CPSA · Domain 4
Practical procedures
The 23 GMC practical skills, grouped as the GMC groups them. Each shows the competence level you must reach by graduation and your progress toward it.
Assessment of patient needs
4 skillsMeasure and record temperature, respiratory rate, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturations and urine output.
Explain to a patient how to perform a peak expiratory flow, assess that it is performed adequately, and interpret the results.
Perform basic ophthalmoscopy and identify common abnormalities.
Perform basic otoscopy and identify common abnormalities.
Diagnostic procedures
7 skillsTake samples of peripheral venous blood to test for the growth of infectious organisms.
Insert a needle into a patient's radial artery to take a sample of arterial blood and interpret the results.
Insert a needle into a vein to take a blood sample; ensure correct order of draw, correct containers, correct labelling, and prompt dispatch to the lab.
Measure the concentration of glucose in the blood at the bedside; record and interpret the result.
Explain how to collect a midstream urine sample; test urine to detect abnormalities; perform a pregnancy test where appropriate.
Set up a recording of the electrical activity of the heart, ensuring all leads are correctly placed.
Use the correct technique to apply sterile swabs to the nose, throat, skin and wounds; correct containers, labelling and prompt dispatch.
Patient care
3 skillsFollow approved processes for cleaning hands and wearing PPE before procedures or surgical operations.
Set up and run through an intravenous infusion; be aware of the different equipment and devices used.
Use, or direct others to use, approved methods for moving, lifting and handling people or objects, avoiding injury to patients, colleagues or oneself.
Prescribing
3 skillsExplain to a patient how to use an inhaler correctly, including spacers, and check their technique is correct.
Prescribe and administer oxygen safely using an appropriate delivery method; monitor and adjust as needed.
Prepare and administer injectable drugs and prefilled syringes.
Therapeutic procedures
6 skillsInsert a cannula into a patient's vein and apply an appropriate dressing.
Understand safe transfusion practice and be able to discuss it with a doctor. Assessed as TWO sign-offs — the e-learning and a professional conversation — not by administering blood.
Insert a urethral catheter in both male and female patients.
Provide basic care of surgical or traumatic wounds and apply dressings appropriately (includes basic suturing).
Pass a tube into the stomach through the nose and throat for feeding, drug administration or draining stomach contents; know how to confirm correct placement.
Inject or topically apply a local anaesthetic. Understand the maximum doses of local anaesthetic agents.