[The portfolios as a tool for learning and competency assessment in nursing students]

To evaluate the utility of learning portfolios and to assess the generic and specific competencies of nursing students. To describe the advantages and difficulties of the use of portfolios.

We performed a descriptive longitudinal study in the Nursing School of La Paz (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) in the academic years 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07, with the participation of 211 students enrolled in the medical-surgical nursing course. The variables studied were the specific competence of comprehensive patient evaluation and other generic competencies to be acquired by the students. These competencies were evaluated on three occasions: at the beginning of the course, during the course and at the end of the course. The advantages and disadvantages perceived by the students concerning the use of portfolios were analyzed at the end of the course. Data contained in the evaluation reports of the portfolios and student opinion questionnaires were collected and analyzed.

During the academic course, the students showed progress in the acquisition of all the competencies, although they experienced greater difficulties in acquiring the competence of information management. The main advantage emphasized by nursing students was that portfolios provided a complete evaluation, since this method requires tutors to constantly monitor learning. Among the disadvantages, the students stressed the initial insecurity generated by the program and the effort required to follow it.

Through the use of portfolios, students progressively developed a way of perceiving patients that aided their understanding of patients' health status. The students' previous notions on the roles played by teachers and students were also modified, with teachers being viewed more as a guide to learning.