Home > Review Articles > Healthcare policy > Widening access to isotretinoin in primary care

Widening access to isotretinoin in primary care

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 114
Authors:
  • Moodie P et al.
Summary:

Expanding the prescriber cohort for isotretinoin in New Zealand has resulted in a substantial increase in prescriptions for acne, and partially reduced ethnic disparities, according to evaluation of national dispensing data from 2008 to 2023. Almost 100% (26,897) of isotretinoin prescriptions in 2008 were written by a dermatologist, while in 2023, 79% (39,432) were written by primary care clinicians. The number of prescriptions per year increased by 87% from 2008 to 2023, from 26,897 to 50,613. Among Māori, isotretinoin prescriptions increased from 1750 in 2008 to 4374 in 2023, and similar increases were noted for other ethnic minorities.

Comment:
Great example of how a structured/planned approach to devolving care to primary health specialists can not only reduce burden on the hospitals but has the potential to contribute to equitable access and outcomes.
Reference: BMJ Open. 2025;15(1):e093572.
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

Cultural safety and equity in surgical pathways for New Zealand Māori
Cultural safety and equity in surgical pathways for New Zealand Māori

An integrative literature review has highlighted the need for system-level transformation to embed cultural safety

Find out more
Enacting policy: mapping Kaupapa Māori aspirations onto the New Zealand Eating Issues and Eating Disorders Strategy
Enacting policy: mapping Kaupapa Māori aspirations onto the New Zealand Eating Issues and Eating Disorders Strategy

Achieving health equity for Māori experiencing ngā māuiui kai (eating disorders) depends on sustained resourcing

Find out more
The KiwiDiab first national paediatric diabetes benchmarking audit: A report on children and adolescents with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023
The KiwiDiab first national paediatric diabetes benchmarking audit: A report on children and adolescents with diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand 2023

Differences in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) according to ethnic group are apparent in New Zealand children

Find out more
View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.