Assessment of a Faculty and Preceptor Development Intervention to Foster Self-Awareness and Self-Confidence

Abstract

Objective. To conduct and evaluate the outcomes of a pharmacy faculty and preceptor development program to foster self-awareness and self-confidence. Methods. A faculty and preceptor development intervention was implemented in a multi-campus college of pharmacy to promote and assess for improvements in self-awareness and self-confidence. Faculty members and preceptors were surveyed regarding their self-perceptions and confidence at baseline and following an intervention in which they completed the Birkman Method self-assessment and participated in a training program with an active-learning component. A longitudinal follow-up survey was conducted to assess the long-term impacts of the intervention. Results. Faculty members and preceptors experienced significant improvements in self-awareness from baseline following the development intervention. They also experienced increases in self-confidence related to coaching. A survey evaluating the longitudinal impact of the intervention indicated a positive association between receiving a sufficient level of Birkman Method training and improved ability of both faculty members and preceptors to manage professional relationships. Similarly, a positive association was identified between the sufficiency of training and preceptors' confidence in their ability to manage personal relationships and stress following the intervention. Conclusion. Faculty members and preceptors teach students to be more self-aware and confident, yet both groups often need to grow in these areas themselves. A faculty and preceptor development intervention using the Birkman Method self-assessment is one approach to facilitating growth in these educators' self-awareness and self-confidence.

A Model for Strengthening Mentors: Frames and Practices

“…The Birkman Method, for example, is a 298-question self-assessment tool: it describes an individual’s normal and under-stress communication style and behaviors; needs from others; and interests. Research [ 67 ] supports the benefits of the Birkman Method as an approach to facilitate growth in self-awareness and self-confidence. These aspects may be beneficial to the development and maintenance of an effective and productive mentoring relationship.…”

Student Stress Management and Wellness Programs among Colleges of Pharmacy

“…Barriers must be removed and priority placed on well-being. 7 , 8 Institutions must also take a more active role, which should include faculty, administrators, and staff awareness of wellness strategies. More scholarship is needed on educator development around mental health and the level of stigma around mental health in higher education.…”

“… 6 Largely, the literature identifies that interventions, such as yoga, meditation, and increasing self-awareness and mindfulness through faculty relationships, correlates with decreased student stress levels. 7 , 8 A gap in the literature remains in identifying strategies used nationally. The purpose of this study is to describe the programmatic stress-related interventions that colleges of pharmacy are providing for their students.…”

A Review of Development Initiatives for Pharmacy Student and Resident Preceptors

“…18 Six studies describe implementation of standalone live preceptor development sessions that ranged from three to 20 hours of contact time. 14,15,17,22,23,31 Three were focused not only on preceptor development, but also on elevating the skills and patient care capabilities of outpatient pharmacists. 14,15,17 Program evaluation methods varied among the studies.…”

“…While faculty and non-faculty preceptors were analyzed separately, improvements in confidence in numerous areas were seen in both groups. 31 Six studies described using only web-based modules for preceptor development, two of which were collaborations between multiple schools. 16,20,21,24,27,28 One of the studies used an already existing ACPE continuing professional development webcast for their preceptors, while others created their own material, providing anywhere from one to 11 modules for preceptor home use.…”