Preceptor's perceptions about the teaching-learning process and collaborative practices in primary health care

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Primary Health Care Research
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Preceptors play a vital role in shaping the skills of future healthcare professionals.
• Implementing collaborative practices in Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for improving patient outcomes.
• Understanding preceptor perceptions is key to optimizing the teaching-learning process in PHC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze preceptor perceptions of the teaching-learning process in PHC.
• To identify strengths and weaknesses in implementing collaborative practices among preceptors.
• To explore challenges and opportunities for interprofessional teamwork in PHC.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted with 96 preceptors (dentists, nurses, doctors) from the Family Health Strategy.
• Data were collected using questionnaires between October and December 2019.
• Content Analysis was performed using Maxqda-2020 software.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: the need for new teaching competencies, challenges in balancing teaching and patient care, and the potential of a person-centered approach for collaboration.
• Difficulties and tensions were identified in preceptor roles and collaborative practice implementation.
• Preceptors highlighted the necessity for updated pedagogical approaches.

Conclusions:

• Preceptors require enhanced training in new methodologies for the teaching-learning process.
• Developing teamwork and collaborative interprofessional practices in PHC necessitates targeted preceptor qualification.
• The study underscores the importance of continuous professional development for preceptors in PHC settings.