Preceptor Perceptions of Virtual Quality Assurance Experiential Site Visits

Abstract

To determine preceptor perceptions of the value of experiential quality assurance site visits between virtual and onsite visits, and to gauge preceptor opinions of the optimal method of site visits based on the type of visit received. Site visits (12 virtual and 17 onsite) were conducted with 29 APPE sites located at least 200 miles from campus. Participating preceptors were invited to complete an online post-visit survey adapted from a previously validated and published survey tool measuring preceptor perceptions of the value of traditional onsite visits. Likert-type score averages for survey questions ranged from 4.2 to 4.6 in the virtual group and from 4.3 to 4.7 in the onsite group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Preceptors were more inclined to prefer the type of visit they received. Preceptors receiving onsite visits were also more likely to indicate no visit type preference. Preceptors perceived value from both onsite and virtual site visits. Preceptors who experienced virtual site visits highly preferred that methodology. This study suggests that virtual site visits may be a viable alternative for providing experiential quality assurance site visits from a preceptor's perspective.

Striving for excellence in experiential education

“…However, on‐site evaluations may not always be possible and may be a major area of concern for many institutions 76,82 . Virtual site visits may be useful, particularly in performing quality assurance of distant sites and preceptors 83 . Site and preceptor evaluations by experiential office personnel should be performed before placing students at the site and then annually, but no less than once every 3 years.…”

Further Research Needed for Virtual Quality Assurance Experiential Site Visits

“…1 The authors' findings indicate that preceptors perceived virtual visits to be valuable and that preceptors receiving a virtual visit were more likely to prefer that method in the future. 1 Per the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standard 22.3, schools must regularly evaluate practice sites. 2 Site visits are a common tool utilized as part of the quality assurance process.…”

“…To the Editor: In Volume 82, Issue 4 of the Journal, authors Clarke, Schott and Arnold published a study of preceptor perceptions of an innovative way of performing site visits through virtual meetings. 1 The authors surveyed preceptors who received either a virtual or onsite visit on the "perceptions of the value of experiential quality assurance site visits" and "preference for the type of site visit they received" and compared survey responses (N527, Response rate5 61.4%). 1 The authors' findings indicate that preceptors perceived virtual visits to be valuable and that preceptors receiving a virtual visit were more likely to prefer that method in the future.…”

“…1 The authors surveyed preceptors who received either a virtual or onsite visit on the "perceptions of the value of experiential quality assurance site visits" and "preference for the type of site visit they received" and compared survey responses (N527, Response rate5 61.4%). 1 The authors' findings indicate that preceptors perceived virtual visits to be valuable and that preceptors receiving a virtual visit were more likely to prefer that method in the future. 1 Per the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standard 22.3, schools must regularly evaluate practice sites.…”

“…Additionally, while the authors mentioned that the sites were all established experiential education sites, most of the preceptors that participated had been precepting Drake Students for only 0-5 years (44.4% total, 45.5% virtual, 43.8% onsite). 1 If newer preceptors translate into newer practicing pharmacists, it may influence the preceptors' perceptions. According to Pew Research, millennials are more likely to engage in instant messaging and social media.…”