Practical issues addressed during pilot (clip-on pouches to improve portability + higher capacity batteries). Conclusions / Future Plans This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of using PDAs for wireless access to Web-based formulae, guidelines and log-books in the context of undergraduate Medicine. Extended pilots of full rotations planned for 2006/7 including new ‘value added’ features of Hospital at Night (peer-to-peer communications) to be evaluated in this context. Evaluating the use of hand-held computers to access electronic portfolios and clinical guidelines in a wireless environment for undergraduate medical education Further information Simon Cotterill Dr Tony McDonald Background This pilot study, funded by CETL4HealthNE, builds on:Aims to test the feasibility of using PDAs to support undergraduate Medicine evaluate the educational and support impact of the use of PDAs to provide students with wireless access to formulae, clinical guidelines, electronic portfolios and other Web- based materials.Logbook/Portfolio The Web-based portfolio includes log books for specific rotations in which a limited number sub-set of procedures with reflection require sign-off by a supervisor. Supervisors can sign-off procedures on the student’s PDA using a scribe in a similar way in which they would sign-off a paper-based log book (saved as a graphic) without the need to log on. Subjects and Methods The initial pilot study involved 30 Stage 5 medical students doing their clinical rotations at JCUH during March/April Students were given a pre and post use questionnaire collecting both quantitative & qualitative data. Feedback was also collected through a focus group.Limitations The pilot began mid-way through a rotation Wireless connectivity on wards but not in Education centre Reconfigured network: = limited access after week 2Results Students found access to Web-based formulae, hospital guidelines & external Web resources via the PDA useful 21 students created a total of 207 log-book entries and collected 5 supervisors’ signatures over a 2 week period Cotterill SJ 1, Jones S 2, Walters RA 2, Horner P 1, Moss JD 1, McDonald AM 1 On behalf of the CETL4HealthNE 1. School of Medical Education Development, Newcastle University 2. James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust Established use of ePortfolios & Logbooks in the MBBS programme of Newcastle University Established use of PDAs & wireless network at the James Cook University Hospital (JCUH) as part of the “Hospital at Night” Scheme “I was able to check my s whilst in the hospital and could go on line to research conditions and I could look up definitions of diseases with the PDA dictionary” “accessing the internet from any site in the hospital being able to make notes about things easily and write a to-do list” “We were given it too late in the term for me to find it beneficial.” “[it was a] pain to carry around, nowhere to put it” “The PDA wireless connections at the hospital were erratic. The battery did not last a whole day” “it impressed the doctors I asked to sign me off, it was easy to use online.” Typically liked: Typically disliked: Clip-on carry pouches provided after early feedback Large capacity spare battery packs provided Logbook: “Encouraged me to fill it there and then” “[didn’t like] Having to fill in reflections first before being able to get the competency signed” Logbook