Barriers to electronic portfolio access in the clinical setting

The University of Queensland has developed the Clinical Practice Performance electronic Portfolio (CPPeP) as a learning and assessment tool for third year nursing students. To promote effective use of the CPPeP in the clinical setting, barriers must be identified and strategies developed to overcome them.

A 24-question survey exploring the use and perceptions of the CPPeP was administered to 42 third year nursing students. Questions explored actual barriers encountered while eight open-ended questions were thematically analysed for perceived barriers.

A 100% response rate was achieved. Students were comfortable with working with computers. Twenty nine students (69%) encountered specific barriers. Of the 152 written comments to the open-ended questions, perceived barriers were evident in 72 of them. Barriers experienced related to gaining access, finding time and staff attitude. The majority of students made their portfolio entries at home.

Students enjoyed using the CPPeP but competed with staff for the limited numbers of computers available. Heavy workloads and 'busyness' of the wards also prohibited access along with negative staff attitudes and reluctance of registered nurses to engage as student preceptors. The issue of overcoming barriers is more complex than simply providing more computers or overcoming staff prejudices. Finding time is a barrier not easily overcome given the current and projected nursing shortage.