An International Web-based Preceptor Development Program for Nigerian Pharmacists, A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: To implement an international web-based program for preceptor development in Nigeria and assess its impact on Nigerian pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward effective precepting skills.

Methods: A web-based preceptor development program was developed and offered to the participants of the 1-year special Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) conversion program. This preceptor development program included recorded webinars on key identified topics to support the participants' preparation to precept PharmD students, including practice site development, evaluating and providing feedback to students, and interprofessional collaboration. In addition, surveys were administered before and after participation to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward effective precepting skills. Multiple-choice and short-answer questions were used to assess knowledge. Attitudes were ranked on a 4-point Likert scale.

Results: The program was completed by 94 participants from over 20 Nigerian states. From the pre to postsurveys, the participants demonstrated a significant improvement in their knowledge of effective precepting skills. In addition, although most respondents initially agreed with survey questions gauging views about preceptor roles and responsibilities, the perceptions improved.

Conclusion: An international web-based preceptor development program was successfully delivered to pharmacy educators across Nigeria and improved their knowledge and attitudes toward effective precepting. Expanding this program to include pharmacists throughout Nigeria as a continuing education resource can aid in preparing pharmacy educators in the nation to precept students in the new PharmD curricula and support international initiatives to promote pharmacy education and practice.

Keywords: Education; Nigeria; Preceptor; Training; Web-based.