Electronic medical portfolio as a tool in formative assessment: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction. The electronic medical portfolio is part of the formative evaluation that allows the educator to adapt their didactic process to the needs of their students. It also promotes effective formative feedback that helps create horizontal relationships between educators and students. The aim of this review was to describe the use of medical portfolios and their impact on medical training. Methods. A review of the literature in PubMed and Scielo was carried out, including articles and studies on the topic, published in English and Spanish, ranging from 2012 to 2022. Discussion. Medical Education in Latin America, especially in Honduras, relies heavily on summative assessment as a prevalent evaluation method. In countries like the United States and some in Europe where the student portfolio is used, it has thrived and been accepted by both educators and students, generating a positive impact on their learning. Conclusion. The implementation of the medical portfolio in Honduras is a viable and an appropriate process that will allow the pre-existing traditional academic culture to be innovated. Its multiple advantages such as encouraging a complete evaluation through feedback from superiors and peers, in addition to ongoing training and improvement of the student's practical skills, place it as an essential tool for medical education.