title: Dietitian preceptor knowledge, skills, attitudes, and training: key informant perceptions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Through consultation with Canadian dietitian informants, we aimed to identify the desired knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) for preceptors, training opportunities, and the barriers that prevent preceptor training.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this qualitative study, an open-ended survey was sent electronically to 100 key informants across Canada. Informants had experience as preceptors or with dietitian preceptors. Informants were asked to reflect upon the desired KSA, training needs, and barriers to training for dietitian preceptors. Categories of responses under each of these headings were developed on the basis of informants' responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-nine key informants completed the survey, for a 49% response rate. Of the respondents, 41% (20/49) were in clinical practice and 35% (17/49) worked in community/public health areas. The knowledge and skills domains consisted of themes related to teaching and learning, including assessing, planning, and evaluating. Attitudes expressed included considering learners as colleagues and the training of learners as a professional responsibility. Perceived barriers to training preceptors included workload demands and a lack of recognition from peers and employers for this work. Dietitian preceptor training opportunities ranged from no training to formal programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings are integral to the basic understanding of the desired KSA and training needs of Canadian dietitian preceptors.
authors: Clinical Nutrition Services, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK.
authors: Roseann
authors: R
authors: Nasser
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Morley
authors: Stephanie L
authors: SL
authors: Cook
authors: Jean
authors: J
authors: Coleman
authors: Shawna
authors: S
authors: Berenbaum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D004522:Educational Status; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching