E-portfolios in health: Exploring perceptions of education and management

National strategies for the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) have seen increasing health sector interest in using ICT tools and systems, such as e-portfolios, to monitor performance and support professional development. Superficially there appears to be two distinct functions and associated purposes for e-portfolios. Firstly, from a management -monitor performance- perspective, e-portfolios are used to create a “product” for evaluation. This product is the purposeful, and directed, accumulation of digital evidence demonstrating competency, illustrating achievement and highlighting professional activities. Secondly, from and educational -professional development- perspective, individuals use e-portfolios to engage in a “process” of self-improvement. In this process mode, individuals critically review structured digital artefacts and through reflection they make meaning of their experiences and identify areas for improvement and personal growth. These superficial perceptions of e-portfolios, product and process, can create tensions that often inhibit collaboration between educationalists and managers and educational providers and employers. To explore e-portfolio functionality in the health sector the Waikato Institute of Technology and the Waikato District Health Board facilitated the, e-Portfolios for Health: A Hands on Symposium, for over 80 participants. The major aims were to dispel superficial perceptions, gain a common understanding of purpose and increase collaboration between all parties. This presentation reported on the findings of this symposiu