Development of Student’s Clinical Training Record and Assessment Application via Patient Records

Pre-clinical training for dental undergraduates is crucial as we are preparing them to be competent and skillful prior to clinical years. The documentation and monitoring of pre-clinical experience is vital in assisting an institution in evaluating and recording the performance of students. Traditionally, these records, known as logbook are mainly paper-based documents, which does not permit a robust and comprehensive evaluation of the progress of students. A good quality evaluation method and effective clinical training would enhance learning experience for the doctors-in-training. Moreover, the system should allow a systematic evaluation based on curriculum and its requirement. By using a php framework, a widely used web programming language in the net, an electronic logbook called eLogbook, was developed. It is based on the current business processes, then, translated to automated processes. The electronic logbook has been deployed for almost half a year, and progressing as it goes along. The electronic logbook can be easily accessed via both desktop and mobile environment. The eLogbook was originally developed based on the pre-clinical discipline, but the content of the application is fully modifiable and can be adapted for any specialty/discipline. The use of an online logbook for procedures and assessments provides undergraduates with a convenient and versatile record of their experience while meeting institutional requirements for documentation of dental training. The adequacy of usage shows a big improvement in terms of record keeping, student's planning for their training and effectiveness of student's evaluation.