FFinalistSouthampton · 2027
All station types

CPSA · OSCE station

Prescribing & medication review

Write or review a prescription safely — a practical prescribing task, drug-chart or TTO review.

Also assessed in the CSE Part C practical prescribing task and the national PSA. Know the Southampton Formulary & Top-40. Safe, legal, unambiguous prescriptions are the target.

A structured approach

Write a safe prescription
  1. 1Check patient details, weight, allergies, renal/hepatic function
  2. 2Approved drug name, correct dose/route/frequency, and duration where relevant
  3. 3Write legibly and unambiguously — never abbreviate “units”; use the BNF
  4. 4Sign and date
Review a chart
  1. 1Screen for the indication vs the drug; doses appropriate to the patient
  2. 2Interactions and contraindications (e.g. NSAID + AKI, verapamil + β-blocker)
  3. 3Dangerous omissions (VTE prophylaxis, regular meds) and duplications
  4. 4Prioritise the most clinically important errors

What the examiner wants

  • A prescription that is safe, legal, complete and unambiguous
  • Allergy status checked before prescribing
  • Recognition of interactions/contraindications relevant to the patient
  • Sensible use of the BNF

OSCE tips

  • Always check allergies first — an anaphylaxis prescription can fail the station.
  • Never abbreviate “units” (insulin) — write it in full.
  • Prescription review: fix the *dangerous* things first (dose errors, interactions).
  • Use the BNF openly — it’s available in the PSA and expected.

Marking domains

Every station is scored against these. The ones this type leans on most are highlighted.

Data gathering
Right questions, focused examination, relevant investigations.
Clinical reasoning & management
Plausible diagnosis, sensible investigations, safe evidence-based management.
Communication
Active listening, clear explanation, exploring concerns (ICE), shared decisions, safety-netting.
Professional behaviour
Rapport, respect, empathy, handling challenge, honesty.
Patient safety
Recognising and responding to safety-critical issues; escalation.

Topics that appear

Writing a drug chart / TTOMedication reviewAnticoagulationInsulinAnalgesia & opioidsAnticipatory end-of-life prescribingInteractions & contraindications