Author:

Keywords:

Portfolio evaluation, Medical Education

Abstract:

Background: An electronic portfolio was introduced to support personal reflection and professional growth of aspiring GPs. This portfolio was embedded in a support system. Tutors read the portfolio and formulated e-mail feedback. Research question: do the tutors perceive (a) the electronic portfolio, and (b) the electronic feedback as positively in supporting the students? Work done: A semi-structured interview (40 minutes) was held with the 14 tutors about their perceptions and experiences with the portfolio and the electronic feedback format. Conclusions: The electronic portfolio-format is not a time-saving arrangement. The advantage of being able to read/provide feedback at ay time/place does not compensate for the disadvantages of not having face-to-face contact. Writng down the feedbac forces tutors to spend more time on accurately formulating. The major disadvantage, however, is that they don't have any idea of how their feedback is perceived by the students and whether they consider it supportive. The lack of dialogue (on-way-feedback) in the long run makes tutors'doubt the relevance an impact of their efforts. Minor disadvantages were the problems with the electronic support application. Take-home messages: Face-to-face contact is indispensable to effectivel support professional develpment and cannot be replaced by electronic feedback.