occurred in a further five participants. No renal toxicity was recorded. The mean duration of PrEP use was approximately 12 months.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This project demonstrated that community-initiated PrEP under a Standing Order can be a safe, acceptable, and effective method for expanding HIV prevention services amongst MSM. This model supports future policy directions to broaden PrEP access through trained pharmacists and community channels.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148578709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehr Ali, Diane Maresco-Pennisi, Lisa Waia, Sophie Gilderdale, Nina Lansbury
{"title":"Ear health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia: aiming for health equity.","authors":"Mehr Ali, Diane Maresco-Pennisi, Lisa Waia, Sophie Gilderdale, Nina Lansbury","doi":"10.1071/HC26008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Otitis media is a prevailing issue in the paediatric population, affecting up to 90% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and contributing to childhood morbidity.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This review investigates Australia's current health equity landscape by focusing on the ear health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with a particular focus on otitis media and its associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Employing a narrative review methodology, this review draws upon academic and grey literature to examine the nature of ear health in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children over a period of 20 years (2004-2024).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 31 peer-reviewed academic journal articles and 30 grey literature documents were identified. These detail the continuing inequity in ear health outcomes, including significantly elevated otitis media rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This review highlights the persistent influence of remote residence and crowded living conditions on ear health. In addition, minimal research focusing on the evaluation of health equity reforms and their impact on the current health status of specific communities was found. This review reinforces the importance of considering community-specific perspectives in formulating holistic approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148578712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chunhuan Lao, Jo Scott-Jones, Nikki Tugnet, Douglas White
{"title":"Incidence, prevalence and mortality of rheumatoid arthritis in general practice in New Zealand.","authors":"Chunhuan Lao, Jo Scott-Jones, Nikki Tugnet, Douglas White","doi":"10.1071/HC26088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints, skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and nervous system.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aims to estimate the incidence and prevalence of RA in New Zealand and compare the mortality of RA patients with the general population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with a SNOMED CT code for RA in 2018-2025 were identified from the Pinnacle dataset. The WHO (World Health Organization) age-standardised rate (ASR) of incidence and prevalence of RA were calculated by ethnicity and gender (women and men). The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was estimated to compare the relative rate of observed deaths in RA patients with the expected deaths in the general population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 3831 RA patients during the study period. The age-standardised incidence of RA was 26.9 (95% CI: 22.8-30.9) per 100,000 population. Women (34.8, 95% CI: 28.3-41.3, per 100,000) had around twice the incidence of RA than men (18.2, 95% CI: 13.5-22.9). The age-standardised prevalence of RA was 417.5 (95% CI: 402.8-432.1) per 100,000 population. The prevalence was 583.0 (95% CI: 558.8-607.2) per 100,000 for women and 237.6 (95% CI: 221.8-253.3) for men. Asians had the highest age-standardised incidence but the lowest age-standardised prevalence among all ethnic groups. The SMR of all the incident RA patients compared to the general population was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.80-1.34).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The prevalence of RA in general practice aligns with rates observed in secondary care settings. The upward trend in RA prevalence raises concerns about escalating healthcare system burdens, including increased costs and resource demands. The rise in RA prevalence was driven by increasing incidence among Asian populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148578959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}