John McMenamin, Susan Parry, Bronwyn Rendle, Cathy Whiteside
{"title":"Improving National Bowel Screening participation through primary care engagement: a quality improvement report.","authors":"John McMenamin, Susan Parry, Bronwyn Rendle, Cathy Whiteside","doi":"10.1071/HC25069","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and context: </strong>The National Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) in Aotearoa New Zealand aims to reduce bowel cancer mortality through early detection. Despite this, participation remains lower among Māori and Pacific peoples. In 2023 and 2024, primary care-led campaigns were introduced to support general practices to engage eligible patients in screening discussions.</p><p><strong>Assessment of the problem: </strong>General practices had varied levels of engagement with reminder systems and resources, and many lacked consistent processes for incorporating screening into routine consultations. To address this, tailored materials and practice support tools were provided.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Campaign participation included a substantial number of New Zealand practices, including engagement of Very Low-Cost Access (VLCA) clinics. Overall, the volume of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit requests more than doubled over 2 years; however, return rates remained modest, highlighting the need for additional follow-up strategies.</p><p><strong>Strategies for improvement: </strong>Future efforts should focus on expanding reminder systems, enhancing practice workflows, and incorporating outreach support to increase kit completion rates.</p><p><strong>Lessons learnt: </strong>Structured primary care interventions can boost screening uptake, particularly among equity priority groups. Sustained improvements in screening participation will depend on system integration and continued support for practices and communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"82-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355299","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":"General practitioners' views on community pharmacists in supporting equitable cardiovascular health outcomes for Pacific peoples: a qualitative study.","authors":"Jessie Lagaluga Hutchings, Corina Grey, Karen Brewer, Trudi Aspden","doi":"10.1071/HC25157","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally and a significant contributor to health inequities for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. Addressing these inequities requires a multidisciplinary approach, where community pharmacists (CPs) have the potential to play a critical role. CPs' accessibility, medication expertise, and ability to engage with underserved populations position them uniquely within the healthcare system. However, their contribution to equitable heart health outcomes remains underexplored.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim was to explore the experiences and views of general practitioners (GPs) on CPs' roles in supporting heart health equity for Pacific peoples and to examine how GPs currently work with CPs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This research employed interpretive description with Pacific principles, and semi-structured interviews with GPs were conducted. Analysis was conducted using template analysis and the Lili Health Model data interpretation tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine interviews were conducted, from which five themes were generated: (1) Optimising CPs' roles beyond supporting GPs, (2) GPs and Pacific peoples' ability to engage with CPs, (3) Increasing Pacific representation and cultural responsiveness, (4) (Mis)perceptions of pharmacy, and (5) Control in a constrained healthcare system.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Interviewed GPs believed that CPs play a pivotal role in addressing heart health equity for Pacific peoples. This role could be enhanced by expanding CPs' clinical responsibilities, enhancing cultural safety, increasing the number of Pacific pharmacy staff, and addressing systemic barriers.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"28-35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145810187","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":"Feasibility and outcomes of a collaborative pharmacy and general practice service for people with type 2 diabetes with high HbA1c: a mixed methods study.","authors":"N Gauld, J Faletau, M Bentley, S Tutty","doi":"10.1071/HC25123","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25123","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>New approaches are needed to respond to increasing numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes and high HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin). This pilot supported additional care from five primary care nurses and community pharmacists for people with type 2 diabetes with high HbA1c.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe uptake, outcomes and experiences of a collaborative pharmacy and general practice diabetes programme.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Quantitative data from patients enrolled before 31 August 2022 included change in HbA1c and medication, and pharmacist activity. Interviews with seven patients, five pharmacists and four practice nurses were analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The evaluation included 26 people with an average baseline HbA1c of 97.6 mmol/mol (range 69-136 mmol/mol), of whom 84.6% were Māori or Pacific peoples. HbA1c reduced by an average 25.2 mmol/mol; 20.7 mmol/mol for Māori and Pacific peoples. HbA1c reduced by ≥5 mmol/mol in 84.6% of service users, and 81.8% of Māori and Pacific peoples. HbA1c reductions were sustained an average 7.5 months after programme completion. Pharmacists tailored their actions to the individual. The programme was highly acceptable to patients, pharmacists and nurses, with generally good communication and trust between them. Understanding about diabetes and medication, and medication adherence improved. New, effective medicines and insulin were often introduced. Some participants described increased blood glucose testing and lifestyle changes. Diabetes distress and denial, goal setting, client understanding of HbA1c and dropouts need further attention. COVID-19, staffing changes and staff shortages impacted enrolments. Pharmacist mentoring may help enrolments.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A collaborative pharmacy-general practice model has potential to improve HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes through relatively simple interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"36-44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145401359","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":"Providing over-the-counter vaginal oestrogen in New Zealand: a cross-sectional study of pharmacists' views.","authors":"Tylah Maniapoto, Amber Young, Alesha Smith","doi":"10.1071/HC25065","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM) affect a large proportion of women and can worsen over time if left untreated. In New Zealand, effective treatment with low-dose vaginal oestrogen is available only by prescription, limiting timely access. Internationally, such treatments have been reclassified for supply by pharmacists, but there are no studies examining New Zealand pharmacists' perspectives on this.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine pharmacists' confidence in treating GSM and their perspectives on supplying an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal oestrogen.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was distributed by the research team to 2762 registered pharmacists. The survey explored confidence in GSM management, opinions on OTC vaginal oestrogen supply, perceptions of patient preferences, and barriers and facilitators to service delivery. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and open-ended responses were reviewed using descriptive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 299 pharmacists responded (response rate 10.8%). While only 46.8% felt confident in recommending currently available OTC products for GSM, 61.2% reported they would be confident supplying low-dose vaginal oestrogen OTC. Pharmacists believed that supplying OTC oestrogen would improve accessibility, reduce the burden on general practice, and support patient-centred care. Key barriers included cost to patients, lack of specific knowledge of GSM, and limited time or resources in the pharmacy setting.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Pharmacists in New Zealand support expanding their role to supply low-dose OTC vaginal oestrogen for GSM, provided that appropriate tools and training are implemented. This service could improve access, address health disparities, and significantly enhance menopause care in New Zealand.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"45-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355147","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":"Smarter referrals: why AI-assisted triage should begin in primary care.","authors":"Steven Lillis, Vithya Yogarajan","doi":"10.1071/HC25087","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25087","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"89-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355216","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}
Sarah Beck, Vinesh Nair, Ibrahim Al-Busaidi, Chris Frampton, Helen Lunt
{"title":"Comparison of diabetes-related antibody requesting patterns in primary and secondary care in Aotearoa New Zealand: findings from a regional laboratory audit.","authors":"Sarah Beck, Vinesh Nair, Ibrahim Al-Busaidi, Chris Frampton, Helen Lunt","doi":"10.1071/HC25216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC25216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Making the correct diagnosis of diabetes type determines the patient's clinical management pathway. Diabetes-related antibodies are useful diagnostic tests, as they are typically present in Type 1 diabetes but absent in other forms. This study aimed to determine where these laboratory antibody tests were ordered (eg, primary care vs secondary care) and to describe the positivity rates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective clinical audit was conducted over 2 years (January 2023 to December 2024) in the Canterbury region of Aotearoa New Zealand. The audit included all laboratory requests for glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65), insulinoma antigen 2 (IA2), and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) antibodies submitted through Canterbury Health Laboratories. Unique patients were identified through their National Health Index number.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1505 tests were requested on 813 unique patients. Although most test requests for children and young adults were initiated by secondary care, overall, most requests came from primary care. In older patients aged 35+ years, the percentage positivity was broadly similar between primary and secondary care: primary care tested 361 patients and 17% were positive; secondary care tested 187 patients and 21% were positive.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Most diabetes-related antibody tests were ordered by primary care, and New Zealand testing guidance should reflect this primary care perspective. This shift in testing patterns towards primary care supports the need for updated clinical guidelines that reflect the diagnostic responsibilities now assumed by general practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147512850","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":"Light in the darkness - accessibility to palliative care for cancer patients of Chinese background and their families.","authors":"Chi Eung Danforn Lim, Carmen Sanchez, Hui Chen","doi":"10.1071/HC24112","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Palliative care addresses the comprehensive needs of advanced-stage cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life. However, due to cultural and linguistic differences, Chinese Australians encounter substantial barriers to accessing these services.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the barriers preventing Chinese Australians from accessing palliative care services.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Surveys and interviews were conducted with Chinese Australian cancer patients and their caregivers to assess their awareness, understanding, and challenges related to palliative care.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 136 surveyed and eight interviewed participants, a significant lack of awareness and numerous misconceptions about palliative care were evident, with language as the primary barrier despite strong interest in such services.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The results indicate a need to improve the awareness and accessibility of palliative care for the Chinese Australian community. Local health authorities and medical associations should collaborate in developing and disseminating culturally and linguistically appropriate information to increase service uptake among ethnic groups in Australia.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"4-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355268","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}
E C Griffiths, S M Hanning, S S Thakur, D A Gargiulo
{"title":"A survey of prefilled, bolus-dose syringes containing single medications compounded in community pharmacies for palliative care patients in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.","authors":"E C Griffiths, S M Hanning, S S Thakur, D A Gargiulo","doi":"10.1071/HC25022","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In Aotearoa New Zealand, prefilled syringes for patients receiving palliative care in the community can be prepared (compounded) by certain pharmacies. Currently, there is limited information regarding the scope of compounding these prefilled syringes.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aimed to explore the range of subcutaneous bolus-dose medications and the compounding processes used in community pharmacies in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland when preparing prefilled syringes used for anticipatory needs in patients receiving palliative care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convenience sample of community pharmacies contracted to prepare prefilled syringes was invited to complete an online survey. Information was requested on the medications compounded for bolus-dose syringes over the previous 6-month period, including what medications and facilities were used, how expiration dates were determined, and the time spent preparing these syringes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data were requested on compounding between 1 September 2022 and 28 February 2023 with complete responses received from 8 of the 40 pharmacies invited to participate. The top four medications compounded, in rank order, were midazolam, oxycodone, haloperidol, and morphine sulfate. All eight pharmacies compounded syringes in a still air box, and 'published guidance' was the most common source of expiration dates. Most respondents each reported spending 5-10 h per week preparing the compounded products.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Community pharmacies in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland compounded a range of medications as bolus-dose prefilled syringes for patients receiving palliative care. These results will inform future planned studies on the stability and sterility of these syringes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"66-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355296","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}
Kylie Vuong, Frances Barraclough, Mina Bakhit, Parker Magin, Catherine Stephen
{"title":"Interprofessional collaboration in general practice.","authors":"Kylie Vuong, Frances Barraclough, Mina Bakhit, Parker Magin, Catherine Stephen","doi":"10.1071/HC24160","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC24160","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"86-88"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355228","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}
Susan Platt, Shelaine Zambas, Deb Spence, Catherine Cook
{"title":"Primary health care nurses and their suspicion of child abuse: the importance of relationship-building with families and interdisciplinary networks.","authors":"Susan Platt, Shelaine Zambas, Deb Spence, Catherine Cook","doi":"10.1071/HC25016","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There is a knowledge gap around the experiences of New Zealand (NZ) primary health care (PHC) registered nurses and nurse practitioners when working with children whom they suspect are being abused or neglected.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore what PHC nurses experience when building and nurturing family and interdisciplinary relationships amidst a suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using contacts and snowballing to recruit participants, 13 PHC nurses working in the Auckland region were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Gadamerian hermeneutics guided the analysis, with other philosophers drawn on to deepen the analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Relationship building is precarious due to trust issues, tensions around reporting, and complex power relations. Nurses are central to coordinating interprofessional care.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Building relationships with families, children, and colleagues is fundamental to child protection. It is only by knowing what building and nurturing relationships is like amidst suspicion of child abuse or neglect that those whom nurses work with can understand what this work is like.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"53-58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355209","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}