The Complexity and Importance of Residency Precepting: A Series Introduction

Abstract

Preceptor development is an area of significant challenge facing residency leadership and preceptors across the nation. This series will focus on establishing a foundation necessary for successful precepting in today's fast-paced profession. Through discussion and presentation of these materials, preceptors should be able to enhance current precepting skills and identify ways to improve preceptor development programs at their practice sites. The series will review current preceptor development programs and provide options for programs that may be struggling with where to start with preceptor development. Key topics covered will include characteristics of good precepting, generational needs, effective feedback, development of a preceptor program, and finally comparison of resident and student learning needs.

A Scoping Review of Pharmacy Preceptor Training Programs

“…Over the past 30 years, the role of the pharmacist has evolved and expanded, with the emphasis moving from a medication supply function towards the provision of comprehensive pharmaceutical care. 1,2 As a result of the changing pharmacy landscape and an increased requirement for high quality practice-ready pharmacy graduates, experiential training within the academic curriculum and prior to licensure has become increasingly important. The movement to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree as the sole entry-level degree in the United States after July 2000 renewed the focus on experiential education, with updated guidelines for advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) that required preceptors to deliver an estimated 30% of the PharmD curriculum.…”

“…This requirement for increased student experiential training and resident development has created a major role for pharmacy preceptors, making their training and support a priority. 1,5,6 A preceptor may be defined as a practicing pharmacist who serves as a role model to guide a pharmacy student, preregistration trainee, or resident in the development of their professional knowledge, attitudes, and practice skills. [7][8][9][10] The quality of student experiential training and resident development has been reported to be highly dependent on the preceptor.…”

“…[7][8][9][10] The quality of student experiential training and resident development has been reported to be highly dependent on the preceptor. 1,9,[11][12][13] However, while these preceptors provide a vital link between theory and practice, they are largely not remunerated for their service, yet universities as well as residency programs are becoming increasingly reliant on their willingness to voluntarily contribute their time and expertise to training the next generation of pharmacists. 7,14 In order to continue to provide high-quality experiential training and maintain the preceptor-student relationship, universities have an obligation to provide adequate and appropriate training to support their preceptors.…”

“…18 The expansion of the role of pharmacists worldwide has resulted in an increased number and diversity of student experiential and residency training programs, thus highlighting the important role of the preceptor and the need for quality preceptor training. 1,2,19 Considering current preceptor training requirements, the aim of this review was to examine the available literature regarding pharmacy preceptor training programs.…”

Residency preceptor development and evaluation: A new approach

“…The development of practitioners who are skilled in the art of precepting is integral to successfully training the next generation of practitioners. 2 RPDs must identify ways to enhance their preAm J Health-Syst Pharm-Vol 70 Sep 15, 2013 ceptor development programs. The purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of a preceptor development program that involves the RPD working closely with members of a residency advisory committee (RAC) to evaluate, assess, and provide educational opportunities for continued preceptor development.…”