Perceptions of hospital pharmacy preceptors on teaching processes in residency programmes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2026.261.247254Keywords:
Active learning, Education, Health profession, Pharmacy residency, Pharmacy preceptorAbstract
Background: The pedagogical training of pharmacist preceptors in hospital pharmacies is crucial for quality residency education and developing competent healthcare professionals. However, many preceptors start teaching without formal preparation, potentially impacting the effectiveness of preceptorship and resident learning experiences. This study investigated the perceptions of hospital pharmacy preceptors regarding their teaching preparation and identified key challenges and training needs related to preceptorship.
Methods: A total of 32 pharmacist preceptors from residency programmes completed an electronic questionnaire between February and November 2024. The analysis explored five educational dimensions: didactic methodologies, assessment strategies, career development and emotional health, implementation of educational technologies, and academic documentation and institutional support.
Results: The results showed that 50% of participants had not received formal pedagogical training for preceptorship. Preceptors initially felt insecure but gained confidence with experience. They rated the importance of pedagogical training at a mean score of 4.8 ± 0.4. Didactic methodologies (4.4/5.0) and assessment strategies (4.3/5.0) were deemed the most crucial for professional development.
Conclusion: The findings emphasise the importance of structured initiatives to enhance the pedagogical skills of pharmacy preceptors. Training in active learning, assessment, technology, and well-being could improve residency education and hospital pharmacy practice.
References
Evangelista, M. L. F., Mendonça, S. A. M., & Oliveira, D. R. (2020). The role of the preceptor in the education of pharmacy students: A literature review. Brazilian Journal of Health Care Research (JAPHAC), 7, 144–154.
Franco, A. F., Murgo, C. S., & Costa Filho, J. O. (2022). Implications of the work context on teacher well-being: A scoping review. Journal Psychology: Organizations and Work, 22(4), 2194–2202. https://doi.org/10.5935/rpot/2022.4.23407
Von Elm, E., Altman, D. G., Egger, M., Pocock, S. J., Gøtzsche, P. C., & Vandenbroucke, J. P. (2007). Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) statement: Guidelines for reporting observational studies. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 335(7624), 806. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39335.541782.AD
Gorzoni, S. P., & Davis, C. (2017). The concept of teaching professionalism in the most recent studies. Research Notebooks, 47(166), 858–875. https://doi.org/10.1590/198053143166
Howard, M. L., Yuet, W. C., & Isaacs, A. N. (2020). A review of development initiatives for pharmacy students and resident preceptors. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(10), ajpe7991. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe7991
Jin, J., & Bridges, S. M. (2014). Educational technologies in problem-based learning in health sciences education: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16(12), e251. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3240
Junqueira, S. R., & Oliver, F. C. (2020). Health preceptorship in different practice scenarios. Revista Docência do Ensino Superior, 10, e013483. https://doi.org/10.35699/2237-5864.2020.13483
Knott, G. J., Mylrea, M. F., & Glass, B. D. (2024). Pharmacist and student evaluation of a preceptor training program in a regional Australian university: A multi-method study. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-04963-x
Liu, X., Li, J., & Li, S. (2024). Approaches to reach trustworthy patient education: A narrative review. Healthcare (Basel), 12(23), 2322. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232322
Lopes, F. A., & Silva, J. F. C. (2020). Training of pharmacists for the exercise of preceptorship at the Maria Aparecida Pedrossian University Hospital: Permanent education in health. Experimental and Clinical Perspectives, Biomedical Innovations and Health Education (PECIBES), 6(2, Suppl.), 05–20.
Mendes, R. F., Rivas, N. P. P., & Leal, M. A. I. (2018). Contribution of the Psychopedagogical Support Center (Napp) as a locus of care for medical students. PUCRS E-books.
Moreira, J. V. T., & Nunes, M. G. (2009). Information management in a higher education institution: Academic records in focus. Management and Planning Journal, 10(2), 248–261.
National Health Council. (2012). Resolution No. 466, of December 12, 2012: Guidelines and regulatory standards for research involving human beings [Resolution No. 466/12, National Health Council – Brasil]. Brasília, DF: Ministry of Health. https://conselho.saude.gov.br/resolucoes/2012/Reso466.pdf
Paravattil, B., El Sakrmy, N., & Shaar, S. (2018). Assessing community pharmacy preceptors' evidence-based medicine educational needs within an experiential program in Qatar. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 10(1), 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2017.09.019
Reeves, S., Fletcher, S., Barr, H., Birch, I., Boemer, M., Jones, B., Orr, D., & Rivett, K. (2016). A BEME systematic review of the effects of interprofessional education: BEME Guide No. 39. Medical Teacher, 38(7), 656–668. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2016.1173663
Richter, L. M., Patel, D. K., Patel, R. A., Toma, A., & Mosley, B. A. (2023). Design and assessment of a pharmacy student-delivered preceptor development program. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87(1), ajpe8939. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe8939
Verçosa, R. C. M., & Lima, L. V. S. (2019). Training for teaching in higher education of health professionals. Journal of Teaching, Education and Human Sciences, 20(3), 286–291.
Williams, C. R., Bright, D. R., Signorella, M. L., McLaughlin, J. E., & Douglass, M. A. (2021). A qualitative preceptor development needs assessment to inform program design and effectiveness. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 85(10), 8450. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe8450