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If you’re a UK medical student, you’ll know that the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) exam is an important step on your journey towards becoming a qualified prescriber. You may also feel like it’s just another hurdle to overcome but, trust us, it’s more like a stepping stone on your way to becoming a safe and effective prescriber. 

So, why is the PSA exam so valuable for students like you? Let’s break it down.

 

1. Builds a Solid Foundation

First thing’s first, the PSA exam isn’t about making your life harder. It’s about laying down the groundwork for your future. Prescribing medications is a complex skill that involves a thorough understanding of pharmacology, patient care, and the healthcare system. It’s also often done under immense time pressure. So by preparing for and taking the PSA, you’re building a solid foundation in all these areas, ensuring you’re ready to face the challenges of real-world prescribing safely and effectively.

 

2. Enhances Patient Safety

At the heart of the PSA is patient safety. All over the world, avoidable medication errors are having real-life implications to patient safety. In the UK alone, for example, the cost of avoidable medication errors is around £98.5 million every year. 

The PSA exam’s structure focuses on assessing your ability to prescribe medications responsibly and accurately under time pressure, minimising the risk of errors that could lead to adverse drug reactions or complications. 

So, by mastering the principles tested in the PSA, you’re contributing to a safer clinical environment where patient well-being is the top priority.

 

3. Prepares You for Real-world Scenarios

The beauty of the PSA lies in its practicality. The exam scenarios are designed to mirror the challenges you’ll encounter in your medical career, from choosing the right medication for a patient with multiple health issues to adjusting dosages based on kidney function. This hands-on approach means that passing the PSA isn’t just about acing a test; it’s about being prepared for the challenges of day-to-day prescribing. 

 

4. Boosts Confidence

Let’s be honest, the idea of prescribing medication can be daunting for many students. However, passing the PSA is a significant confidence booster. It’s tangible proof that you have the knowledge and skills to make informed prescribing decisions. This confidence will carry through to your interactions with patients, colleagues, and mentors, setting you up for a successful career in medicine.

 

5. Provides a Stepping Stone for Further Learning

The learning doesn’t stop once you’ve passed the PSA. Instead, it’s just the beginning. The principles you’ve mastered will serve as a foundation for continuous learning and improvement in your prescribing practices. Medicine is always evolving, and the PSA equips you with the critical thinking skills needed to adapt and grow throughout your career.

 

What Next?

The PSA exam is more than just a requirement; it’s an opportunity. It’s your chance to demonstrate your commitment to patient safety, your readiness to tackle the complexities of prescribing, and your dedication to becoming the best medical professional you can be. 

So, embrace the challenge, dive into your exam preparation with enthusiasm, and remember, every step you take towards passing the PSA is a step towards a safer, more effective healthcare system. 

Whether you’re looking for free eLearning sessions, prescribing practice papers, or just a bit of encouragement and advice, we’re here to help you navigate the PSA with confidence. Good luck!

Preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a pivotal step in the journey of medical students and foundation doctors. Healthcare professionals must demonstrate proficiency in prescribing medications safely and effectively and making thorough preparation is essential for success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to master the PSA and excel on exam day.

Understanding the PSA

First and foremost, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the structure and content of the PSA. The exam assesses a wide range of prescribing skills, including, therapeutic principles, and clinical reasoning. By understanding the exam’s format and objectives, you can tailor your study approach accordingly. Take a look at some of our blog ‘PSA sections explained’ which go into more detail about the exam structure. 

Gathering Resources

Next, gather a variety of study materials to support your preparation. Utilise official PSA resources, such as practice papers, to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam. Additionally, consider supplemental resources such as online videos, forums and eLearning modules such as PSA Prep to deepen your understanding of prescribing principles.

Developing a Study Plan

With a wealth of resources at your disposal, it’s essential to develop a structured study plan to maximise your preparation time effectively. Allocate specific time slots for reviewing different topics, practising questions, and taking simulated exams to replicate the real-time pressures. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Practising Questions

Practice makes perfect when it comes to mastering the PSA! Dedicate ample time to practising exam-style questions and make good use of the freely available practice papers on the official PSA site. Analyse your responses carefully, identifying areas of weakness and addressing them through targeted review and practice.

Simulating Exam Conditions

As exam day approaches, it’s crucial to simulate real exam conditions to familiarise yourself with the pressure and time constraints you’ll face. Set aside time to complete full-length practice exams under timed conditions, replicating the experience of the actual PSA. This will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared for the rigours of the exam.

Seeking Support

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek support from peers, mentors, and educators as you prepare for the PSA. Collaborate with classmates to review challenging concepts, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and take advantage of any available support resources offered by your institution.

Mastering the PSA requires dedication, diligence, and strategic preparation. By following this comprehensive guide and implementing effective study strategies, you can confidently approach the exam and showcase your prescribing proficiency with success. Remember to stay focused, stay motivated, and believe in your ability to excel. Best of luck on your PSA journey!

You’ve tackled the PSA (Prescribing Safety Assessment) with determination and skill, but what happens next? Here’s a comprehensive guide to what awaits you after the exam.

1. When can I access my results? 

The first sitting of the year, usually conducted in February is the largest sitting of the year. For that reason and because all the exam questions are new, the results can take up to 3 and a half weeks to review and issue. 

The sittings after the February event usually have a shorter turnaround, with most receiving their results two weeks after their sitting. 

You can access your results via their official PSA account by navigating to the ‘my results’ tab. 

2. How will my results be displayed?

Upon accessing your results, you will receive a breakdown based on each question item style. This granular analysis offers invaluable insights into where you’ve performed best and the areas for improvement. 

3. How can I access my PSA Certificate? 

Successful candidates who pass the PSA will have the opportunity to download their PSA certificate through their account. It’s essential to store a copy on a personal device or email it to a personal account for safekeeping and future reference.

4. What happens if I don’t pass the PSA?

For those who haven’t passed, there’s no need to despair. You’ll have the chance to resit the PSA on a future sitting date, determined by your institution, offering a second opportunity to pass. Use this occasion to hone skills and strive for success. BPS Assessment offers a range of PSA resources which could help you on your second attempt. 

Navigating the post-PSA phase requires diligence and patience. Whether celebrating a triumph or preparing for a comeback, understanding the process can empower you on your prescribing journey. Keep pushing forward, stay focused, and remember, every experience is an opportunity to grow. Good Luck! 

Assessments play a crucial role in evaluating your knowledge and skills, especially in the medical field. At BPS Assessment, we understand the importance of creating high-quality assessments, which accurately assess the ability to prescribe medication safely and effectively. In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse of how our team of experts crafts our assessments so that you have the best prescribing resources available. 

Utilising Drug Bank Resources

The first step in crafting our assessments is to tap into the valuable resources available on the BPS Assessment platform, the Drug Bank. This comprehensive database provides our assessment writers with a wealth of information on medications, drug interactions, dosages, and more. Using the Drug Bank, our UK prescribing experts can create questions that accurately reflect the real-world scenarios you may encounter in your clinical practice.

Adhering to the PSA Blueprint

Each assessment question is created to adhere to the UK Prescribing Safety Assessment blueprint. This blueprint outlines the specific competencies and knowledge areas that are expected of foundation doctors and assesses 8 key areas. 

Our team ensures that every question we create closely adheres to these guidelines, covering a wide range of topics related to safe and effective prescribing; from prescription writing to drug monitoring and calculations. Each area is represented by an individual question item style in our assessments, highlighted in the graphic below: 

This alignment guarantees that your trainees are being assessed on the skills and knowledge that matter most in their future healthcare practice.

Peer Review for Quality Assurance

Quality is of paramount importance in assessment creation, which is why every question undergoes a rigorous peer review process. After our experts draft a question, it is carefully reviewed by a panel of experienced peers. This panel includes seasoned healthcare professionals and educators who possess a deep understanding of the PSA and its objectives. They assess each question for accuracy, relevance, and adherence to the PSA blueprint.

Author Revision and Finalisation

Based on the feedback from the peer review panel, the original author of the question revises it as necessary. This may involve refining the wording, adjusting the mark scheme, and enhancing the explanation of answers to ensure clarity. The goal is to create questions that are fair, challenging, and reflective of real-world prescribing scenarios.

By the time a question is finalised, it has undergone multiple iterations and revisions, guaranteeing that it meets the highest standards of quality and aligns perfectly with the PSA’s objectives.                           

Behind every successful assessment at BPS Assessment is a well-defined process that combines the expertise of UK prescribing experts, adherence to the PSA blueprint, and rigorous peer review. We take pride in our commitment to providing you with assessments that accurately assess prescribing skills, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of real-world clinical practice.

When you sit down to prepare for your Prescribing exams, you can trust that the questions you encounter in our practice papers have been carefully crafted to reflect the complexities of safe and effective prescribing. Our dedication to quality and excellence ensures that you are equipped with the best tools to succeed in your exams and your medical career. 

Preparing for the PSA (Prescribing Safety Assessment) can be a crucial step in your professional journey and is essential in order to progress to FY2, so it’s natural to have questions. Let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure you’re well-informed before the big day.

1. How many times can you sit the PSA exam?

Candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts to sit the PSA, so thoughtful planning and preparation are critical to ensure you succeed on your first attempt. Make sure to take full advantage of practice papers, eLearning and any other resources that are available to you. 

2. What are the dates for the PSA?

PSA exams are typically held multiple times throughout the year. This year’s sitting are taking place on the following days: 

Friday 2 February 2024

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Tuesday 23 April 2024  

Friday 31 May 2024

3. What’s the structure of the exam?

The PSA consists of 8 different sections, which evaluate the core skills involved in the safe and effective prescribing of medication. Make sure to be familiar with each section’s format, time constraints, and content areas. PSA Prep offers a thorough explanation of each of the 8 sections, so it’s important to familiarise yourself.

4. How are the questions scored? 

Each exam question has a set score detailed in our blog PSA Sections Explained The assessment encompasses a range of question formats, including prescription writing,  multiple-choice questions, and calculations, each carrying specific weightage. The scoring methodology considers not only factual accuracy but also your ability to apply knowledge in clinical scenarios.

5. How do I prepare for the PSA?

Effective preparation is the key to success. Make sure to set aside enough time to prepare properly before sitting the exam. Make use of your PSA account by utilising official practice papers and connect with other candidates by joining study groups to share insights and tips. Check out our other blog posts on how to best prepare for the PSA;

How to prepare for the PSA

Prepare for the PSA with our free resources

The 12 PSA resources of Christmas

6. When will I get my login?

Once you have been registered for the PSA, you’ll receive your login credentials. Make sure to keep an eye on your registered email address and that you set a password that is secure and memorable. If you encounter any issues, reach out to the PSA support team promptly to ensure a smooth experience on exam day.

Thorough preparation and understanding the logistics of the PSA are vital for success. Stay informed, manage your time wisely, and approach the exam with confidence. Best of luck on your PSA journey!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread the cheer than with the “12 PSA Resources of Christmas”! Whether you’re a medical student or a foundation doctor gearing up for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) come the new year, we’ve got a festive lineup of resources that will make your exam preparation merry and bright.

Official PSA Practice Papers

On the first day of Christmas, the PSA gave to me – official practice papers to set you free! These papers provide a sneak peek into the format and structure of the real deal, helping you navigate the exam with confidence. Make sure to log in to your PSA account to access them. 

9 PSA Prep eLearning Sessions

On the second day of Christmas, PSA Prep gave to me – nine eLearning sessions, filled with insights and knowledge to ace the PSA for free! Take a deep dive into prescription writing, communication skills, and more, all while enjoying the flexibility of online learning.

BPS Assessment’s 3 Practice Papers

On the third day of Christmas, BPS Assessment gave to me – three more practice papers for extra glee! Because, let’s face it, the more practice, the merrier when it comes to nailing the PSA.

Flashcards for Quick Recall

On the fourth day of Christmas, flashcards came to me – a handy resource for quick recall and remembering facts with ease! Spice up your revision with these bite-sized gems.

Video guides to the PSA

On the fifth day of Christmas, YouTube gave to me – perfect for on-the-go learning and study glee! Turn your commute into a productive PSA prep session with the easy-to-follow video guides from the Edinburgh guide to the PSA.

Interactive Quizzes for Fun Learning 

On the sixth day of Christmas, quizzes galore came to me – inject some fun into your learning with interactive quizzes and study glee! Who said exam preparation can’t be entertaining, test yourself with friends and family?

PSA Frequently Asked Questions 

On the seventh day of Christmas, FAQs were given to me – get all the information you need to prepare for the PSA with ease, from how the questions are written to what to expect after you’ve sat the exam.

Mock Exams for Real Exam Simulation

On the eighth day of Christmas, mock exams landed for me – take advantage of your mock exams to simulate the real exam experience! Practice makes perfect, after all.

Study Groups for Collaborative Learning

On the ninth day of Christmas, study groups formed for me – collaborative learning for camaraderie and study victory! Share knowledge, tackle challenges, and make studying a social affair.

Mindfulness Apps for Stress Relief

On the tenth day of Christmas, mindfulness apps appeared for me – combat exam stress and find tranquillity with mindfulness apps for free! Because a calm mind is a focused mind.

Prescribing Guidelines for Reference

On the eleventh day of Christmas, guidelines came for me – essential references for prescribing precision and getting exam-ready! Ensure you know how to navigate the Medicines Complete BNF and/or NICE BNF.

Motivational Quotes for Inspiration

On the twelfth day of Christmas, inspiration came for me – motivational quotes to lift your spirits and fill your study sessions with positivity! Remember, you’ve got this!

So, there you have it – the “12 PSA Resources of Christmas” to make your exam preparation festive and fruitful. Embrace these resources, stay focused, and sleigh your PSA with confidence. Happy studying, and may your exam season be merry and bright!

Are you a medical student or foundation doctor gearing up for the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) in 2024? Then, understanding the critical role this assessment plays in ensuring patient safety and your readiness to prescribe medications is crucial. Our free PSA preparation resource is designed to help you excel in this significant exam.

Key Topics Covered in the PSA

The PSA evaluates your prescribing knowledge and skills, focusing on safe and effective practices. It covers a comprehensive range of topics, including prescription writing, review, planning management, communication, calculations, adverse drug reactions, drug monitoring, and data interpretation.

Free PSA Prep Resource

To facilitate your PSA exam preparation, we’re offering PSA Prep, a set of eLearning sessions with the following features:

Detailed Explanations

Access in-depth explanations for each question item found in the PSA, aiding your understanding of correct answers and underlying concepts.

Expert Insights

Benefit from sessions authored by UK prescribing experts, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information.

Accessible Anytime, Anywhere

PSA Prep is available online, providing flexibility for your study schedule.

Get Started with PSA Prep

Follow these easy steps to kickstart your PSA preparation with our free resource:

Visit Our Website

Navigate to the PSA Prep section on our website. Add all PSA Prep sessions to your basket – they’re completely free!

Register For Free

Complete checkout by entering your details. This creates an account on the BPS Assessment platform, giving you access to all resources. Verify your email and set a password.

Start Preparing

Embark on your PSA preparation journey by working through each eLearning session. Gain insights on approaching exam questions effectively. Good Luck!

The Prescribing Safety Assessment is a pivotal exam ensuring you possess the knowledge and skills needed to prescribe medications safely. Our free PSA Prep resources are designed to support you on this journey. By utilising PSA Prep, boost your confidence, enhance prescribing abilities, and increase your chances of passing the PSA with flying colours. Start your PSA preparation with us today – because patient safety is paramount, and passing the PSA is a significant step toward becoming a responsible and competent healthcare professional. Don’t wait! Sign up today to start your preparation journey!

While the challenges of prescribing antimicrobials are well known, healthcare professionals can take further steps to ensure they are able to prescribe these medicines effectively. As we approach AMR Awareness Week this November, it’s an excellent opportunity to highlight our Antimicrobial Knowledge Check. This resource is designed to improve physicians’ prescribing skills and antimicrobial stewardship.

What can you expect from the Antimicrobial Knowledge Check

Our Antimicrobial Knowledge Check is a cutting-edge tool designed specifically for healthcare professionals involved in prescribing antibiotics. This assessment aims to evaluate and enhance the knowledge base of physicians, ensuring they are equipped with the latest information and best practices in antimicrobial stewardship.

Key Features of the Antimicrobial Knowledge Check

Comprehensive Content

The assessment covers the principles of antimicrobial stewardship, particularly the importance of appropriate and proper use of antimicrobials to combat the evolution of resistance. By addressing these areas, we aim to empower healthcare professionals with an understanding of antimicrobial management. 

Each question has been reviewed by members of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) to ensure quality and accuracy. 

Real-world Scenarios

The assessment incorporates real-world case studies and scenarios, allowing healthcare professionals to apply their knowledge in practical situations. This hands-on approach fosters critical thinking and decision-making skills, essential for effective antibiotic prescribing.

Our Commitment to Improving Prescribing Skills

We are committed to being a driving force in the advancement of prescribing skills which of course extends to antibiotic stewardship. By providing clinicians with tools like the Antimicrobial Knowledge Check, we aim to contribute to the global efforts in mitigating the impact of antimicrobial resistance.

As AMR Awareness Week approaches, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the crucial role that healthcare professionals play in combating antimicrobial resistance. Our Antimicrobial Knowledge Check stands to improve antibiotic stewardship, empowering physicians with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions in the battle against AMR. Together, as a global healthcare community, we can pave the way for a future where antibiotics remain a cornerstone of effective medical treatment.

Get access to our Antimicrobial Knowledge Check, simply sign up for free!

As we count down to the end of 2023, you might already be thinking about the Prescribing Safety Assessment and how you can prepare. Well, we’ve got you covered with PSA Prep.

But before diving into the details of PSA Prep, it’s essential to understand the significance of the Prescribing Safety Assessment.

The PSA is an online examination that assesses your ability to prescribe medications safely and effectively. It evaluates your knowledge of various aspects of prescribing, such as drug interactions, dosages, and calculations. All UK and Irish medical schools take the PSA. Those who don’t pass the exam at medical school must do so if they wish to progress their training in the NHS. Success in the PSA is not only important for progressing from FY1 to FY2 but also for ensuring patient safety in your future clinical practice.

PSA Prep from BPS Assessment

As a trusted name in medical assessment and training, we offer a valuable resource for individuals preparing for the PSA – PSA Prep. This set of eLearning sessions is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the PSA. Here’s what you can expect from PSA Prep:

Comprehensive Coverage

PSA Prep comprises nine eLearning sessions – one introduction and eight question style sessions. Each session is tailored to address the specific competencies being tested, as well as the approximate time required to answer each question. This comprehensive approach means you are equipped with the necessary knowledge to ace the exam.

Self-directed Learning

PSA Prep is a self-directed course, allowing you to study at your own convenience. We know studying medicine is no easy task so we’ve made sure you can access the resources when it suits your schedule.

Free Access

Perhaps the most significant advantage of PSA Prep is that it offers free access to all its resources. This means you can prepare for the PSA without having to purchase yet more study materials.

How to Get Started with PSA Prep

Getting started with PSA Prep from BPS Assessment is easy:

1. Visit the BPS Assessment website and navigate to the PSA Prep section.
2. Add all 9 sessions to your basket (don’t worry they’re completely free)
3. Complete checkout to sign up for an account, and verify your email address.
4. Login and access the introductory session to get a clear understanding of what you might expect when sitting the PSA exam.
5. Explore the eight eLearning sessions, covering each individual question style found in the PSA.

Preparing for the Prescribing Safety Assessment is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a competent healthcare professional. With our PSA Prep course, you have access to a wealth of free resources that can significantly enhance your preparation.

PSA Prep offers everything you need to excel in this essential examination. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to boost your PSA performance and ensure the safety of your future patients. Get started with PSA Prep today and take a confident step towards success in the PSA.

As a medical student or foundation doctor, you’re well aware of the critical role prescribing medications plays in your future profession and you’ll want to ensure that you have the competence to prescribe safely and effectively. That’s where the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) steps in – it evaluates your ability to make informed and safe prescription decisions, a crucial skill as you progress through your training.

In 2022 an Independent Review into the PSA and its future was commissioned. This review investigated the PSA’s structure, content and overall impact.

Exploring the Dacre Review: Why It Matters to You

In 2022, the British Pharmacological Society and the Medical Schools Council initiated a comprehensive review of the PSA. The aim? To assess the exam’s effectiveness and chart its future course. This review involved key figures from across the NHS and the UK’s medical education landscape, under the leadership of Professor Dame Jane Dacre.

Key Takeaways from the Dacre Review

Let’s delve into the findings of the Dacre Review, with a focus on the medical student angle:

Support for the Prescribing Safety Assessment

Widespread support for the PSA means it’s unlikely to be going anywhere. It’s clear from the findings of the review that prescribing educators and stakeholders understand that prescribing has changed and will continue to change with the introduction of new medications. This coupled with advancements in technology, prescribing in an ageing population and changes in attitude, mean junior doctors need to overcome increasing complex challenges. This is where the exam not only presents an opportunity for candidates to assess their prescribing skills but also build their knowledge and confidence in prescribing before advancing in their careers.

Impact of the Prescribing Safety Assessment

The review highlighted a hugely positive impact on patient safety within the healthcare sector. Since the PSA was mandated in 2017, there has been a consistent reduction in the percentage of medication-related patient safety incidents year after year. This notable trend underlines the effectiveness of the PSA in equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to make safer medication decisions.

While the review does not explicitly delve into the direct impact on students sitting the PSA, many have voiced their support for it. Feedback has attested that the exam and the preparation for it, has significantly bolstered confidence among students, demonstrating the invaluable role this assessment plays in enhancing the competence and preparedness of future healthcare practitioners.

The Future of the Prescribing Safety Assessment

The recommendations from the oversight group focus on the need for sustained and equitable funding, better regulation and a more robust governance structure to enhance transparency and accountability.

These recommendations paint a promising picture of the PSA’s future as a fair, quality-focused, and sustainable assessment tool. It’s poised to become an even more effective and reliable part of the medical education curriculum, equipping medical students with the skills to tackle the challenges of modern medicine with confidence.

This independent review reinforces the Prescribing Safety Assessment’s significance in your journey as a medical student. It provides invaluable support, enhances your prescribing skills, and contributes to the safety of future patients. With these recommendations, the PSA is on track to evolve into a vital tool that better prepares you for your role as a healthcare professional in today’s ever-changing medical landscape.