The opioids domain of the Atlas of Healthcare Variation gives an overview on the dispensing of opioids in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement classes opioids as one of four groups of medicines (along with anticoagulants, insulin and sedatives) that can cause harm to patients, even when used as intended.
| Name | Description | Data sources | Responsible organisation(s) | Measure methodology last updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| People dispensed fentanyl for 6 or more weeks, rate per 1,000 | This indicator shows the number and rate per 1,000 of the PHO-enrolled population who had fentanyl dispensed to them by a community pharmacy for six or more weeks in a year (2019 to 2023). |
Pharmaceutical Collection (PHARMS), PHO Enrolment Collection | Health Quality & Safety Commission | Te Tāhū Hauora | November 2025 |
| People dispensed fentanyl one or more times in a year, rate per 1,000 | This indicator shows the number and rate per 1,000 of the PHO-enrolled population who had fentanyl dispensed to them by a community pharmacy, by year (2019 to 2023). |
Pharmaceutical Collection (PHARMS), Primary Health Organisation (PHO) Enrolment Collection | Health Quality & Safety Commission | Te Tāhū Hauora | 2018-2024 |