title: Feedback using an ePortfolio for medicine long cases: quality not quantity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The evidence for the positive impact of an electronic Portfolio (ePortfolio) on feedback in medicine is mixed. An ePortfolio for medical long cases in a Graduate Medical Program was developed. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of medical students and faculty of the impact of the ePortfolio on the feedback process.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 130 Year 3 medical students, and six faculty participated in the study. This is a mixed methods study, using a combination of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative methods were used to quantify the number of long cases performed. Qualitative methods were used to explore the relationship between quantity and quality of feedback, and provide a rich understanding of both students' and faculty's experience and perceptions of the ePortfolio.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students received a variable quantity of feedback at each of the three studied clinical schools, with an average of between 4 - 5.4 feedback episodes per student. Feedback that was constructive, specific and timely and delivered by a senior academic was important. Quantity was not an essential factor, with two episodes of detailed feedback reported to be adequate. The barriers to the use of the ePortfolio were technical aspects of the platform that interfered with student engagement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Feedback using the ePortfolio for medical long cases is a valuable tool providing a senior clinician delivers detailed, constructive and personalized feedback in a timely fashion. The ePortfolio system needs to be user-friendly to engage students.
authors: Education Office, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. jane.bleasel@sydney.edu.au.|The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, Rm 208E, A27, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia. jane.bleasel@sydney.edu.au.
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Bleasel
authors: Education Office, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Burgess
authors: Sydney eLearning, Office of the DVC (Education), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Weeks
authors: Education Office, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
authors: Inam
authors: I
authors: Haq
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Clinical long case; Feedback; Formative assessment; Medical students; e-portfolio