Reflective training: teachers' representations regarding the use of a reflective portfolio for physician and nurse training

This investigation discusses the use of a reflective portfolio for training healthcare professionals within the Professional Practice Unit of Marília Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. The aim was to analyze teachers' perceptions regarding the use of the reflective portfolio in the nursing and medical courses. A qualitative methodological approach was chosen. Data were gathered by means of individual interviews with the teachers. The data were analyzed by means of the content analysis technique. This analysis enabled synthesis of the points made regarding the use of the portfolio as a strategy for professional training. From the perspective of the teachers interviewed, the reflective portfolio made it possible to stimulate the students' reflective capacity and continuously follow up the processes relating to their personal and professional development. It was considered to be an innovative and also a very laborious strategy that required time and dedication from the teachers for implementing it.