The ePortfolio
At the beginning of specialty training, when
they register with the RCGP, each GPStR will be given access to the
RCGP ePortfolio which will be used throughout the training period,
in both hospital posts and primary care. It is accessed and updated
through the internet. It is a record of learning with particular
emphasis on clinical encounters. It can also capture details
of achievement in the AKT and CSA and must be used in all stages of
training to document evidence of WPBA.
What is the ePortfolio?
Why do we need an
ePortfolio?
FAQs
What is the ePortfolio?
Above all else the ePortfolio is where the
GPStR records their learning in all its forms and
settings. Its prime function is to be an educational tool that
will record and facilitate the management of the journey of
clinical and personal development through learning. It is the
system used to record the evidence collected through the
application of the WPBA tools. It might be described as the glue
which holds the curriculum learning and assessment
together.
All the facilities for recording applications
of the WPBA tools are tagged to the competence areas so that an
overall picture of competence is easily accessed. The trainer or
educational supervisor will also have the opportunity to file items
under a content heading.
The ePortfolio should also be used to record
and validate naturally occurring evidence against the competence
framework. This is evidence which occurs in the course of practice
and which illustrates the GPStR’s competence. For example, the
GPStR may do an evidence review on a specific topic and present it
to a practice meeting. This might be taken as evidence of data
gathering and interpretation, or communication skills. Evidence
that a GPStR is late for surgeries on a regular basis might be
discussed with the GPStR and recorded under teamwork. Naturally
occurring evidence needs to be validated by the GP trainer.
The ePortfolio belongs to the GPStR but key
parts of it are accessible to the trainer, educational supervisor
and deanery administrators through a permissions system. All
personal records will be hidden to all except the GPStR until they
decide to share them. The ePortfolio includes places to record
tutorials, formal educational sessions and a skills log. It has a
diary and a mailbox. It will also contain links to learning
resources that are being developed by the RCGP and has a personal
area where individuals can save files, documents, certificates of
learning and other digital materials.
Through the ePortfolio the GPStR can book
places on the AKT and CSA and the results will come back into the
portfolio. The Certification Unit of the RCGP will also be linked
into the membership data and will receive the indication from the
GPStR that they are ready for certification.
It is planned that the portfolio will
eventually become the record for life-long learning.
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Why do we need an ePortfolio?
By making use of the full capability of
electronic systems, the ePortfolio can deliver all that is required
to record, monitor and manage a GPStR’s learning in one place. A
record of personal development and experience is becoming mandatory
for all doctors. It provides evidence that training has taken place
and allows the doctor to reflect on a range of learning
opportunities. By providing a structure for documenting the
evidence harvested through WPBA tools, the ePortfolio helps to
ensure that judgements about the GPStR’s progress and achievement
are based on a clear, systematically recorded picture of
competence.
FAQs
Q: Where are significant
events and audits recorded?
A. Demonstration of
competence in competence area 10 (Maintaining performance, learning
and teaching) explicitly requires the GPStR to provide evidence in
these areas. Although the requirement to write a structured report
(as in summative assessment) has been removed, the GPStR will still
need to demonstrate competence in these areas by participating in
significant event audits and clinical audit. The educational
supervisor will assess competence in these areas by considering the
evidence presented by the GPStR at the six monthly reviews.
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