Does this dataset and SCMD capture some of the same dispensing? i.e. we should account for overlap.

Or are they completely different and we should add both together to get a complete picture

Hi Brian

The Hospital Prescribing Dispensed in the Community data only includes items prescribed by NHS Hospital Trust Units which have been dispensed in the community and doesn't include any items dispensed in a hospital setting. Secondary care medicines data (SCMD) contains processed pharmacy stock control data and doesn't include any data for items dispensed in the community.

Therefore they can been seen as distinct/different. The NHSBSA offical statistics team produce Prescribing Costs in Hospitals and the Community – England stat and have have methodology of how they use the Secondary and Primary Care datasets together https://nhsbsa-opendata.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/pchc/pchc_2022_background_information_methodology_v001.html

That's very clear and helpful!

Thank you