Exploring Best Practices in Preceptorships: Preceptor Selection

Abstract

Context Athletic training programs have autonomy to select preceptors based on program objectives. Due to a lack of empirical evidence outlining best practices for graduate programs, program administrators must appraise this themselves. Gaining information on what stakeholders believe is most appropriate when considering clinicians for the role of preceptor may help administrators choose preceptors who are well suited to teach. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore stakeholders (ie, preceptors, program directors, clinical education coordinators) beliefs of the ideal qualities of athletic training preceptors. Design Hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Setting Individual phone interviews. Patients or Other Participants Nineteen individuals (10 clinical education coordinators, 7 preceptors, 1 program director, 1 dual-role program administrator; 7.74 ± 6.30 years of experience). Data saturation guided the total number of participants. Data Collection and Analysis A semistructured interview guide was used to conduct interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by the primary investigator and coded into themes using the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Peer reviews and narrative-accuracy member checks established credibility. Results Participants discussed their desire for preceptors to prioritize their role as educator by being committed to teaching and creating abundant experiences for learners. In addition, participants described ideal preceptors as those who practice with professionalism by setting a good example, meeting administrative expectations, and having autonomous experiences beyond their professional degree. Finally, participants discussed preceptors should have the qualities of leaders by possessing a growth mindset, utilizing best practices as they relate to recent literature and evolving clinical skills, and embracing educational advancement. Conclusions To promote the best learning environment, preceptors should possess the qualities of an educator, professional, and leader. The findings of this study help inform decisions regarding who may be best suited to serve as preceptor. Future research should investigate what stakeholders believe are ideal components of preceptor development.