best practice:- Contents

Issue 1 October 2006

Welcome to the first issue of the ‘best practice’ journal
Surveys of GPs, Pharmacists and Practice nurses over the last year have revealed a high level of satisfaction with the bpac pharmaceutical programmes. The results show bpac^nz has established itself as one of primary care’s most used and trusted sources of clinical information.
We also received plenty of suggestions for improvement. Many of these focussed on the volume of material being sent and a desire for bpac to cover a wider range of prescribing issues, particularly topical issues.
The ‘best practice’ journal is our response to your suggestions. We have packaged together all the usual bpac fare with which you are familiar including POEMs, bandolier, ETC and prescribing feedback. However the articles now cover a range of topics along with correspondence, commentary on topical issues and contributions from other medical organisations.

Depression	Select
key messages on the use of antidepressants Venlafaxine: how and when to use Antidepressants for elderly people Antidepressants in pregnancy and breastfeeding Suicide and Antidepressants References
COPD	Select
key messages Tiotropium is an effective option Long acting beta agonists (LABA) Inhaled Corticosteroids Exercise Should an anticholinergic be the bronchodilator of choice in patients with COPD?
NSAIDs and Coxibs	Select
Cardiovascular risk associated with NSAIDs and coxibs latest studies low-dose aspirin heart failure relative safety current advice NSAIDs in the treatment of soft tissue injuries
Essentials	Select
"What is Māori Patient-Centred Medicine for Pakeha GPs?" Risks of polypharmacy increased at the primary-secondary interface Pharmacogenetics in the treatment of depression Dear Dave Answers to practiclal questions recieved by bpac Correspondence 10 minute audit