nMRCGP e-portfolio

The e-portoflio came into being in August 2007. It is the new format for assessment of doctors training to be General Practice. It then becomes the basis on which the PMETB award a certificate of capability to allow the trainee to be placed on the peformers register. This will allow the trainee to start work in practice. The trainee must obtain this certificate to work in practice and so must pass all the asessment stages to a satisfactory standard. The portfolio forms the basis of what is described as "work based assessment" or WBA. The plan of the e-portoflio will give trainees an overview and links to the various assessment methods.

The college web site is a wealth of information regarding this and should be reviewed by every GP trainee. There is information about why the WBA s now used, common questions, its content and methods of assessment. It will also give guidance on what areas of competency are being assessed and how evidence for these areas is obtained.

The various methods map onto the competency areas in a logical manner which build up, over the 3 years to provide a comprehensive portfolio of proven capability to be a GP.

Trainees can populate their e-portoflio with as much as they want top provide a complete learning record. However the minimum amount required is clearly stated and this is the floor below which the college will refuse to award a certificate on completion of training. At the end of every job the clinical supervisor should complete a supervisors form. At 6 month intervals every trainee will have an appraisal with thei educational supervisor to lok over their e-portoflio, support, guide and help them through their professional learning path.

It is paramount that every trainee looks, plays with and uses their e-portoflio. An empty portoflio will be no use to an assessor. Trainees need to show off what they have learnt and what they are capable of so don't be shy!