The College is currently implementing an important strategic initiative for the FRANZCOG Training Program by providing Trainees with an online portfolio.

Over the 2016 training year, the online portfolio will be implemented in stages. The first component of this program was the launch of the logbook for Trainees in New Zealand, on 14 December 2015, with Trainees in Australia following on 1 February 2016. At the time of writing, a total of 3500 procedures, clinics and scans had been logged from 87 locations, including Switzerland and the UK. The response thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. Dr Richard Pole, New Zealand Trainee Representative, said: ‘I think it is great that we have an electronic logbook that can be accessed and updated from my iPhone. I am able to log my cases in a few seconds right after I do them – potentially saving hours of admin time updating my logbook at the end of each semester.’

The logbook is accessible via mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. It is essential all Trainees use the online logbook from the start of the 2016 training year, as the standardisation of data captured in the logbooks will enable the College to maintain standards and further enhance and the FRANZCOG training program. Features of the logbook include:

• predictive search for procedures;
• default hospital settings;
• automatic classification and tallying of entries;
• list tab to view all logbook entries; and
• the ability to update and delete entries via the list tab until they have been reviewed by the training supervisor.

Other components to be implemented over time include the Three-monthly Formative Appraisal for Semester One. Trainees will be able to initiate and submit appraisals online to their Supervisor for consideration. Then, when Trainees and Supervisors meet to finalise the appraisal, Supervisors will be able to record their comments online.

Dr Richard Pole sees the time-saving benefits of the online logbook.