The process
- Agree the date: your trainer chooses a date and you work backwards from it to your last 50 prescription items (acute and repeat). You should not know the date in advance or choose the items.
- Agree definitions of an error or a suboptimal prescription before you start.
- Review all 50 using the RCGP spreadsheet: indication, choice, dose, interactions, monitoring, documentation, patient information, legal requirements.
- Trainer review: your trainer (or a practice pharmacist on their behalf) reviews at least 20 items, including some you judged error-free, and compares findings.
- Reflection form: complete it, attach the spreadsheet and discuss with your trainer.
- Grade using the RCGP descriptors. If steps are missed it must be repeated; if you did not review 50 items you cannot be graded as safe.
- PDP: turn themes into objectives (for example monitoring of high-risk drugs, documenting the indication).
The numbers by year
| Requirement | ST1 | ST2 | ST3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescribing assessment | Not required | Not required | 1 per year |
Full time, per training year unless stated. Less than full time: per-year totals stay the same and each 6-month review needs a pro rata share; 6-monthly ESRs and 12-monthly certificates are not pro rata. Check with your deanery and educational supervisor.
Notes on these numbers
- Prescribing assessment, LTFT: Once in ST3 training year.
How to do it well
- Start early in ST3 so a repeat, if needed, still fits.
- Be honest: finding your own errors is the point and shows insight.
- Follow up with a prescribing CAT or CCR.
- The helper below never asks for patient details: item number, type, drug class and finding only.
Free and private: everything stays in this browser. Do not enter patient-identifiable information.
Common ARCP pitfalls
- Choosing the 50 yourself.
- Leaving it until the last months of ST3.
- A trainer sample that only includes items you flagged.
- No PDP actions.