On-the-job writing tasks of clerkship preceptors

The frequency with which various types of documents were written on-the-job by Pharm. D. clerkship preceptors was studied, along with the value that these documents added to their professional practice. A survey was mailed in April 1999 to 129 practicing pharmacists serving as preceptors for Albany College of Pharmacy Pharm. D. clerkship rotations. The survey asked recipients to indicate the frequency with which they wrote each of 23 types of documents and how valuable it was to their practice. In addition, participants were invited to identify documents they wrote that were not on the list. Sixty-six preceptors returned usable surveys (response rate, 51%). Sixty-four (97%) had either direct or indirect patient care responsibilities. Four types of documents (memorandum or letter, pharmacy care plan, progress notes, and patient consultation notes) were written daily, weekly, or monthly. Sixteen of the 23 document types were rated as highly valuable; of these, most were written at least quarterly and 1 was written daily. The respondents indicated 15 additional types of documents they generated in their practice; 11 of these were rated as being of high or highest value. Clerkship preceptors reported writing numerous types of documents. Document types that were written most often were generally considered valuable to the respondents' practice.