Undergraduate medical students' views about a reflective portfolio assessment of their communication skills learning
Charlotte Rees1, Charlotte Sheard
1Institute of Clinical Education, Peninsula Medical School, Room F10, St Lukes Campus, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Plymouth, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK. charlotte.rees@pms.ac.uk
Introduction:
To date, no studies have examined preclinical medical students' views about portfolios. Since portfolios are becoming increasingly valued in medical education, this study explores second-year medical students' views about a reflective portfolio assessment of their communication skills.
Methods:
178 second-year medical students at the University of Nottingham completed the 18-item reflective portfolio questionnaire (RPQ) (alpha = 0.716) and a personal details questionnaire three days before submitting their portfolio assessment for communication skills. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistics on SPSS Version 10.0.
Results:
Total scores on the RPQ ranged from 40 to 75 (mean 58.28, SD 7.08). Significant relationships existed between RPQ total scores and students' ratings of their reflection skills (rs = 0.322, P < 0.001), RPQ total scores and students' confidence building another portfolio (T = 4.381, d.f. = 176, P < 0.001), and RPQ total scores and students' marks for their reflective portfolio assessment (rs = 0.167, P = 0.029). Students with more positive views about reflective portfolios were more likely to rate their reflection skills as good, receive better marks for their portfolio assessment, and be more confident building another portfolio.
Discussion:
This study begins to highlight preclinical medical students' views about reflective portfolios. However, further research is required using qualitative studies to explore students' views in depth. Medical educators should be encouraged to consider introducing portfolios as a method of formative and summative assessment earlier in the medical curriculum.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
Communication
Within...
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
