Assessment using Professional Practice Portfolio for Nurses and Healthcare Practitioners

This paper describes the development and application of a eportfolio for students undertaking an MSc in Nursing / Healthcare Practice in the School of Nursing and Human Sciences in Dublin City University. The purpose of the... [ view full abstract ]

This paper describes the development and application of a eportfolio for students undertaking an MSc in Nursing / Healthcare Practice in the School of Nursing and Human Sciences in Dublin City University. The purpose of the MSc is to support practitioners to initiate and lead practice within the healthcare environment leading to an improved quality of care for all. Academics are required to ensure that practitioners receive the support and guidance necessary to bridge the theory and practice gap and practice based portfolios can address this challenge.

Introduced in September 2017 students complete an online portfolio using Loop Reflect. They are supported in their portfolio work by a university based academic supervisor and a practice supervisor with expertise in their area of practice. 

The challenges moving from a paper based portfolio to an online portfolio are described. Issues regarding support requirements for staff and students are detailed. Lessons learned to date are discussed and plans for future improvements to the portfolio identified.

The benefits for students and supervisors are highlighted with an acknowledgement that all new initiatives require  commitment from all concerned and appropriate and timely support.