Electronic portfolios: questions, implementation, and lessons learned in a doctor of pharmacy program

This article describes the planning and implementation of electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy (UNM COP). It is hoped that this information will help other health science colleges streamline their implementation of e-portfolios. We summarize the College's portfolio adoption process, including specific decisions about portfolio content, needs, and application features, and we present key lessons learned. The article is framed in the form of questions asked and decisions made on the basis of evidence-based best instructional practices as presented in the educational literature and practical needs for the College and its faculty and students. The questions and corresponding UNM COP decisions are presented in two categories, portfolio composition questions, and portfolio implementation questions.