Top tips for compiling a satisfactory accuracy checking course portfolio

The NPA’s Learning and Development team has compiled the following top tips for students on its GPhC accredited Accuracy checking for dispensers course:

The accuracy checking course is a predominantly practical-based course where you are required to demonstrate your competency in accuracy checking. For this reason, consistency in checking prescriptions throughout your training is key. You can start the practical element after you have completed your reading and assignments.

Once you start logging your accuracy checking of dispensed items, ensure you continue logging consistently over a minimum of a three month period. For example, if you start logging your checking in March, then you should do this for the months of March, April and May. Effectively, you will then end up with logs for a 12 week period. This does not mean that you have to practice checking every day over the 12 weeks, although this would be beneficial. You should aim to at least practice checking on two to three days a week for 12 weeks.

Do not skip months, for example, start checking in March, then have a break from it until May/June and then recommence. If you have a break, you should recommence checking from the start. You should contact us if you would like advice on any breaks from checking, so that you are sure that you are following our recommendations, and avoid disappointment of a ‘not satisfactory’ portfolio outcome.

Before you send in your completed portfolio, use the checklist in your guide and refer to the below:

· Have you completed accuracy checking and logged this over three consecutive months (12 weeks)?

· Have you ensured that there were no significant gaps in your logs within this time period? If so – did you notify the NPA Member Services team and follow their advice?

· Have you accuracy checked at least 1000 items with no errors?

· If you made errors during your checking period, did you follow the guidance in the pack on what to do if you miss errors including possibly needing to check an additional number of items? Use page 2 of the Accuracy checking diary log to record errors you missed.

· Have you formally reviewed any error(s) that you failed to identify with your supervising pharmacist (SVP) in your appraisal and using the accuracy checking diary log, following guidance from the pack?

· Have you kept a running total of the number of items you have accuracy checked on your logs? For example, if your first page of logs came to 100 items and your second page to 200 items, the running total on page 2 would be 300. If you add it up this way, you will be able to keep track of how many items you have left until you reach 1000 items. If you do get to 1000 – DO NOT STOP, if you have not completed three months of checking.

· Have you included a good range of formulations that you have checked? (Modified-release, oral liquids, fridge lines etc.)

· Have you kept a running total for the errors that you identified when checking and described what proactive actions were taken to minimise the reoccurrence of the errors?

· Have you ensured that your diary log sheets have been signed by you and your SVP?

· Have you ensured that you will carry on logging your accuracy checking after you submit your portfolio in the run up to your final assessment? (As noted in the trainee pack). Remember this is a competency based course – the more practice the better. It is not something that can be ticked off and forgotten about. It will also maintain your competence in preparation for the test.

Assignments and reflective exercises

· Have you completed all the assignments, reflective exercises and practice-based activities and included these in your portfolio? Use the information in the pack and discuss with your SVP to help you understand and complete these exercises.

Appraisals

· Have you undergone monthly appraisals and addressed key competencies with your SVP and ensured that the forms have been signed and dated by you both, and included these in your portfolio? A minimum of 3 months should be completed, and you must ensure that all competencies should be met before your portfolio is submitted to the NPA.

Students and their supervisors are encouraged to refer to the NPA’s tutor and trainee packs for more detailed information.