Learning Objective #1: Describe the process of developing a data set to be collected by students in clinical settings

Learning Objective #2: Describe academic applications of electronically stored clinical data collected by students in an advanced practice nursing curriculum

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Collecting and analyzing data regarding clinical experiences is a requirement for accreditation of nurse-midwifery education programs. It provides a method for assuring that students individually and collectively have adequate numbers of experiences in a specified variety of clinical situations in order to achieve core competencies. In the past, the process was cumbersome and time-consuming for both student and faculty because the data was manually collected and analyzed. Technology now provides for electronic storage of data on a personal digital assistant carried by the student in the clinical setting. Information is then downloaded to the institution's server where faculty can access it through the internet. Applications of this process are discussed, and benefits to faculty, student, and program are described.