Improvement of Surgical Technologist Students’ Learning by Development of a Customized e-portfolio: A Mixed-method Study

Background: Electronic portfolios provide opportunities for students to reflect on their performance and develop their competencies. Objectives: The present study was done to improve surgical technologist students’ learning through the development of a customized e-portfolio. Methods: This interventional study was conducted using a sequential mixed method in two phases. In the qualitative phase, the framework of the e-portfolio was first developed via literature review. Then, it was customized and completed through a qualitative approach of guided content analysis based on Elo Kyngas method. In the quantitative phase, by using quasi-experimental designs, the effectiveness of the e portfolio was evaluated by measuring students satisfaction, knowledge, and clinical skills as educational outcomes. A satisfaction questionnaire, multiple choices questionnaire (MCQ), and research-made checklist were used. Comparison of groups and data analysis was done using Fisher s exact and paired t-test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22 soJ ware. K e maximum alpha level was considered to be 0.05 in order to confirm the difference between the groups (p 0.05). Results: In the first phase, an e-portfolio framework was developed, including discipline regulations, study resources, daily activities, educational objectives, assessment tools, feedback, and reflection reports. The paired t-test results show that students’ knowledge (p-value=0.011) and clinical skills significantly improved (p-value=0.023). More than two-thirds of the students (71.42%) and tutors (85.72%) were thoroughly satisfied with the e-portfolio assessment. Conclusion: Based on the main results, the use of applicable and standard E-portfolios is recommended as a comprehensive and cost-effective assessment method in clinical education.