Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Template (SoECAT) & Excess Treatment Costs (ETCs)

What is a SoECAT?

The Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Template (SoECAT) captures and calculates the different activities and related costs associated with clinical research in a standardised and consistent way.
From 1 October 2018, all researchers applying for research grants need to complete a SoECAT as part of the grant application process. This allows funders to receive reassurance that the site level activities within the study have been attributed correctly in line with DHSC AcoRD Guidance.

The AcoRD guidance provides a framework for the NHS and its partners to identify, recover and attribute the costs of health and social care R&D (AcoRD), in a transparent, and consistent way.

It makes clear the distinction between the three costs:

• Research costs
• NHS support costs
• Treatment costs

What are the benefits of a SoECAT?

The SoECAT allows easier access to ETCs in England. The SoECAT has a positive impact for researchers by ensuring a consistent approach in applying DHSC AcoRD across the UK. As part of the HRA Approvals process a SoECAT can be submitted instead of a Schedule of Events. The completion of a SoECAT replaces the need for submitting separate applications for site level ETCs.

Who needs to complete a SoECAT?

You! If:

● You are the lead applicant for the research and applying for NIHR or Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) funding schemes that opened after 1 October 2018
● You are completing a single stage application issued after 1 October 2018 or a second and final stage of an application where the invitation is issued after 1 October 2018 (the call for the first stage application may have been issued prior to 1 October 2018)
● You want your study to be considered for eligibility for the NIHR Portfolio to enable access to the support this provides
● You have updates to make to the SoECAT after funding is confirmed. In addition to this, the SoECAT will require to undergo a triage process if there are ETCs to confirm the commissioning arrangements with NHSE before HRA Approval

SoECAT Key Points

● A SoECAT is the only way to confirm ETCs (no SoECAT equates to no ETCs)
● The SoECAT is an attribution tool not a costing tool
● The SoECAT replaces the SoE
● The only figure used in the SoECAT is the ETC per patient figure (ETC saving not recorded)
● Organisations are expected to accept the ETC value
● R&D departments will be required to manage ETCs at a Portfolio level and not per study
● The completion and accuracy of the SoECAT is a sponsor responsibility

SoECAT Top Tips

● Ensure early communication with the Lead R&D department
● Highlight non tariff activities for advice on costs from R&D
● Ensure sufficient time frames with the CI and R&D department
● Ensure sufficient time for an AcoRD Specialist to review and validate
● Ensure CI involved and has input to clarify activities undertaken for study and at site level
● Encourage good communication between teams
● Confirm standard of care

Role of AcoRD Specialist

● Ensure all site level activities have been captured accurately in the SoECAT
● Check the attribution of activities are correct and seek clarification from the
research team when required
● Authorise the SoECAT
● Validation 1 - pre-funding
● Validation 2 - post award and to facilitate the triage process
● Amendments

What support is available to help me complete the SoECAT and apply for ETCs?

● Study specific advice and support from an AcoRD Specialist and to authorise your SoECAT
● Information on SoECAT clinics with AcoRD Specialists for general or study specific advice
● Access to Cost Attribution and SoECAT training sessions
● General information on the process and to access the current SoECAT: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/researchers/ collaborations-services-and-support-for- your-research/run-your-study/excess- treatment-costs.htm

Contact us

studysupport.crnwestmidlands@nihr.ac.uk

studysupportpc.crnwestmidlands@nihr.ac.uk

Tel: 0121 371 8558