The numbers matter — but capability coverage matters more.
National Baseline Expectations
Clinical case reviews: Minimum 36 per year. Some deaneries require more. These should span a range of clinical presentations demonstrating breadth across the RCGP curriculum.
WPBAs: COTs — typically 6-12 per year, varies by deanery and training stage (more in ST1, potentially fewer in ST3). CBDs — typically 6 per year. MSF — usually once per training year. PSQ — usually once in ST3.
OOH sessions: 12 total across training. Can have 2 remaining at final ARCP if booked and evidenced.
PDP: Updated at least every 6 months with SMART entries linked to identified learning needs.
SEAs: No fixed national minimum, but panels expect regular entries. At least 2-3 per year recommended.
Safeguarding: Adult and child safeguarding training evidence per intercollegiate requirements. Check your deanery — requirements update periodically.
Quality vs Quantity
50 weak entries are worse than 40 strong ones. Panels assess progression and depth — not just counts. 36 clinical case reviews that all demonstrate the same 3 capabilities leave 10 capabilities uncovered. Diverse entries across different clinical presentations, log types, and capability links demonstrate the breadth panels require.
Deanery Variation
Requirements differ between deaneries. The numbers above are national guidance — your specific deanery may require more COTs, different OOH documentation, or additional evidence types. Check your deanery's ARCP guidance document early in each training year.
Buffer
Aim for 20% above minimums. Life happens — entries get rejected by your ES, clinical placements change, illness disrupts your schedule. A buffer prevents last-minute panic.
Where iatroX Fits
iatroX helps with the quality side — adaptive quiz data identifies genuine learning needs for PDP entries, clinical Q&A sessions generate substantive reflection material, and CPD completions diversify your evidence types beyond clinical case reviews.