Most GP trainees revise by massed practice — doing 100 questions in a sitting, then moving to the next topic and never returning. The forgetting curve guarantees that most of what you learn this way is lost within weeks.
The Science
Ebbinghaus demonstrated that memory decays exponentially without reinforcement. The spacing effect shows that distributed practice (reviewing at increasing intervals) produces dramatically better long-term retention than massed practice. The testing effect shows that retrieving information strengthens memory more than re-reading it. Spaced repetition combines both — testing at optimal intervals.
Why It Matters for AKT
The AKT tests breadth across hundreds of clinical topics plus EBP and organisational domains. Without spaced repetition, topics you studied in week 1 are largely forgotten by week 12. The trainee who does 4,500 Passmedicine questions in order without revisiting early topics has effectively wasted the first 2,000 questions.
Tools with Built-In Spaced Repetition
iatroX adaptive quiz. Performance-based topic resurfacing — the engine tracks your accuracy per topic and automatically schedules weak areas for review at optimal intervals. The only free AKT tool with genuine adaptive scheduling.
Passmedicine Knowledge Tutor. Spaced repetition algorithm scheduling question reviews. Established and well-regarded.
Anki. Manual flashcard-based spaced repetition. Maximum control, maximum setup effort.
Tools Without Spaced Repetition
Pastest (excellent explanations, no adaptive scheduling). SCA Revision (case bank, not adaptive). i-Medics (static question bank). Geeky Medics (static bank). BMJ OnExamination (no SR feature).
How to Implement Manually
If your primary Q-bank lacks SR, schedule weekly revisits to previously completed topics. Set a calendar reminder: every Sunday, redo 20 questions from a topic you studied 2+ weeks ago. This approximates spaced repetition manually.
Where iatroX Fits
iatroX is built on spaced repetition principles — it tracks performance per topic and resurfaces weak areas at optimal intervals. Free, automatic, and the ideal daily supplement alongside any primary Q-bank.