Professional development for pharmacy preceptors: Challenges and problems

Abstract

The importance of preceptorship programs, for pharmacists and other health professionals, in order to develop careers and increase satisfaction at the work was recognized more than 30 years ago, while percepting is associated with positive personal and professional outcomes. The aim of this review was systematic review of the development and evaluation of preceptorship programs for pharmacist and identifying challenges and problems for preceptors. An electronic database PubMed was searched (last searched December 11, 2016). A total of 124 reports were found, and only 5 of them met our inclusion criteria. All of them assessed the development and evaluation of preceptorship programs, and also, helped us to identify challenges and problems. Assessed quality of two studies was high, two were assessed as moderate, and one study had low quality. Most studies showed an increase in mentors and interns confidence and job satisfaction and improved skills in critical thinking and problem solving after completing a preceptorship program. More original research is needed, and a small number of publication in this field is a confirmation by itself.

Keywords

• preceptors
• pharmacy practice
• professional development