Web-based portfolios: a valuable tool for surgical education.
BACKGROUND
Our residency program developed and implemented an online portfolio system. In the present communication, we describe this system and provide an early analysis of its effect on competency-based performance and acceptance of the system by the residents.


METHODS
To measure competency-based performance, end-of-rotation global evaluations of residents by faculty completed before (n = 1488) and after (n = 697) implementation of the portfolio were compared. To assess acceptance, residents completed a 20-question survey.


RESULTS
Practice-based learning and improvement improved following implementation of the portfolio system (P = 0.002). There was also a trend toward improvement in the remaining competencies. In the survey tool (response rate 69%), 95% of the residents agreed that the purpose and functions of the system had been explained to them, and 82% affirmed understanding of ways in which the system could help them, although fewer than half reported that their portfolio had aided in their development of the competencies. All residents appreciated the system's organizational capabilities, and 87% agreed that the portfolio was a useful educational tool.


CONCLUSIONS
This web portfolio program is a valuable new instrument for both residents and administrators. Early analysis of its impact demonstrates a positive effect across all competencies, and survey analysis revealed that residents have a positive view of this new system. As the portfolio is further incorporated into the educational program, we believe that our residents will discover new tools to craft a career of genuine self-directed learning.
Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-6904, USA.
Catherine E
CE
Lewis
Areti
A
Tillou
Michael W
MW
Yeh
Chi
C
Quach
Jonathan R
JR
Hiatt
O Joe
OJ
Hines
D003406:Credentialing; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D011361:Professional Competence; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000193:education*