The aim of a Joint Formulary is to promote safe, effective, and economic prescribing in both primary and secondary care. The medicines included provide appropriate treatment for the vast majority of patients. All drugs listed have been approved for uses and routinely stocked in pharmacies. The Joint Formulary provides all prescribers with guidance on first choice drugs. In turn, this will achieve two objectives. Firstly as a selective list this will lead to greater familiarity with a limited range of medicines and thus help to reduce prescribing errors. Secondly, with agreement across the interface between primary and secondary care, the Formulary will promote a seamless approach to prescribing which will benefit all patients who require medicines.  

The Joint Formulary recognises the needs of primary and secondary and the impact that drug choice in one sector can have on the other. In compiling and amending the formulary consultation is undertaken in primary care with GPs and other relevant healthcare professionals and in secondary care with the relevant specialists. The formulary is updated by a rolling programme of consultations on each chapter.  Where national guidance such as that issued by NICE exists this is taken into account. Additionally, some of the formularies include advisory statements issued by the Effective Practice Committee in NHS Devon.  

The formulary seeks to include drugs which will, on average, satisfy the prescribing requirements to 80% of each practitioners needs. There is recognition that there will be instances where prescribing outside of the formulary will be both necessary and appropriate. It is not a restrictive list but is a recommended list dawn up after widespread consultation amongst prescribers locally and the backing of the NHS trust involved. In compiling the formulary consideration is given to aspects of effectiveness, safety, appropriateness and cost effectiveness.

Click the links below for the Joint Formulary you require:

• Exeter and Eastern Devon Joint Formulary - February 2012 
• South Devon Joint Formulary
• North Devon Joint Formulary 
• Plymouth Joint Formulary 
• NHS Devon Wound Management, Dressings, Continence and Stoma Care Formulary