Preceptor Knowledge on Preceptorship in an Academic Hospital in Kenya

Preceptor's perceptions about the teaching-learning process and collaborative practices in primary health care

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the perceptions of preceptors about the teaching-learning process, as well as the strengths and weaknesses to implement collaborative practices in Primary Health Care.

METHOD

Qualitative study carried out between October and December 2019 with 96 preceptors (surgeons- dentists, nurses and doctors) of the Family Health Strategy. Data were collected with the use of a questionnaire and submitted to Content Analysis, using the Maxqda-2020 software.

RESULTS

Three categories were highlighted: 1. A new know-how needs to be taught to those who teach, 2. teaching and assisting in the preceptorship process and 3. person-centered approach: paradigm for collaborative work reveal difficulties and tensions in the preceptor work and collaborative practices.

CONCLUSION

The study identified the need to qualify preceptors with new approaches for the development of the teaching-learning process, for teamwork and collaborative interprofessional practices in the context of Primary Health Care.

Percepções do preceptor sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem e práticas colaborativas na atenção primária à saúde

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar as percepções dos preceptores acerca do processo ensino-aprendizagem, bem como as fortalezas e as fragilidades para implementar as práticas colaborativas na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método Pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida entre outubro e dezembro de 2019 com 96 preceptores (cirurgiões-dentistas, enfermeiros e médicos) da Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Os dados foram obtidos através de questionário e submetidos a Análise de Conteúdo, utilizando o software Maxqda-2020. Resultados Foram evidenciadas três categorias: 1. Um novo saber-fazer precisa ser ensinado a quem ensina, 2. o ensinar e o assistir no processo da preceptoria e 3. abordagem centrada na pessoa: paradigma para o trabalho colaborativo revelam dificuldades e tensões no trabalho do preceptor e de práticas colaborativas. Conclusão O estudo identificou a necessidade de qualificar os preceptores com novas abordagens para o desenvolvimento do processo ensino-aprendizagem, para o trabalho em equipe e práticas interprofissionais colaborativas no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde.

A Multisite Study on Knowledge, Perceived Motivators, and Perceived Inhibitors to Precepting Nursing Students within the Clinical Environment in Ghana

Background

Preceptorship constitutes an important component of the educational process of training nursing students. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, perceived motivators, and perceived inhibitors to precepting nursing students at the clinical placement sites in the Cape Coast Metropolis of the Central Region of Ghana.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 nurses and midwives aged 27-56 years with at least three years of work experience. Data were collected with a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, exploratory factor analysis, and point biserial correlation.

Results

The results indicate that the participants had a high knowledge of preceptorship of up to 91.2% (n = 404). A significant proportion of up to 88.2% (n = 390) had an intention to precept nursing students in the near future. The three important perceived motivational factors to precepting nursing students were the learning and professional needs of students, helping students to develop skills, and experience and formal recognition of the role of preceptorship. The main perceived inhibitors to engage in a preceptorship role were lack of preparation for the role, lack of support from faculty and nurse managers, and additional work burden. The results further indicate a significant strong positive correlation between experience and professional recognition of preceptorship and the intention to precept nursing students in the near future (r = 0.99, p=0.037).

Conclusions

The nurses and midwives who participated in the study are knowledgeable about preceptorship and have the intention to precept nursing students. Having enough experience on the job and being formally recognized as a preceptor may motivate these professionals to precept nursing students. However, there are critical perceived barriers that need to be addressed, to enable more nurses and midwives with the desire to precept students to engage in the preceptorship role.