In February 2025, a research article was published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. The authors claim that the Lightning Process is an effective and harmless treatment for Long Covid.[i]
According to the authors, the article is a report from an audit of a clinical practice. I have notified the journal that this is not the case: Notification of error in Lightning Process article.
A few days ago, I discovered that the article is discussed on the New Zealand doctor platform:
It had a note that said: “This Practice article has been endorsed by the RNZCGP and has been approved for up to 0.5 credits for continuing professional development purposes …”.
So, I contacted RNZCGP; The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners by email. A few hours later I received the following response:
“Kia ora Nina,
Thank you for your patience while we investigated this matter.
Please note that the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 2025 is not affiliated with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College). We have, however, located the article in question on the NZ Doctor platform, which is one of our endorsed education providers.
That said, the Lightning Process is not a topic endorsed by the College, as it does not align with current NICE guidelines.
We have contacted NZ Doctor and requested that they remove any reference suggesting College endorsement and clearly state that this article is not endorsed by the College.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.”
.
The article is now updated. It has a note that says: «The RNZCGP does not endorse this content for continuing professional development purposes«.
If you live in New Zealand, and consider trying the Lightning Process; please read this: Quackery against ME/CFS in New Zealand.
Written by
Nina E. Steinkopf
Updated: 9th April 2025
[i] Arroll, Bruce; Moir, Fiona; Jenkins, Eloise; Menkes, David Benjamin. An audit of 12 cases of long COVID following the lightning process intervention examining benefits and harms. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 14(2):p 796-799, February 2025. | DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1049_24
MElivet 
Dear Nina, Thank you for posting this. Just to let you know I’ve contacted NZ Doctor, also about my Lightning Process concerns. They are currently preparing a response, and will likely publish my comment on the audit.
I’m a nurse practitioner working in New Zealand, and know that primary clinicians have already been misled by this audit, because I’ve been sent multiple links to the audit from well meaning nursing and medical colleagues, recommending I do LP. I have long covid.
LikerLiker