Medical College of Wisconsin
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A Program's Analysis of Communication Methods With Clinical Preceptors. J Physician Assist Educ 2018 Mar;29(1):39-42

Date

02/21/2018

Pubmed ID

29461454

DOI

10.1097/JPA.0000000000000184

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85053867249 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   9 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Preceptors value communication with physician assistant (PA) educational programs. This study describes preceptors' perspectives about one PA program's established and new communication strategies to promote preceptor development and retention.

METHODS: An electronic survey of preceptors was conducted in December 2014. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Eighty-eight of 209 preceptors completed the survey (42% response rate). Preceptors reported satisfaction with communication frequency and quality. The most preferred topics were preceptor benefits, teaching strategies, feedback about students' performance, and program policy updates. Many preceptors reported not receiving communications sent by mail. A majority of preceptors preferred site visits at least once per year and in person.

CONCLUSIONS: Understanding preceptors' preferred topics helped the study program increase its emphasis on those topics. Knowledge that many preceptors do not receive mailed communications has prompted the program to use electronic communication for all communication types. The results reinforced the program's approach to site visits.

Author List

Hudak NM, Stouder A, Everett CM

Author

Christine M. Everett PhD, PAC Chief, Director, Professor in the Health Sciences Education department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Communication
Formative Feedback
Humans
Newspapers as Topic
Physician Assistants
Postal Service
Preceptorship
Schools, Health Occupations
Teaching