Website intended for a New Zealand health professional readership
The world is rapidly changing, as is the practice of healthcare within it. Primary care has adapted to recent challenges but must be ready to face the next ones. In this four-part series, Jo Scott-Jones provides resources around equity, planetary health, continuity of care and technology, with the caveats of funding, workforce and workload – essentially, a toolkit to help you plan for the year ahead. Part 2 looks at planetary health; check back tomorrow for part 3
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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1. Ministry of Social Development. The Social Report 2016 – Te pūrongo oranga tangata. Economic standard of living: Income inequality.
2. NIWA. Climate change and possible impacts for New Zealand.
3. Betty B, Scott-Jones J, Toop L. State of general practice in New Zealand. N Z Med J 2023;136(1582):8–10.
4. United Nations. Hottest July ever signals ‘era of global boiling has arrived’ says UN chief. 27 July 2023.
5. World Health Organization. Climate Change. 12 October 2023.
6. Smith L. The nexus between climate change and healthcare. The Health Policy Partnership, 19 January 2022.
7. Coffey D, Wright S, Chauhan AS. Prescribing a healthy planet: The vital link between climate, healthcare, and empowering medical students for change in Aotearoa. N Z Med Stud J 2023;36:7–10.
8. Huffman P, Hough E. A Hidden Contributor to Climate Change – Asthma Inhalers. The Commonwealth Fund, 16 May 2023.
9. WONCA. WONCA five-star doctors.
10. WHO. Climate Change and Health.
Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
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