An e-portfolio is a digital collection of evidence that demonstrates your skills, knowledge, and experience. Creating an e-portfolio for the NHS can be a useful tool for showcasing your achievements and competencies, and it can be used to support your personal and professional development.
Here are some steps to follow when creating an e-portfolio for the NHS:
- Identify your learning needs and goals: Before creating your e-portfolio, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your learning needs and goals. This will help you to identify the types of evidence that you should include in your portfolio.
2. Choose an e-portfolio platform: There are many different e-portfolio platforms available, and you will need to choose one that suits your needs. The NHS offers an e-portfolio tool called the NHS ePortfolio, which is specifically designed for healthcare professionals.
3. Gather evidence: Once you have identified your learning needs and goals, you should start gathering evidence to support your portfolio. This might include certificates, training records, reflections, feedback from colleagues, and other relevant documents.
4. Organize your evidence: Organize your evidence in a way that makes it easy to navigate and understand. You might want to group your evidence into categories, such as clinical skills, leadership and management, and professional development.
5. Reflect on your learning: Reflection is an important part of the e-portfolio process, as it allows you to think critically about your learning and development. You should include reflections on your achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.
6. Seek feedback: Once you have created your e-portfolio, it’s a good idea to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors. This can help you to identify areas for improvement and ensure that your portfolio is comprehensive and reflective.
7. Review and update regularly: Your e-portfolio should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it reflects your current skills, knowledge, and experience. This will also help you to identify areas where you need further development and set new goals for your learning and development.
Remember, your e-portfolio is a tool for showcasing your skills and knowledge, but it’s also a tool for personal and professional development. Make sure you use it to support your ongoing learning and growth.
There are several portfolios available, depending upon your job and grade. For Ex.
1. HORUS portfolio
Mainly used by foundation trainees in the NHS
https://horus.hee.nhs.uk/sign-in
2. NHS e-portfolio
Used by medical trainees ( trainee SHOs and registrars )
https://www.nhseportfolios.org/Anon/Login/Login.aspx
3. SARD
Used for non-trainee SHOs – trust dependent
4. Fourteenfish
https://www.fourteenfish.com/
Used by GP trainees
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORTFOLIOS OF TRAINEES AND NON TRAINEES
- Trainees are required to regularly update their portfolios. Based on this, they will be evaluated in their ARCPs. In order to receive a positive outcome and advance in their training position, they must fulfil the criteria outlined above.
They must accomplish the following: https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/arcp-decision-aids
2. In order to determine whether non-trainees have been engaging in CPD, reflecting on their work, and completing assessments that are on par with what is expected of them, non-trainees may be required to submit evidence during appraisals, which can take place 6 to 12 months after their start date.
SETTING UP YOUR E-PORTFOLIO
Once your consultant has agreed that will support you with your NHS e-portfolio and are willing to become your educational supervisor for the time you are working in the trust, You can then contact the E-portfolio team and set it up.
ASKING FOR ASSESSMENTS
- You will engage with a range of medical experts; the majority of them are pleasant and will provide fantastic feedback on your portfolio evaluations. Some won’t.
2. Before asking for an assessment, always consult with your consultant or registrar.
They will then get to know you, gauge how well you clerk, and ask you a few questions. As was already indicated, you can predict whether they would provide positive or negative feedback.
3. Before sending any assessments, be sure you are competent and self-assured.
4. You might need to remind folks sooner. Hence, keep an eye on your portfolio and be aware of what is needed. The gold guide specifies explicit requirements for trainees rather than so much for non-trainees: https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/arcp-decision-aids