Summary: What is a Shared Care Agreement and what to consider when making one.
Who’s it for: GPs & Pharmacists
What is a shared care agreement (SCA)?
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a formal agreement between one of our GPs and a specialist at a local hospital to supply and monitor specialist medications.
SCAs are formed when the medication is suitable, the condition is stable, and when it is in the patient’s best interest with their consent.
- The patient is not discharged from the specialist, and care is instead shared, with the agreement stating what is expected of us.
- We are responsible for checking the agreement, accepting prescribing & monitoring instructions, and for reporting any side effects to the specialist.
- Medication is initiated, and stabilised before care is shared.
- We are unable to change doses or medications, and should speak to the specialist instead.
- Shared care doesn’t exist between us and a private provider, unless the patient is being cared for on behalf of the NHS (such as through ‘Right to Choose’).
- However, we may decide to have a similar arrangement with a private provider, such as for Gender or ADHD care (See Prescribing Policies).
- Only AMBER 3 medications (on the SEL formulary), with a locally agreed SCA template can be offered using a SCA.
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Considerations before agreeing to a SCA
The GP will take legal responsibility for the prescription, and so an informed decision must be made
- Is the patient’s condition predictable or stable?
- Do you have the relevant knowledge, skills and access to equipment to allow you to monitor treatment as indicated in this shared care prescribing guideline?
- Have you been provided with relevant clinical details including monitoring data?
SCA Templates
SCA templates are provided by the SEL IMOC and can be accessed here