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":1.1,"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":1.1,"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}
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":1.1,"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}
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}
{"title":"From general practice to primary health care: the importance of interprofessional collaborative practice.","authors":"Tim Stokes, Felicity Goodyear-Smith","doi":"10.1071/HC26062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/HC26062","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":"18 1","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147512852","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}
Sara Mustafa, Karis Gordon, Hamish Crocket, Keimarire Tibble-Brown, Shemana Cassim, Claire Cannon, Hilde Mullins, Donna Foxall, Rawiri Keenan, Ryan Paul, Lynne Chepulis
{"title":"'Piki te Ora', a qualitative exploratory study of a primary care-led, interprofessional team for supporting patients with type 2 diabetes in rural communities.","authors":"Sara Mustafa, Karis Gordon, Hamish Crocket, Keimarire Tibble-Brown, Shemana Cassim, Claire Cannon, Hilde Mullins, Donna Foxall, Rawiri Keenan, Ryan Paul, Lynne Chepulis","doi":"10.1071/HC25034","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition predominantly managed through primary care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Primary care initiatives are being increasingly established to provide culturally safe and interprofessional care to optimise disease management.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to qualitatively explore the 'Piki te Ora' (Ascending to Wellness) interprofessional primary care service of Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki (a Māori general practice network) for supporting whānau (family) with type 2 diabetes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews with patients with type 2 diabetes who were previously or currently enrolled in the Piki te Ora service between January 2021 and October 2023 were conducted between December 2023 and January 2024. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine participants were interviewed (six Māori and three NZ European; mean age 56 ± 16 years). Four overarching themes were identified: healthcare accessibility, care and support (manaakitanga), tailored holistic approach and patient empowerment. Most participants reported improved healthcare access through mobile clinics and telehealth, extended appointment times, approachable interactions with the Piki te Ora team, increased diabetes knowledge and management and a sense of empowerment from the staff. However, some participants were unaware of being enrolled in the Piki te Ora programme and found the written materials unclear, suggesting the need for clearer communication.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings highlight the value of culturally safe, accessible healthcare services like Piki te Ora, particularly in addressing healthcare barriers in rural New Zealand. Further studies are needed to identify strategies for overcoming existing barriers to access and engagement, particularly in enhancing health equity for Māori.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"59-65"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355052","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":"Are dementia services meeting the needs of Chinese New Zealanders? A qualitative study of Chinese general practitioners.","authors":"Hoi Kay Kwan, Gary Cheung","doi":"10.1071/HC25137","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There is limited literature on dementia care, support, or services within the New Zealand Chinese community, despite the Chinese community being one of the largest Asian ethnic groups in New Zealand.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore Chinese general practitioners' (GPs') perspectives on dementia services for the Chinese population in New Zealand; their perceived barriers and shortfalls, as well as improvement opportunities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study investigating the perspectives of Chinese GPs across metropolitan Auckland, New Zealand was performed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in 2024. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis of the interviews generated four main themes: (i) under-recognition of dementia and lack of dementia information; (ii) stigma and seeking help for dementia; (iii) lack of Chinese friendly dementia services, and (iv) support for dementia, with the overarching theme of language and cultural barriers.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>There are significant barriers to accessing dementia services for the Chinese population in New Zealand, rooted in language and cultural differences, low awareness, stigma, and systemic inefficiencies. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that includes culturally tailored services, public education, care coordination, and policy changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"21-27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145604687","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":"Is intermittent fasting an effective intervention for adults living with obesity?","authors":"Vanessa Jordan","doi":"10.1071/HC26061","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC26061","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"92-93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147486472","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}
Angela Ballantyne, Rochelle Style, Maria Stubbe, Samantha Murton, Tony Dowell
{"title":"Using AI scribes in New Zealand primary care consultations: an exploratory survey.","authors":"Angela Ballantyne, Rochelle Style, Maria Stubbe, Samantha Murton, Tony Dowell","doi":"10.1071/HC25079","DOIUrl":"10.1071/HC25079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>AI scribes have had a rapid uptake in primary care across New Zealand (NZ). The benefits of this new technology must be weighed against the potential risks they may pose.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study provides a snapshot of AI scribes use in primary care to generate clinical notes. We aimed to understand emerging provider experiences, identify perceived clinical benefits and concerns, and flag potential ethical and legal issues as a basis for future research and policy development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>GPs and health providers working in primary care across NZ were invited to participate in an anonymous survey about their experience with AI scribes (February-March 2024).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and ninety-seven respondents completed the survey, 88% (n = 164) of whom were GPs. Of these, 40% (n = 70) had experience with AI scribes. Reported benefits included: reduced multitasking (n = 46), saved time (n = 43), and improved rapport with patients (n = 43). Key concerns included: compliance with NZ legal and ethical frameworks (n = 108), data security (n = 98), errors or omissions (n = 93), and data leaving New Zealand (n = 91). Only 66% (n = 41) had read the terms and conditionss of the AI scribe tool, and 59% (n = 35) reported seeking patient consent. Most (80%, n = 50) found AI scribes helpful or very helpful, and 56% (n = 35) said the tool changed consultation dynamics.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>While there is strong uptake and enthusiasm for AI scribes in primary care in NZ, critical issues remain around legal and ethical oversight, patient consent, data security, and the broader impact on clinician-patient interactions. Health providers need clearer guidance and regulatory support for safe, ethical, and legal use of AI tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":16855,"journal":{"name":"Journal of primary health care","volume":" ","pages":"75-81"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145355152","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}