Application research of learning curve in the training of pharmacists for the review of narcotic and psychotropic drug prescriptions.

BACKGROUND

Learning curves can quantify how trainees acquire complex clinical skills. We applied this concept to track pharmacists' proficiency in reviewing prescriptions for anesthetics and Schedule-I psychotropics-high-risk areas where workforce shortages are acute.

METHODS

Twenty pharmacy trainees enrolled in a tertiary-level hospital in 2025 completed a 10-step program; each step comprised 100 prescription reviews. Accuracy of review decisions, time to completion, and correct use of professional terminology were recorded for every trainee at every step. Cumulative-sum charts for binary outcomes were constructed for each metric, for the cohort overall, and for each individual. Pearson and Spearman coefficients tested associations between the step at which a trainee's curve flattened and baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Group-level curves plateaued at step 7 for overall proficiency, step 6 for terminology, step 7 for accuracy, and step 8 for speed. Individual curves began to flatten between steps 4 and 9. A strong negative correlation was found between years of prior front-line pharmacy experience and the number of steps required to reach plateau (r = -0.521, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Learning-curve analysis objectively identifies when pharmacists achieve consistent, timely, and accurate review of high-risk prescriptions. The cohort approached proficiency after approximately 600-700 reviewed prescriptions, with prior experience accelerating the process. Incorporating curve monitoring into training programs can guide individualized instruction and provide an evidence-based benchmark for competence.