Clinical portfolios as a tool to develop competence in radiography education

Abstract

IntroductionClinical portfolios are used in healthcare programmes to prepare students for their professional careers by promoting reflective practice and critical thinking. There is a paucity of research related to students' and educators’ perceptions of the effectiveness of clinical portfolios in radiography education. MethodsA cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted to explore radiography students' and educators' opinions on the contribution of portfolios to students’ personal and professional development. Optimal portfolio content and administration was investigated. Questionnaires were distributed to a stratified sample of second-, third- and fourth-year undergraduate radiography students and recent graduates from a 4-year BSc Radiography program in Ireland. A second questionnaire was sent to academic staff involved in clinical education. Participation was on a voluntary basis and data anonymous. ResultsSixty participants provided the student perspective and seven provided the educator perspective. All educators and most radiography students (58–83%) agreed that the portfolio contributed effectively to personal and professional development. Tutor feedback and competency assessments were ranked the most valuable elements of the portfolio by both students and educators. The remainder content ranked from most to least beneficial were; image appraisal assignments, self-reflection, training needs analysis and modality objective lists. Final-year students and new graduates valued self-reflections more than novice students. Online portfolio administration was preferred over paper administration (5:3) due to greater efficiency, accessibility, and interactivity. ConclusionThe clinical portfolio was perceived to be an effective tool for developing competence in radiography education. Study findings may be used to optimise radiography clinical portfolio design and administration. Implications for practiceThis study is the first to highlight elements of a clinical portfolio deemed most effective in competence development from the perspective of radiography students and educators.