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An innovative program to augment community preceptors' practice and teaching skills
Michael S Wilkes1, Jerome R Hoffman, Richard Usatine
1School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, 1 Shield Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA. mwilkes@ucdavis.edu
Summary
This study developed a novel faculty development program for community preceptors, enhancing their teaching skills in humanism and communication. Preliminary results suggest positive changes in attitudes and behaviors among participants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Faculty Development
- Primary Care Education
Background:
- Medical students increasingly train with community physicians lacking formal educator training.
- Early ambulatory experiences necessitate improved faculty development for community preceptors.
- Existing faculty development programs for preceptors are often inadequate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel program designed to enhance community preceptor teaching skills.
- To focus on humanism, communication, and psychosocial issues in primary care.
- To improve preceptor education for medical students' ambulatory training.
Main Methods:
- A four-year program (starting 1999) utilized adult learning principles.
- Case-based, small-group sessions featured preceptors teaching standardized students.
- Community 'opinion leaders' facilitated sessions after receiving training.
Main Results:
- Surveys indicated the program stimulated significant changes in attitude and behavior.
- Positive feedback was received from opinion leaders, preceptors, and standardized students.
- The novel teaching approach showed promise in improving preceptor education.
Conclusions:
- The developed program appears effective in augmenting community preceptor teaching.
- Further research is needed to confirm the observed changes in attitude and behavior.
- This initiative offers a model for enhancing medical faculty development in community settings.