Electronic clinical assessment in diagnostic radiography : experiences using Myknowledgemap

AIM: Evaluate experiences of designing and implementing an electronic clinical assessment programme.

CONTENT: Rationale for change, storyboarding, system building, benefits, limitations and experiences.

RELEVANCE/IMPACT: Regular contact with tutors has a positive effect on the student clinical experience. Feedback is timely and personal facilitating fast implementation of recommendations with easy follow up of impact and effectiveness regardless of geography. The system creates a student focussed dynamic environment between University and clinical staff. It enables equity in tutor/student time regardless of placement volume.

OUTCOMES: Going paperless has delivering a positive effect on the student experience and will now be implemented across all future cohorts.

DISCUSSION: The Northern Counties clinical assessment scheme lies at the heart of the electronic system, enhanced by formative opportunities for feedback and student evaluation. The system is cloud based, available via computer, tablet, or smartphone 24/7; open to user choice within policy. The software enables almost limitless customisation and so careful storyboarding of the entire scheme prior to building is strongly recommended. The SHU model is easily transferable to other HEI's. This experience has highlighted the lack of parity in time spent between individual students and tutors whilst on clinical placement and the vast amount of travel time and cost expended. On-site tutor attendance is still required to maintain good clinical/academic ties and fulfil some of the broader roles but significantly less often. Regardless of the clinical visit regime, students feel that the electronic system keeps them 'connected' and highly value this support.