Continued mitigation needed to minimise the high health burden from COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this article we review the COVID-19 pandemic experience in Aotearoa New Zealand and consider the optimal ongoing response strategy. We note that this pandemic virus looks likely to result in future waves of infection that diminish in size over time, depending on such factors as viral evolution and population immunity. However, the burden of disease remains high with thousands of infections, hundreds of hospitalisations and tens of deaths each week, and an unknown burden of long-term illness (long COVID).

The concentration of complexity: case mix in New Zealand general practice and the sustainability of primary care.

Introduction New Zealand general practice and primary care is currently facing significant challenges and opportunities following the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the introduction of health sector reform. For future sustainability, it is important to understand the workload associated with differing levels of patient case mix seen in general practice. Aim To assess levels of morbidity and concomitant levels of socio-economic deprivation among primary care practices within a large primary health organisation (PHO) and associated Māori provider network.

Developing a national primary care research network: a qualitative study of stakeholder views.

Introduction Primary care research is critical to address Aotearoa New Zealand's (NZ) health sector challenges. These include health inequities, workforce issues and the need for evaluation of health system changes. Internationally, primary care data are routinely collected and used to understand these issues by primary care research and surveillance networks (PCRN).

Dispensing patterns for antidiabetic agents in New Zealand: are the guidelines being followed?

Aims: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant public health issue in New Zealand. Effective management and glycaemic control is critical for reducing diabetes-related complications. Treatment guidelines are well established in New Zealand.

Practical Guidance on the Use of Premix Insulin Analogs in Initiating, Intensifying, or Switching Insulin Regimens in Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction: Premix insulin analogs are a well-established treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is a lack of simple, clear guidance on some aspects of their use. These include choosing a regimen for insulin initiation, recognizing when patients need intensification of therapy, and switching from basal-bolus to a premix insulin analog when appropriate.