Consortium-based approach to an online preceptor development program

Am J Pharm Educ. 2011 Sep 10;75(7):135. doi: 10.5688/ajpe757135.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the implementation process of a consortium-based preceptor development program and to review completion and assessment data over the first 27 months.

Design: Five 1-hour, Web-based preceptor development modules were developed using streaming media technologies. Modules were released using a password-protected Internet site and were free to consortium-affiliated preceptors. Preceptor's institutional affiliation, module completion dates, module assessments, and continuing education credits were recorded and made available to each institution.

Assessment: Three hundred eighty-two preceptors completed 1489 modules. Fifty-six percent of preceptors were affiliated with more than 1 consortium institution. The number of participating preceptors per institution varied from 72 to 204. Sixty-five percent of preceptors completed all 5 modules. Preceptor satisfaction was high, with 93% agreeing with each course evaluation statement. Program cost per institution ranged from $12 to $35 per preceptor.

Conclusions: A consortium-based approach to preceptor development is a convenient and effective means of providing required training.

Keywords: consortium; continuing education; experiential education; preceptor training.

MeSH terms

  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
  • Education, Pharmacy / methods*
  • Education, Pharmacy, Continuing / methods
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Preceptorship / methods*
  • Program Development / methods*
  • Program Evaluation / methods*