The role of ePortfolios in supporting continuing professional development in practice

Abstract

ePortfolios, based on models of reflective practice, are viewed as important tools in facilitating and supporting lifelong learning across the medical education continuum. MAINPORT, the ePortfolio designed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, supports the continuing professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning of specialist physicians practicing in Canada by providing tools to develop CPD plans, set and track progress of established learning goals, document and reflect on learning activities, and create the foundation for physicians to manage their learning. In this article, the authors summarize the key design principles of the Royal College's ePortfolio: learner-centered; interoperable; ease of access. The current core functionality as well as future planned functionality for MAINPORT are described under three domains: recording and reflecting on completed CPD activities; managing learning in practice; accessing learning resources and programs. The future MAINPORT will evolve to become a foundational tool to support the shift towards competency-based medical education across the continuum of medical education; from residency to retirement. MAINPORT will facilitate the ability of physicians to demonstrate their expertise over time and how their learning has enabled improvements to their practice in contributing to improved health outcomes for patients.