Evidence divorced from policy: Research should be powering action on non-communicable diseases

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Evidence divorced from policy: Research should be powering action on non-communicable diseases

21 June 2023

By Jim Mann

Wednesday 21 June 2023, 12:20 AM

Researchers are often finding it difficult to bring relevant research to the attention of policy makers [Image: Healthier Lives National Science Challenge, CC BY-SA]

New Zealand’s evidence-based response to COVID has saved lives – but we could do better when it comes to other major diseases, writes Jim Mann

In a nutshell, Better use of research evidence could save lives and healthcare dollars, as shown in The Economic and Social Cost of Type 2 Diabetes in 2021. New Ze, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

1. Baker M, Kvaslvig A, Harwood M. It’s been 3 years since COVID entered New Zealand – here are 3 ways to improve our response. The Briefing. Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa, online 27 February.

2. Cause of death, by non-communicable diseases (% of total), New Zealand. Data; The World Bank, online (no date).

How to Treat

+How to treat

Heart failure

Pharmacist prescribers Linda Bryant and Leanne Te Karu discuss positive polypharmacy for heart failure. Current evidence shows the intensive implementation of four medications offers the greatest benefit to most patients with heart failure, with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalisations and all-cause mortality

Wednesday 29 January 2025, 12:45 AM