title: A comprehensive approach to preceptor development.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the impact of a comprehensive preceptor development program.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive preceptor development program was designed that included live and recorded online programming, a preceptor manual, a preceptor newsletter, live events (local and regional), and one-on-one practice site visits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 5,000 evaluations (1,900 pre-implementation and 3,160 post-implementation) of preceptor performance were completed by students. Students rated preceptors higher in items related to providing helpful midpoint and final evaluations after program implementation. Over 1,000 Web-based preceptor development activities were completed by preceptors from 2007 to 2011. Preceptors felt activities enhanced their current knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, and more than 90% felt the core development activities would improve their current practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A comprehensive approach to preceptor development that offered a variety of development and training opportunities received positive evaluations from preceptors and resulted in improved student evaluations of preceptors. A comprehensive development program should be made available to preceptors to foster their continuing professional development.
authors.affiliation: The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, USA. susan-vos@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: Susan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Vos
authors.forename: CoraLynn B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Trewet
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020407:Internet; D007484:Iowa; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013339:Students, Pharmacy