Dietetic preceptor educational needs from the preceptor, student, and faculty perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Dietetic education
• Professional development
• Health professions education

Background:

• Quality dietetic education requires effective preceptors to mentor students.
• Preceptors play a vital role in shaping future dietetic practitioners.
• Understanding preceptor needs is essential for optimizing training programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the needs of dietetic preceptors.
• To determine how these needs can be effectively met.
• To identify stakeholders best positioned to address preceptor needs.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Data collected through focus groups and interviews with 22 preceptors, 5 former students, and 4 faculty.
• Data analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.

Main Results:

• Lack of time emerged as the primary factor influencing preceptor participation and effectiveness.
• Other key factors included student-preceptor orientation, teaching-learning environment, professionalism, and responsibilities/rewards.
• Preceptors reported insufficient time for student supervision.

Conclusions:

• Training for dietetic preceptors should focus on basic teaching skills, time management, coaching, adult learning, and constructive feedback.
• Targeted training can enhance the efficiency and success of the precepting experience.
• Improving preceptor effectiveness is vital for recruitment and retention in dietetic programs.