Evaluation of student-prepared portfolio of guidelines in undergraduate clinical skills using a mixed methods study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the acceptance and usefulness to students of a student-developed portfolio of Guidelines (GLs) in clinical skills, as a tool for competency development in the early years of the undergraduate medical program. Methods: A mixed-method design was employed to explore students' perceptions of the general usefulness of their portfolio of GLs in focus group discussions. From the results of these discussions, a questionnaire was developed to ascertain the prevalence of the views that emerged from the qualitative data amongst a whole cohort of Year 6 students. Results: Students rated the usefulness of their portfolios very highly and the uses of the portfolios evolved as stu-dents progressed to their final year, when they were also able to perceive the importance of the acquisition skills required whilst developing their own GLs, for use in subse-quent years. Conclusions: Based on the students' responses in Year 6, the student-developed portfolio of GLs in clinical skills was accepted and found useful. Other than being used as a tool for competency development, it also seems possible that the portfolio could be used as a tool for reflection in clinical skills, even in the early years.