Medical Laboratory Sciences Preceptors: Perceptions of Benefits and Challenges in Clinical Education

Laboratory preceptors are critical to the quality of the clinical educational experience and play a central role in developing competent future laboratory professionals. This study examined preceptor perceptions of benefits and challenges of providing clinical instruction; assessed preceptor development; and explored associations among benefits and rewards, support, development, and commitment to the preceptor role. Data were collected from preceptors across the United States using an online, self-administered, 37-item survey. From 523 preceptors contacted, 74 responded to the survey. Laboratory preceptors associated meaningful benefits and rewards with the preceptor role. Preceptors were committed to their role, but they had an overall low perception of support provided by employers and academic programs. The main challenges preceptors reported were increased workload, longer workday, and stress related to students' behavior and attitudes. Preceptors also felt inadequately developed in their role, with most having little to no knowledge of the available developmental initiatives. Lack of time was reported to be the greatest barrier to development. This study demonstrates that preceptor commitment may be increased by enhancing their development and perceptions of support. Organizations and academic programs have a collaborative role in retaining preceptor talent and increasing their commitment by effectively addressing preceptorship challenges and development.