Preceptors' views of community pharmacy clerkships: a national survey

A survey was administered to a random sample of community pharmacy practitioners who participate as preceptors in clerkship programs for colleges of pharmacy throughout the country. The purpose of this survey was to determine (1) in what ways, if any, students have affected the preceptors' practices; (20 whether the students served as a sources of continuing education to the preceptors; (3) whether the preceptors identified areas of students' strengths/deficiencies; and (4) roles of colleges of pharmacy and pharmacy associations in providing continuing education programs for pharmacists. Results of this survey are discussed. Data are cross-tabulated for types of pharmacy services provided, years in practice, length of clerkship rotations, and other essential demographic information needed for evaluation. Based on responses, recommendations are made that will provide guidance to colleges of pharmacy, pharmaceutical associations, and practitioners currently involved or those who are considering involvement in clerkship programs.