The budget 24/25 and spend information pages within the DiiS can be used to identify potential savings opportunities and to track progress against the financial indicators.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Audit CGM prescribing using the search provided to ensure it is in keeping with the current Commissioning Statement on the Dorset Formulary homepage: if not, refer the prescription request back to original prescribing team.

CGM technologies have been appraised by NICE and funded by NHS Dorset based on its published policy. Prescribing outside of this policy is not commissioned and people will need to self-fund or meet the requirements of an individual funding request. 

Review the people identified in the provided search in SystmOne and complete the automated SystmOne CGM phase 2 template to record where any people qualify for CGM but are incorrectly coded. 

Refer inappropriate CGM prescription requests using ‘declined prescribing request form’ the CGM prescription request to ensure CGM devices are prescribed in line with NG28 at their next diabetes review. 

Dorset Formulary CGM Sub Section – includes Commissioning Statement and other supporting documents

SystmOne searches: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F6 CGM outside commissioning policy.

Accessing the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) SystmOne Protocol

Automated SystmOne Template ‘CGM NHS Dorset phase 2’.

Template letter to hospital to decline prescribing

Template patient letter – CGM

For queries for complex questions, send to medicine.question@nhsdorset.nhs.uk

GLP-1 Agonists

The GLP-1 RA shortage is becoming more pressing and in Dorset we currently prescribe 30% more of these agents than other systems in our region. Tackling this shortage in a structured way will not only reduce the impact on patients who continue to need these treatments but will also help meet CCLIP targets for 23/24.

Further information is available on the Dorset Formulary.

Glucagon-like peptide – 1 agonists (GLP-1)

  • Implement the prescribing elements of NICE Guideline NG28 (March 2022)
  • Prescribe GLP-1s as per NICE guidance NG28 and review effectiveness of currently prescribed GLP-1 therapy as part of individualised care in type 2 diabetes

A Dorset audit of general practice GLP-1 prescribing shows that NG28 is not routinely followed at initiation or at 6 monthly review.

This work will support management of the national shortage of GLP-1 agents, expected to last into 2024.

As a system we aim to save over £400,000 by adopting these changes.

Work with diabetes leads in practices and PCNs to identify people in CCLIP searches published in SystmOne to ensure a GLP-1 medicines are prescribed in line with NG28 at their next diabetes review. 

Insulin pen needles (>£5)

Cease prescribing of insulin pen needles with a cost greater than £5 per 100 needles and replace with a suitable formulary option. 

Only issue safety pen needles to patients who require healthcare professional assistance to administer insulin. 

NHS England guidance states: “prescribers in primary care should not initiate insulin pen needles that cost >£5 per 100 needles for any diabetes patient.”  

As a system we aim to save over £14,000 by adopting these changes. 

Use the SystmOne searches provided to identify patients receiving high-cost needles and amend the product supplied.  

Communicate the changes to patients involved. 

SystmOne search: Dorset SystmOne GPs/PQS Finance 24 25/F3 Low Clinical Value

Template patient text message:

“NHS Dorset has asked all GP teams to review prescribing of insulin pen needles in line with expert guidance. You may notice a change in the needles we prescribe (they may be made by a different manufacturer), however there is no change in how they are used and you should not notice any difference between these and your previous needles. These products are clinically interchangeable but help the NHS budget to go further. Each needle should only be used once. Please do not re-use needles. 

We plan to introduce this change with your next prescription. Please finish your current pen needles before starting your new ones.”  

Template patient letter

Patient information leaflet

Dorset Formulary – insulin pen needles