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 ( 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.