Approaches to preceptorship

Approaches to preceptorship

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An explanation of the different ways preceptorship can be delivered.

Approaches

There are numerous approaches to preceptorship as well as a variety of strategies that can be used to support preceptorship in practice. These, however, are largely dependent on agreed ways of working within an organisation, the demands on service, the resources available and the number of preceptees and the capacity of staff to undertake the role of preceptor. Regardless of the preferred approach to preceptorship, creating a safe space, productive and positive learning environment is vital. Commitment from the preceptee, preceptor and manager supporting the preceptorship process is also important for preceptorship to be effective.

Preceptorship and the approach to preceptorship should be tailored to meet the needs of the preceptee, preceptor and the organisation. Models of preceptorship are described below.

One-to-One Preceptorship

Description

In one-to-one preceptorship, the preceptor and preceptee meet face to face.

Benefits and Challenges

This requires a dedicated preceptor to support each preceptee.

Workload and staffing capacity may make this difficult to achieve in some situations

Group Preceptorship

Description

In group preceptorship, two or more preceptees meet with the preceptor. The number of preceptees is normally agreed with the preceptor and preceptees.

For group preceptorship to be effective, it is recommended that the maximum number of preceptees should not exceed eight.

Benefits and Challenges

Group preceptorship is useful when availability and capacity of preceptors is limited. Group preceptorship is also useful for discussing common issues and encouraging peer support within the group.

Challenging to offer personalised one to one support to specific preceptees within a group.

Mixed Group Preceptorship

Description

In mixed group preceptorship the preceptees may come from a variety of professions i.e. health visiting, school nursing, district nursing etc.; social work.

Benefits and Challenges

This approach is useful in areas where maintaining one-to-one preceptorship and group preceptorship within the same discipline/ profession is difficult.

Mixed group preceptorship has the potential to increase understanding of the roles of other professions/ disciplines as well as promote integrated working.

Some preceptees may prefer a profession-based approach.

Virtual Preceptorship

Description

In virtual preceptorship, the preceptor and preceptee may be at a distance from each other. Alternative communication strategies and technologies such as MS Teams, Skype and video conferencing are used to support virtual preceptorship.

Virtual preceptorship is suitable for one-to-one preceptorship, group preceptorship, and mixed group preceptorship

Benefits and Challenges

Virtual preceptorship supports agile and flexible working and is useful in remote and rural settings where the preceptee(s) and preceptor are at a distance apart.

Virtual preceptorship requires reliable IT equipment and support.

It may also require additional sessions/ support initially to develop trusting relationships between preceptor and preceptee(s).

Combination of Preceptorship Approaches

Description

Combination preceptorship involves the use of more than one of the above approaches to preceptorship.

Benefits and Challenges

Useful in all settings, but especially remote and rural environments.

Offers a more flexible approach that can be tailored to the needs of individuals.