Evaluation Of The Use Of The Portfolio By Angers Residents In General Practice

Background. The portfolio is a well-recognized tool for general practice internship evaluation. It is centred on learning activities, teaching and assessment, and allows a reflective approach and a formative evaluation. It involves feedback through educational tutoring and analysis of Clinical Complex and Authentic Situations (CCAS).Objectives. To make an initial assessment of the utilisation of the portfolio by interns used to it from the beginning of their training in the Faculty of Angers. To optimize the future use of the portfolio.Method. A questionnaire, including items previously selected by a focus group, was submitted to third grade trainees in general practice during the academic year 2009-2010.Results. A majority acknowledged the value of portfolio for in depth analysis of professional practices. The new active role of the learner was well integrated but still depended on the quality of the relationship with the tutor. The main obstacle to development of the portfolio was the lack of time. The fear of exposing oneself through CCAS was also mentioned.Conclusion. An optimal use of the portfolio requires a reciprocal investment of the intern and the tutor throughout the course. Presentation by an intern should make assimilation easier. The reluctance to writing requires an educational approach. An innovative proposal of the department of general practice would be to offer individual support to students in difficulty.