Abstract: Introduction: During their midwifery education, students are required to keep a portfolio which maintains a record of their clinical experiences, skills development and evidence of developing competence. It is commonplace for portfolios to be maintained in either electronic (ePortfolios) or paper format. The former is a relatively new concept with many academics and students facing challenges whilst navigating the technology. However, as competence in the use of technology has developed, ePortfolios have been adopted within Australia and across the world.
Further, since demand for evidence of competency from professional accrediting bodies has increased, issues have arisen with the collection and storage of such evidence, particularly with paper versions. This has resulted in an increased drive to move towards electronic portfolios.
To date there has been no research that has explored the experiences of keeping both paper and electronic portfolios to demonstrate the achievement of the midwifery accreditation standards.
Aim: To explore and compare the experiences of midwifery students from two different Queensland university cohorts undertaking and maintaining a portfolio which demonstrates their achievement of the midwifery accreditation standards in order to register as midwives.
Methods: A qualitative exploration using focus group interviews to determine and compare the positive and negative aspects of completing an electronic or a paper based portfolio in order to demonstrate the achievement of ANMAC midwifery accreditation standards.
Results: The results of this study will be shared during the presentation. The positive and negative aspects of each type of portfolio will be discussed.
Conclusion and implications: Recommendations for optimising the way students record their ANMAC standards will be presented as a result of this study.