Your educational supervisor has said "the capability linking needs work" for the third time. You selected Capability 3 (Clinical Examination and Procedural Skills) for a case where you diagnosed depression via history alone. Your supervisor is right — it does not match.
The 13 Capabilities
The RCGP curriculum defines 13 professional capabilities. Every portfolio entry should link to 2-3 capabilities with descriptor-based justification. The capabilities span from clinical (data gathering, examination, management) through professional (communication, community orientation, maintaining performance) to meta-professional (professional values, maintaining an ethical approach).
How to Link Correctly
Step 1: Read the capability descriptors on the RCGP website. Each capability has detailed paragraphs describing what it looks like at different competence levels. These descriptors are your justification language.
Step 2: After writing your case review, ask: which capabilities did I actually demonstrate in this encounter? Not which capabilities are vaguely relevant — which ones did my actions specifically demonstrate?
Step 3: Write a justification that references descriptor language. Not "this demonstrates communication skills" but "this entry demonstrates Capability 5 (Relating to Others) as I explored the patient's understanding of their diagnosis, used patient-centred language to explain the management plan, and confirmed understanding before concluding the consultation — aligning with the descriptor 'demonstrates shared decision-making and empowers patients to manage their own health.'"
Common Errors
Linking to capabilities that do not match the entry content. Linking to too many capabilities (maximum 3 per entry). Generic justifications — "this shows good clinical skills." Not referencing descriptor language. Linking every entry to the same 3 capabilities and leaving 10 uncovered.
Strategy for Coverage
Use the FourteenFish training map monthly. Identify capabilities with insufficient evidence. Deliberately seek clinical encounters that demonstrate uncovered capabilities. Diversify your entry types — different log types naturally demonstrate different capabilities.
Where iatroX Fits
iatroX's CPD module maps learning activities to professional domains — providing a framework for thinking about which capabilities your learning evidence supports.