Preceptorship of clinical learning in nursing homes - A qualitative study of influences of an interprofessional team intervention

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the influences of an interprofessional preceptor-team intervention (IPPT) on interprofessional collaboration, preceptors' role, confidence, and motivation to precept health care students (nursing, physiotherapy) and apprentices in a Norwegian nursing home.

Methods Qualitative data were collected by two focus group discussions: possible gains and pitfalls of the IPPT-intervention were focused. The group-discussions were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis.

Findings The IPPT-intervention influenced positively on preceptors' confidence and motivation to work as a preceptor and facilitated interprofessional collaboration between the health professionals. The preceptors' role in the ward became clearer and more visible to the peers. Perceived lack of time, a heavy workload, the ward hierarchy, and lack of managerial support were key barriers for preceptorship.

Conclusions To enhance preceptors' work and thus student's learning, the ward hierarchy should be limited and interprofessional collaboration further developed. Enhanced visibility and acknowledgement of the preceptors' role and increased managerial support can reduce barriers for preceptorship.