1. MRCGP Prescribing Assessment From August 2019
The short version!
Chris Hirst
May 2019

2. What’s Happening New assessment
To be completed in first half of GP ST3 year
Additional to other ST3 assessments but total number CbDs reduced to 10 from 12 in ST3 year
Formative tool, but mandatory to complete
Only fail pilot if not completed, no set standard required
When approved will form part of the data within the ePortfolio on which a summative judgment will be made of the trainees progression

3. Why? Prescribing errors found in 1/20 prescriptions
Prescribing integral part of GP work
To date not formally assessed
Agreed that trainees would benefit from support in prescribing

4. Process 1 Process is retrospective
CS identifies date (probably a couple of months into ST3)
Computer search pulls up last 60 prescriptions prior to that date
This goes into spreadsheet – there are tools on RCGP website
Trainee reviews prescriptions, looking at clinical records and fills in spreadsheet.
Any issues highlighted are identified and investigated by trainee

5. Process 2
CS then reviews at least 20 of these prescriptions including those where the trainee has identified no errors
Trainee writes up reflections in prescribing assessment log on e-portfolio. Can create PDPs from this
Trainee and CS review prescribing together in a tutorial
CS then completes prescribing form and makes assessment of trainees prescribing and any suggested PDPs
CS and trainee both complete on-line survey

6. Assessment of Prescribing
‘RIGHT Prescribing?’
Right drug?
Right dose?
Right Indication?
Right instructions?
Right Follow Up?
Look for good prescribing practice
Look for any error themes/patterns

7. Further Notes CS in this assessment could be Practice Pharmacist
Further Information