Interprofessional objective structured teaching exercise (iOSTE) to train preceptors

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Interprofessional Practice

Background:

• Limited interprofessional education (IPE) training exists for clinical preceptors.
• Standardized student models are used for medical preceptor training.
• Interprofessional objective structured teaching exercises (iOSTE) have not been reported for pharmacy preceptors.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the impact of iOSTE on pharmacy preceptors' perceived importance of IPEC core competencies.
• Assess pharmacy preceptors' confidence in precepting interprofessional students.
• Gather data on preceptors' prior simulation and debriefing experience.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three preceptors participated in an iOSTE.
• Debriefing involved trained standardized nursing and pharmacy students.
• A standardized asthma patient scenario was utilized.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in preceptors' self-confidence in precepting interprofessional students (p=0.004).
• Confidence increased in facilitating simulations (p=0.001) and conducting debriefings (p<0.001).
• High ratings were given for the learning activity, with a median of 5.

Conclusions:

• iOSTE is a valuable and well-received method for pharmacy preceptor development.
• The training enhanced preceptors' teaching abilities and confidence in interprofessional communication.
• This approach supports the development of essential IPE core competencies.