Preceptor Education on the Use of Clinical Teaching Models in Clinical Education

Abstract

Context Preceptor training is designed to provide instruction on preceptorship, an overview of athletic training program processes, and preceptor professional development. Preceptors generally do not have formal training on how to be educators. Most preceptor training occurs at the institutional level, with content, frequency, and delivery at the discretion of the institution. Objective Investigate preceptors' perceptions of how preceptor training prepares them for using clinical teaching models and how preceptor training can be improved. Design Concurrent mixed methods. Setting Web-based survey and virtual semistructured interviews. Patients or Other Participants One hundred sixty-five preceptors (average of 10 ± 9 years of preceptorship experience) completed the survey. Ten participants (4 male, 6 female) participated in interviews (average of 12 ± 10 years of preceptor experience). Data Collection and Analysis Surveys were dispersed via Qualtrics, and virtual interviews were recorded using Zoom. The χ2 test for independence determined if any relationships existed between years of experience, type of preceptor training, and clinical teaching models used. A phenomenological approach of inquiry was used to analyze the interview data. Trustworthiness was established with member checking, triangulation using 2 data collection methods and independent data analysts, and external peer review. Results Participants reported preceptor training focuses on programmatic administration rather than clinical teaching. In our study, 68% of preceptors had completed institutional preceptor training related to clinical teaching, and 24% had completed the Master Preceptor level 1 training program. Preceptors desire training that incorporates active engagement regularly to educate them on clinical teaching models. Conclusions The content and frequency of institutional preceptor training should be reassessed, as it provides foundational knowledge to preceptors on clinical teaching. Most preceptors have little formal preparation in clinical teaching and believe preceptor training does not adequately prepare them to educate students using the best clinical teaching practices for the profession.