Exploring the Desirable Attributes of Clinical Preceptors: A Multi-methods Study among Pharmacy Preceptors in Qatar

Abstract

Exploring the perceptions of pharmacy preceptors in Qatar about their desired attributes as clinical educators is important, because they play a vital role in developing students' professional practice skills and competencies. This exploration was achieved by conducting a two-phase project: a scoping review and cross-sectional quantitative study. The scoping review included 6 studies and demonstrated the need for more appropriate tools to be utilized in pharmacy research related to exploring preceptors' perceptions. Therefore, a new survey tool was developed, validated, and utilized in the cross-sectional study, then was administered to pharmacy preceptors in Qatar as part of the study. Overall, the survey results, with a response rate of 31%, revealed general agreement among participants with the attributes in the survey. Effective communication skills, professionalism, and provision of feedback efficiently were the most agreed-upon attributes. No significant disagreements were observed in all the attributes, and minimal responses were neutral. Future research can benefit from these findings for further understanding of the preceptors' perceptions about the topic and utilizing the findings appropriately to improve pharmacy experiential learning.