Perceptions of academic staff on pharmacist preceptor roles, skills, attributes and training requirements: A qualitative report

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the perceptions of academic staff at a regional Australian university of the role and ideal skills and attributes of pharmacist preceptors and the requirements for their training. Methods: Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted using a purposive sample of academic staff. Opinions on preceptor roles, skills and attributes, and training requirements were sought. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results: Academic staff perceived the need for training to be based on preceptor core competencies and individual preceptor needs and to be delivered online in a flexible format. Training content was recommended to include an overview of the pharmacy curriculum and university expectations, clinical teaching strategies, managing students, and providing feedback. Mandatory training was recommended to facilitate communication and promote consistency in the placement experience. Conclusion: Academic staff have highlighted that flexible, competency-based preceptor training tailored to the individual preceptor will deliver on the university’s expectations to optimise the experiential learning of pharmacy students.