What does the RCoA say about logbooks?
The RCoA Guide to Anaesthetics Training, published on 10 February 2026, says that anaesthetists in training must record details of the anaesthetics they have given in a suitable logbook.
The guidance recommends the Lifelong Learning Platform because it records and presents data in the format expected by ARCP panels. It also explicitly recognises that some trainees prefer another solution. In that situation, the College says the data should be presented at ARCP in the same format generated by the LLP logbook summary function.
The College also highlights three practical safeguards for anyone not using LLP: secure storage, backup and a contingency plan if an app is withdrawn or a device is lost.
Can you use an alternative to the RCoA LLP logbook?
Yes, the current guidance allows for that possibility, but “alternative” does not mean requirements disappear. Your educational supervisor and ARCP panel still need a summary they can understand and compare. Your school may also set local expectations, so check them early rather than just before submission.
A sensible alternative should therefore provide structured entries and reports that make the following clear:
- the date range and number of cases included;
- experience by surgical specialty and patient age band;
- case urgency, ASA category and supervision;
- anaesthetic, airway, regional and other techniques;
- your role and relevant out-of-hours experience; and
- enough detail to reconcile summary totals with individual cases.
How to prepare an ARCP logbook report
- Choose the correct period. Use the dates for the placement or training year being reviewed, and make the filter visible in the output.
- Check the source entries. Resolve obvious duplicates, missing specialties and incorrectly coded supervision before generating totals.
- Generate structured summaries. Include the categories your panel expects, not only a headline number of cases.
- Review unusual figures. A zero or sudden change may be genuine, but it may also indicate a logging or mapping problem.
- Export ahead of time. Save a PDF or other stable copy before the deadline and keep a human-readable backup of the underlying case data.
A report supports professional review; it does not replace it. Check the output yourself and discuss uncertainty with your supervisor.
What else should a modern anaesthetic logbook provide?
The SCATA Logbook Standards v1.0 were approved by the RCoA in October 2024. Their essential points include automated backup where cloud storage is used, complete human-readable export, account and data deletion, flexible filtered reporting, full control of user-generated records and no routine collection of patient-identifiable data.
These standards are broader than the appearance of an ARCP report. They help you assess whether you will still control and understand your data if your device, grade or preferred app changes.
How LogBookAnaes approaches RCoA-aligned reporting
LogBookAnaes records structured anaesthetic cases and produces date-filtered summaries for specialties, age groups, supervision, techniques and other review categories. It supports ARCP and appraisal workflows, PDF and spreadsheet exports, offline logging and optional cloud backup.
The app is independently developed. Published requirements can change, and local interpretation can vary, so every user should check current College guidance, their school’s requirements and the accuracy of the report before submission.
Build a review-ready logbook as you work.
Use fast case entry now and create RCoA-aligned summaries when your ARCP, appraisal or portfolio review approaches.