Preceptor Perceptions of Virtual Quality Assurance Experiential Site Visits

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Experiential Learning
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• Experiential quality assurance site visits are crucial for pharmacy programs.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift towards virtual site visits.
• Preceptor perceptions of virtual versus onsite visits require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare preceptor perceptions of virtual and onsite experiential quality assurance site visits.
• To determine the optimal site visit method based on preceptor feedback.
• To assess the value of different site visit modalities.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 12 virtual and 17 onsite site visits for APPE programs located over 200 miles from campus.
• Administered an online post-visit survey to 29 participating preceptors.
• Utilized a validated survey tool adapted for measuring preceptor perceptions.

Main Results:

• Both virtual and onsite visits received high Likert-type score averages (4.2-4.6 for virtual, 4.3-4.7 for onsite).
• No statistically significant difference in perceived value was found between virtual and onsite visits.
• Preceptors tended to prefer the method they experienced, with onsite preceptors more open to either method.

Conclusions:

• Preceptors perceive significant value in both virtual and onsite experiential quality assurance site visits.
• Virtual site visits are highly preferred by preceptors who have experienced them.
• Virtual site visits represent a viable and preferred alternative for quality assurance from the preceptor perspective.