Shared Care Classifications

The shared care classifications used across the formulary.

• All settingsSuitable for initiation, ongoing prescribing, and discontinuation in all settings. These are established therapies without the need for specialist input.
• Specialist adviceMedicines usually prescribed in primary care where prior advice or recommendation from a specialist is required before initiation. Following specialist advice, prescribing and monitoring are undertaken in primary care without the need for ongoing specialist involvement.
• Specialist initiationMedicines that must be initiated and stabilised by a specialist. Once stabilised, prescribing and monitoring can be undertaken in primary care, where this can be safely delivered without structured ongoing specialist involvement.
• Shared CareMedicines initiated within specialist care and delivered across settings as part of a Shared Care Protocol Prescribing and monitoring may occur in primary care; however, safe use depends on: • coordinated care across providers • agreed protocols and roles • ongoing specialist input • and clear shared clinical accountability across the pathway These medicines are typically associated with complex monitoring, higher-risk profiles and require a Shared Care Protocol.
• Specialist onlyMedicines that must be initiated, prescribed, and monitored exclusively by a specialist service, regardless of setting. Primary care should not initiate or continue prescribing outside of that specialist service.
• Self careNot routinely prescribed unless as part of care for a long term condition. People should be supported to manage through self-care, including community pharmacy.