A survey on double-preceptor system in standardized residency training of general practitioners

Abstract

Objective To survey the double-preceptor system in standardized residency training of general practitioners(GPs). Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 48 residents, 53 clinical and community preceptors during May and June 2013. Results The preceptors mostly agree with the necessity to carry out double-preceptor system. 82.8%(24/29) clinical preceptors, 95.8%(23/24)community preceptors and 89.6%(43/48) residents considered that it was very effective.Less than half of the clinical(13/29)and community(11/24)preceptors knew very clearly about their responsibilities and obligations; 93.1%(27/29)clinical preceptors and 95.8%(23/24)community preceptors hoped to receive corresponding training courses.72.4%(21/29)clinical preceptors and 75.0%(18/24)community preceptors communicated with residents frequently, 75.9%(22/29)clinical preceptors thoughtresidents were not actively involvedwas the main obstacle in the implementation of double-preceptor system.The guide contents were focused on clinical skills, scientific research and how to pass assessments.The main approaches were interviews, checking the quality of medical instruments and small lecture.Only 6.9%(2/29)clinical preceptors conducted outpatient teaching, 83.3%(40/48)residents thoughttutors did not knew clearly about their responsibilities and obligationswas the main obstacle in the practice of double-preceptor system.Regarding how to evaluate the double-preceptor system, clinical and community preceptors tended to use examination results and feedback of residents.Clinical preceptors, community preceptors and residents all gave low comments about the preceptor-resident contact handbook. 87.5%(21/24) community preceptors thoughtlack of corresponding incentive mechanismswas the main obstacle in the practice of double-preceptor system. Conclusions Double-preceptor system has been widely recognized by both preceptors and students.In order to improve the system, we should conduct tutor training courses regularly and establish an effective mechanism to assess and evaluate tutors. Key words: General practitioner; Preceptorship; Questionnaires