GLP-1 Clinical Guidelines (NICE, MHRA, Manufacturer)

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide are powerful but complex medicines.

Their safe use requires clear clinical oversight, coordinated communication, and structured follow-up.

Medicspot’s shared care model connects private and NHS services so that every prescribing decision is clinically justified and properly documented.

Shared care is a collaborative approach where prescribing and monitoring responsibilities are divided between different healthcare professionals. This ensures that patients moving between services — for example, from private to NHS care or between clinics — remain safely supported with consistent treatment plans.

Medicspot’s model mirrors NHS shared care protocols, providing transparency and continuity whether the patient is newly starting GLP-1 therapy or transferring ongoing care.

1. Referral into Medicspot Weight Management Service

Patients may be referred by:

• NHS GPs seeking structured weight management support for patients not eligible for NHS weight management services for medicated support.
• Self-referral through Medicspot’s online assessment form

Every referral triggers a full clinical assessment, including medical history, BMI confirmation, and review of contraindications before prescribing.

2. Internal Multidisciplinary Pathway

Once accepted, patients are managed through a multidisciplinary framework involving:

• Prescribers: Clinicians specialising in GLP-1 prescribing and follow-up
• Pharmacists: Responsible for safe dispensing and medicine counselling
• Health coaches: Deliver behavioural and nutritional support

This integrated model mirrors NICE guidance for specialist weight management services.

3. Communication Back to NHS Services

Medicspot maintains full transparency with NHS colleagues. Relevant details are shared with their NHS GP via secure messaging or Summary Care Record updates, including:

• Initiation of GLP-1 therapy and medication details
• Monitoring and follow-up outcomes
• Any significant side effects or discontinuation events

This ensures that NHS clinicians remain informed of their patient’s care and can update records accordingly.

• Continuity: Clinicians coordinate across systems to prevent gaps in care.
• Safety: All prescribing decisions are logged and auditable.
• Communication: NHS records remain up to date through SCR integration.
• Confidence: Patients can move between providers without losing clinical oversight.

Medicspot’s systems are designed to support these principles, combining private innovation with NHS-aligned governance.

Shared care and referral pathways are central to safe, transparent GLP-1 prescribing. Medicspot’s model ensures every patient has a coordinated clinical journey from assessment to aftercare, with full communication between prescribers, pharmacists, coaches, and NHS professionals. This alignment with NICE and MHRA principles strengthens patient safety, continuity, and trust across the healthcare system.

You can complete an online health assessment if you would like to explore whether GLP-1 treatment may be clinically appropriate for you – start the assessment.

Dr Abby Hyams completed her medical training in Bristol and has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases, the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.