Implementation and evaluation of a preceptor educational development programme involving the health cluster colleges at Qatar University

Banan Mukhalalati; Sara Elshami; Ahmed Awaisu; Ghadir Al-Jayyousi; Marwan Abu-Hijleh; Bridget Paravattil; Randa Almahasneh; Hiba Bawadi; Kristen Al-Amri; Abdullatif Al-Khal

doi:10.1002/hpm.3544

Implementation and evaluation of a preceptor educational development programme involving the health cluster colleges at Qatar University

Int J Health Plann Manage. 2022 Nov;37(6):3126-3147. doi: 10.1002/hpm.3544. Epub 2022 Jul 21.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
² Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
³ Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
⁴ Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Education Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
⁵ Strategy Program Development Office, Medical and Health Sciences Office, Doha, Qatar.
⁶ Medical Education Office, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

PMID: 35861383
DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3544

Abstract

Background: 'The Practice Educators' Academy Programme' is an innovative educational intervention developed following a preceptor-focussed needs assessment. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the programme's effect on self-efficacy and knowledge amongst multi-disciplinary clinical preceptors who precept students across the Health Cluster in Qatar University. The secondary aim was to assess the preceptors' satisfaction with the programme's comprehensiveness, appropriateness, and relevance.

Methods: This is a longitudinal study, with the same participants followed at different time points (i.e., pretest-posttest interventional design). The sample size was calculated to represent 10% of the sample expected for the main study, utilising a stratified convenience sampling technique. Preceptor self-efficacy was assessed using the Preceptor Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, a validated 21-item questionnaire. Preceptor knowledge was assessed through a 25-item multiple-choice question test. Satisfaction with programme content and delivery was assessed through a 14-item questionnaire with open comments.

Results: Thirty pretest-posttest respondents for the PSEQ assessment, and 26 pretest-posttest respondents for the knowledge assessment were appropriately matched and analysed. Participation in the self-efficacy questionnaire resulted in a statistically significant increase in their posttest median score (pretest-to-posttest: 3.3-to-3.6, p = 0.001). Participation in the knowledge assessment resulted in a statistically significant increased posttest mean score (pretest-to-posttest: 10.2-to-15.7, p < 0.001). Participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the programme (average score = 4.42/5).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest the programme is effective as demonstrated through a significant improvement in preceptors' self-efficacy and knowledge. Recommendations for future iterations include placing greater focus on active learning strategies, and inter-disciplinary interactions.

Keywords: educational intervention; health planning and management; knowledge; preceptor development; satisfaction; self-efficacy.

MeSH terms

Clinical Competence*
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Preceptorship* / methods
Qatar
Universities

Grants and funding

QUCP-CPH-2018/2019-1/Qatar University